# Jensen Huang urges Europe to cut AI regulation to avoid falling behind

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-10-20T07:42:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/jensen-huang-urges-europe-to-cut-ai-regulation-to-avoid-falling-behind

## Summary

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has urged European leaders to reduce regulatory caution and accelerate AI adoption during a week-long tour of France, Sweden, the UK, and Germany. Speaking with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, Huang argued that excessive regulation stifles industry growth, stating, "There's nothing to regulate if the industry doesn't thrive." He suggested policymakers focus on regulating AI applications rather than the underlying technology, similar to how internet products are handled.

Huang also addressed British journalists, criticizing what he described as a local tendency to dwell on failure and overthink opportunities. He emphasized that Europe’s manufacturing and engineering strengths could be leveraged for the next wave of AI, which he defined as physical AI involving robotics and heavy industry. Merz responded that Europe is seeking a balance between innovation and safety, rejecting both "no regulation" and overly tight rules.

The comments highlight a strategic tension as the EU implements the AI Act while the US and China advance frontier models. Huang, whose company dominates the AI chip market, has a direct financial interest in faster infrastructure deployment. His message warns that prolonged debate on regulation may allow other regions to secure technological leadership.

## Key points

- Jensen Huang told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that Europe overthinks AI regulation.
- Huang argued policymakers should regulate AI applications, not the underlying technology.
- Nvidia CEO visited France, Sweden, UK, and Germany ahead of GTC Berlin event.

## Why it matters

Nvidia's CEO is actively lobbying against strict EU AI regulations, arguing they hinder competitiveness. This highlights the conflict between European safety-first policies and the rapid infrastructure build-out required to keep pace with the US and China in the AI race.

## Sources

1. [Jensen Huang has a message for Europe: stop overthinking AI or get left behind](https://aol.com/articles/jensen-huang-message-europe-stop-144254000.html) (aol.com, 2026-10-20)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Jensen Huang urges Europe to cut AI regulation to avoid falling behind", 20 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/jensen-huang-urges-europe-to-cut-ai-regulation-to-avoid-falling-behind

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