On June 2 local time, German Chancellor Merz said during a speech at the Eastern Germany Economic Forum (OWF) that Germany is moving towards data independence in artificial intelligence.
According to German media and Russian Sputnik News, in his speech, Mertz stated that Germanys rapid investment in its own computing infrastructure has completely changed his opinion on this matter. He believes that Germany has the potential to become independent from reliance on data centers in the United States and China in the field of AI.
We are investing in digital infrastructure. Within five years, we will double Germanys existing computing capabilities. I believe that, with Germanys own computing power, we will become a country that no longer relies on data centers in the United States or China.
June 2, 2026, Baden-Sarre, Germany. German Chancellor Merz attended the Eastern German Economic Forum. IC Photo
Mertz said, Two years ago, I didnt believe we could actually achieve this. But after a massive catch-up effort, we have now established these data centers in many states in Germanyby the way, also in the eastern part of Germany.
After all, computing power is the infrastructure for future industries. If we want to develop AI, we must have massive computing capabilities. In this sense, innovation capability is also a fundamental prerequisite for our countrys progress into the future.
In his speech, Mertz specifically mentioned the German federal governments strategy for data centers. This strategy aims to double Germanys existing data center capacity by 2030. Additionally, Mertz emphasized the strategic importance of various research hubs in eastern Germany, especially in Saxony.
Our efficiency in developing and introducing new processes will be crucial for determining how safe, autonomous, and strong our country will be from an economic growth perspective over the next decade. said the German Prime Minister.
It has always been the goal of Europe to position itself as a leader in the field of AI, and to compete with China and the United States. However, just last month, experts told CNN Business that rising energy prices in Europe could undermine these so-called ambitions.
According to CNBCs report on May 18th, in order to gain an advantage in the AI arms race, Europe is focusing on improving its computing capabilities and building the necessary infrastructure for this technology. However, since data centers are energy-intensive facilities, such investments are highly sensitive to energy costs. Given the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, energy prices in Europe are rising sharply.
Franklin Templetons global investment strategists said, If you are investing in high-energy-consuming industries, its natural to choose locations where energy prices are lowest. If I were to invest in building a data center worth $7 billion, I would definitely choose China or the United States.
