Startups & Inovação
Mistral CEO: Europe Must Invest in Chips, Energy, AI by 2028
Dr. Adrian Vale
LLM, AI Agents & AI Infrastructure Specialist
4 min read
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LLM, AI Agents & AI Infrastructure Specialist
Arthur Mensch, CEO of Mistral AI, warns that Europe has a two-year window to achieve technological sovereignty in AI or risk dependency on U.S. infrastructure. Key areas for investment include advanced chip production, supercomputing, and sustainable energy. In 2025, Europe invested €15 billion in AI, far behind the U.S.'s $40 billion.
Arthur Mensch, CEO of Mistral AI, addressed the French National Assembly on May 13, 2026, with a critical message: Europe risks falling into long-term dependency on U.S. technology unless it takes decisive action to build its own artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure within the next two years. Mensch highlighted that technological sovereignty in AI is essential not only for economic competitiveness but also for national security, defense, and cybersecurity.
“Without urgent investment, Europe could become a digital vassal state,” Mensch warned, emphasizing the need for rapid progress in three critical areas: advanced chip production, supercomputing infrastructure, and sustainable energy.
Europe trails far behind the United States in AI funding. In 2025, Europe allocated €15 billion to AI development, compared to the $40 billion invested by the U.S., according to Politico. This financial gap underscores the challenges Europe faces in matching American dominance in AI technology.
To establish technological independence, Mensch outlined the following priorities:
Mensch proposed a series of strategic steps to help Europe close the gap with the U.S. in AI capabilities:
The next two years are crucial. Without immediate action, Europe could face long-term dependence on U.S. technology and lose its ability to compete globally. Such a scenario would have far-reaching consequences for European businesses, security, and innovation. However, with coordinated investments and policy changes, Europe has a chance to become a global leader in AI.
Mensch argues that Europe lacks sufficient investment in AI, advanced chip production, supercomputing, and sustainable energy, which are critical for achieving technological sovereignty.
He emphasizes the need for investments in advanced chip production, supercomputing infrastructure, and accessible, sustainable energy.
In 2025, Europe invested €15 billion in AI development, while the U.S. allocated $40 billion, highlighting a significant gap in investment.
💡 Dica Pro: To accelerate semiconductor independence, Europe could focus on expanding partnerships with emerging chip manufacturers outside of the U.S. and Asia, such as initiatives in Israel or within the EU itself.
