# Opinion: Europe remains absent from AI safety debate as leaders call for self‑sufficiency

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-09-18T18:37:36Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/opinion-europe-remains-absent-from-ai-safety-debate-as-leaders-call-fo

## Summary

European leaders warn that the continent risks falling behind in AI safety because it lacks a home‑grown titan like Apple, Google or OpenAI. European Central Bank head Christine Lagarde said Europe must develop its own AI technology and build more datacentres to avoid dependence on the United States or China, adding that “the threat of being cut off loses its force” if the EU invests in its own capabilities.  

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, announced plans to invite frontier labs for a discussion on supporting industry‑led pacing of AI development, while former competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager co‑authored a report urging the EU to build its own AI ecosystem and retain talent.  

Commentators such as Frederike Kaltheuner of the AI Now Institute and policy adviser Itxaso Domínguez de Olazabal argue that Europe’s dependence on US models may be overstated, noting that many firms avoid “frontier models” because of cost and data‑privacy concerns.  The EU AI Act, praised for setting high‑risk AI reporting rules, faces criticism for heavy compliance burdens and limited global influence, according to lawyer Georgina Kon.

## Key points

- Christine Lagarde warned Europe must build its own AI and datacentres to avoid US/China dependence.
- Ursula von der Leyen said she will invite frontier labs for a safety‑pacing discussion.
- The EU AI Act imposes high‑risk AI reporting but is criticised for heavy compliance and limited global reach.

## Why it matters

Europe’s policy stance and push for self‑sufficiency could shape global AI safety governance and affect market dynamics for AI providers.

## Sources

1. [Why Europe has been absent from the great AI safety debate](https://theguardian.com/technology/2026/sep/18/europe-ai-safety-debate) (The Guardian AI, 2026-09-18)

Part of the developing story: [Europe's Push for AI Sovereignty](https://digestai.news/thread/lagarde-warns-europe-must-build-own-ai-models-and-datacentres-to-avoid-us-china) (2 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Opinion: Europe remains absent from AI safety debate as leaders call for self‑sufficiency", 18 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/opinion-europe-remains-absent-from-ai-safety-debate-as-leaders-call-fo

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