Hard choices: EU technological sovereignty and the geopolitics of AI

13 October 2026 · 13:00–15:00 · European Parliament, Brussels

Registration from 12:30 · Room 4Q2

Europe wants greater control over the technologies on which it depends. Yet much of the AI infrastructure it uses is developed and controlled outside the EU. Can Europe strengthen its technological autonomy while working with international partners? What are the trade-offs? Recent narratives suggest we should invest 800 billion over 3 years or we might as well give up, but is that really the only choice we have?

Join MEP Laura Ballarín Cereza and FES Future of Work for a discussion on Europe’s AI dependencies and the choices facing EU policymakers. Francesca Bria will deliver a keynote on EU tech sovereignty and the US-led Pax Silica initiative. José Ignacio Torreblanca and Leevi Saari will join the debate on how Europe can increase its autonomy in AI.

The event will open with remarks from Laura Ballarín Cereza and Knut Dethlefsen. Further speakers will be announced.