Is Europe losing the AI race to America and China? And what happens if artificial intelligence becomes more powerful than the systems designed to control it?
In this episode of Brussels Signal, Carl Deconinck speaks with Irish technologist and entrepreneur Sean Blanchfieldabout Europe’s technological future and the urgent challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
From AI agents and cybersecurity risks to Europe’s economic competitiveness, energy infrastructure and digital sovereignty, this conversation explores whether Europe can build the capabilities it needs to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.
In this interview, we discuss:
- Why Europe is struggling to compete in the global AI race.
- Whether advanced AI agents could escape their safeguards, develop cyber capabilities or manipulate humans.
- Why European businesses depend so heavily on American technology.
- The risks of relying on foreign AI models and what digital sovereignty means for Europe.
- Whether excessive regulation is holding European innovation back.
- How data centres, energy investment and nuclear power could shape Europe’s AI future.
- What Europe must do to protect its economic future and ensure AI benefits its citizens.
Is Europe still in a position to catch up, or is it risking a future of technological dependence?
Watch the full discussion and share your thoughts in the comments.