Table of Contents
In a closing address at the AI Summit for Action in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron announced details of the €109 billion in private investments for France's AI sector while trying to position France as Europe's premier destination for artificial intelligence development.
Speaking at the historic Grand Palais, Macron outlined France's unique advantages and unveiled an aggressive strategy to accelerate AI innovation while maintaining European values.
"This summit is not just the announcement of investments in France. It's a wake-up call for our European strategy," Macron declared, saying that France aims to lead a broader European resurgence in AI development. The €109 billion investment package, which Macron noted is proportionally equivalent to recent U.S. announcements when adjusted for market size, represents a significant escalation in France's AI ambitions.
By promoting France's structural advantages – from education to energy infrastructure – while promising regulatory simplification and increased investment, Macron attempted to paint a comprehensive vision for France's AI future that balances technological ambition with societal responsibility.
Macron defined France's competitive advantage around four key pillars: talent, infrastructure, energy, and ecosystem development. On talent, he highlighted France's educational strengths, announcing plans to increase the annual output of AI and data science specialists from 40,000 to 100,000. This expansion will be supported by new research initiatives in major tech hubs including Saclay, Grenoble, Marseille, and Paris.
Perhaps most notably, Macron positioned France's nuclear energy infrastructure as a crucial differentiator in the global AI race. In a pointed jab at American energy policy, Macron quipped, "I have a good friend in the other part of the ocean saying 'drill, baby, drill.' Here there is no need to drill. It's just plug, baby, plug." He argued that France's nuclear-based electricity grid, producing more than 75% of the country's power, provides abundant low-carbon, controllable energy – a critical advantage for power-hungry AI data centers.
The president announced that France has identified 35 sites ready for immediate data center development, supported by the country's energy surplus. Last year alone, France exported 90 terawatt-hours of electricity, positioning it to support significant AI infrastructure expansion beyond domestic needs.
Infrastructure development will be accelerated through what Macron termed the "Notre-Dame approach," referencing the cathedral's rapid reconstruction. "We showed the rest of the world that when we commit to a clear timeline, we can deliver," he said, promising to streamline procedures for data centers and market authorizations using the same focused, results-driven methodology.
In terms of ecosystem development, Macron highlighted new partnerships between French corporations and AI companies, including an agreement between Peugeot and Mistral AI. He urged European companies to "buy European," not out of protectionism but to build a stronger domestic AI ecosystem, noting that this approach mirrors practices in the U.S., China, and India.
The president said that while France embraces AI's revolutionary potential, it will maintain its commitment to human creativity and European values. "AI is a wonderful technological, scientific revolution for progress, but also at the service of progress and technology and science," Macron stated, adding that it "must be done and be at the service of humanity."
Looking ahead, Macron called for greater European integration in AI development, anticipating European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's announcement of a new EU AI strategy. He said there is a need to simplify regulations, deepen the single market, and invest in computing capabilities to provide European startups with a larger domestic market.
The summit, co-presided with Indian Prime Minister Modi, reflected France's commitment to international collaboration despite global tensions. Macron welcomed participation from American, Chinese, and Indian companies, underscoring the importance of maintaining an open global AI ecosystem.
The president's vision extends beyond pure technological advancement, including AI applications in healthcare, energy, mobility, and public services. He highlighted existing French successes in these sectors, including achievements in medical research and defense applications.
Macron concluded by framing AI development as a service to humanity rather than a purely technological pursuit. He emphasized that France's AI ambitions will not compromise its fundamental values: "We will continue to protect our children, our teenagers, and defend our bodies."
