The Japan Times - Metsola Urges EU Investment to Secure Global AI Leadership

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has asserted that Europe remains capable of leading the global artificial intelligence sector, contingent upon securing greater investment and creating more favorable conditions for European businesses to compete internationally.

Speaking at an informal European Council meeting in Dublin on Friday, Metsola rejected the narrative that the continent has already fallen behind in the technological race. She emphasized that the region possesses the necessary foundation to compete with international technology giants.

"Europe has world-class talent, technological expertise and industrial experience to lead in Artificial Intelligence," Metsola declared. "What we need now is to ensure that our ideas have the financing they need to grow and succeed in Europe."

The Maltese politician stressed that while the European Union already holds the talent, expertise, and businesses required for competition, it must remove barriers that hinder innovation. Specifically, she highlighted the need to make it easier for innovative companies to access funding, expand their operations, and transform promising concepts into successful commercial enterprises.

Metsola also pointed to energy costs as a significant hurdle. She noted that reducing energy prices remains a major consideration for industries and businesses developing new technologies, implying that high costs undermine competitiveness.

These arguments were linked to ongoing negotiations regarding the EU’s next long-term budget, which covers the period between 2028 and 2034. Metsola argued that European funding must reflect both the challenges facing the bloc and its future ambitions, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to economic competitiveness.

The informal European Council meeting, taking place under Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, also addressed the war in Ukraine. Metsola stressed that Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine must be backed by reliable, long-term financing.

"This is not about charity for Ukraine, it’s about reinforcing and reassuring Europe’s security," she said, adding that achieving peace must remain the priority.

With artificial intelligence, economic competitiveness, and European security all on the agenda, Metsola’s message was clear: Europe must match its strategic ambitions with the financial resources required to deliver them.

K.Yamaguchi--JT