The European Union's technology commissioner Henna Virkkunen insisted that Europe poses no national security threat to the US after a US order restricted access to advanced AI models. The development underscores Europe's ambition to reduce reliance on non-European technology firms and strengthen its own digital capabilities.
- EU rejects US claims of security risk from European AI access.
- Anthropic suspends Mythos 5 and Fable 5 AI models under US order.
- EU accelerates plans to boost homegrown tech and reduce foreign dependence.
What happened
The US Department of Commerce issued a national security order prohibiting Anthropic, a San Francisco AI company, from providing access to its Mythos 5 and Fable 5 AI models. This move was taken citing concerns over advanced AI technologies potentially posing security risks. In response, the European Union is assessing the impact of these restrictions on its users and highlighting the issue in the context of transatlantic technology relations.
EU Commissioner Henna Virkkunen publicly countered US assertions by stating Europe is not a security threat but a valuable economic partner. She called for enhanced cooperation on AI between the US and Europe to tackle shared global challenges represented by the rise of powerful AI models.
Why it matters
The incident spotlights the tension between global technology governance and national security concerns, especially around AI innovation. Europe's reliance on non-European digital products, services, and intellectual property, which currently exceeds 80 percent, has fueled momentum for the EU to pursue greater technological sovereignty.
To reduce dependence on US and Asian technology firms, the EU plans legislative measures that will prioritize European companies in critical public sector contracts for cloud computing and AI services. This approach is intended to ensure Europe can independently develop and control key digital infrastructure and tools, reflecting a broader geopolitical push for technological resilience.
What to watch next
The European Parliament and member states are expected to negotiate and finalize new laws aimed at supporting European technology providers in sensitive and strategic sectors. Stakeholders will be watching closely how these policies shape the competitive landscape and impact transatlantic technology collaboration.
Simultaneously, further developments in US export controls and national security regulations on AI will influence how cross-border innovation and market access evolve. The degree to which the US and EU can cooperate on AI governance will be critical to managing risks while fostering innovation in this rapidly advancing field.