‘None of us will do it alone’: European solidarity takes over VivaTech

2026-06-19 · Source: Sifted · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Public Policy & Governance · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

The tenth edition of VivaTech, a flagship French tech event in Paris, concluded with a strong emphasis on achieving European digital sovereignty through increased collaboration. Discussions across panels and backstage conversations highlighted the necessity for European solidarity, with leaders from France and Germany stressing that "None of us will do it alone." Key announcements included a €100k investment in French and German AI projects, alongside the European Innovation Council's continued support for deep tech. Additionally, Bpifrance launched a new "AI Fund" targeting €200M to support AI startups, aiming to prevent fragmentation and foster a unified European approach to AI development and regulation, particularly in light of the upcoming European AI Act.

Key takeaway

For European policy makers and AI directors focused on digital sovereignty, this signals a critical need to accelerate cross-border investment and regulatory alignment. Your strategy should prioritize joint national AI initiatives and robust funding mechanisms like the new €200M Bpifrance AI Fund. Actively engaging with the European AI Act's implementation is vital to foster a cohesive ecosystem, preventing fragmentation and strengthening Europe's competitive stance against global tech giants.

Key insights

European digital sovereignty requires unified action and significant investment to counter global tech dominance.

Principles

• Digital sovereignty demands cross-border collaboration.
• Investment in deep tech is crucial for independence.
• Unified regulation prevents market fragmentation.

In practice

• Invest in joint Franco-German AI projects.
• Support deep tech startups via EIC funding.
• Establish dedicated national AI funds like Bpifrance's.

Topics

• European Digital Sovereignty
• VivaTech
• AI Investment
• European AI Act
• Deep Tech Funding
• Franco-German Collaboration

Best for: Entrepreneur, CTO, Investor, Policy Maker, Executive, Director of AI/ML

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Sifted.