Stop the Clock - Open Letter
Dear President von der Leyen,
Dear Executive Vice-Presidents Virkkunen and Séjourné,
Dear Commissioner Dombrovskis,Europe has long distinguished itself by its ability to strike a careful balance between regulation and innovation. This approach is widely recognised around the world as a cornerstone of the "European model." It is particularly important in the context of artificial intelligence (AI), whose impact, as a transformative technology, reaches far beyond the tech sector. Like the industrial revolutions brought about by steam power or the Internet, AI will redefine entire economic domains – from energy and manufacturing to life sciences and defense. At a time of unprecedented technological, economic, and geopolitical change, Europe’s ability to lead in AI innovation and adoption will be critical to meet the competitiveness and sovereignty challenges so clearly identified by Mario Draghi – especially in our most established and strategic industries.Unfortunately, this balance is currently being disrupted by unclear, overlapping and increasingly complex EU regulations. This puts Europe’s AI ambitions at risk, as it jeopardises not only the development of European champions, but also the ability of all industries to deploy AI at the scale required by global competition.This is why we – leaders of European companies from multiple sectors and countries, collectively employing hundreds of thousands across the continent – feel compelled to speak out.Europe has important advantages: a strong industrial base, abundance of talent, world-class research, a culture of openness and collaboration and regulatory guardrails. We welcome the Commission’s AI Continent Action Plan and your stated commitment to regulatory simplification.But ambition must now translate into action. The upcoming digital omnibus package and the digital fitness check must reflect a decisive pivot toward a more proportionate, innovation-friendly regulatory approach. These simplification efforts should benefit SMEs, start-ups, scale-ups and large established companies alike, who will all contribute to driving innovation if they can take advantage of clear and predictable rules.In this context, we welcome recent discussions considering the need to postpone the enforcement of the AI Act as relevant guidelines and standards continue to be developed, and as various industries work together to find solutions that work for everyone. To address the uncertainty this situation is creating, we urge the Commission to propose a two-year “clock-stop” on the AI Act before key obligations enter into force, in order to allow both for reasonable implementation by companies, and for further simplification of the new rules.This should apply both to obligations on e.g. high-risk AI systems, due to take effect as of August 2026, and to obligations for general-purpose AI models (GPAI), due to enter into force as of August 2025 while the corresponding and much anticipated Code of Practice has yet to be released.This postponement, coupled with a commitment to prioritise regulatory quality over speed, would send innovators and investors around the world a strong signal that Europe is serious about its simplification and competitiveness agenda. In the context of the broader review of EU digital rules you have announced, it would also create the room needed to develop an innovation-friendly implementation strategy and identify pragmatic avenues for regulatory simplification, covering both GPAI models and high-risk AI systems as well as broader digital regulations. We have developed detailed proposals and are ready to work hand in hand with the Commission.As representatives of European companies deeply committed to the European project and to the development of trustworthy, human-centric AI – which must, of course, be subject to simplified and practical regulation – we are convinced that Europe has a unique opportunity to lead in the global AI economy. That opportunity will only be realised if we act now and with determination and collaboration at its core.Yours sincerely,Ingo Uytdehaage, Adyen NV
Guillaume Faury, Airbus
Jean-Charles Samuelian-Werve, Alan
Michael Pieper, Artemis Holding AG
Christophe Fouquet, ASML
Thomas Buberl, Axa
Eric Demuth, Bitpanda
Robin Rombach, Black Forest Labs
Jean-Laurent Bonnafé, BNP Paribas
Michał Borkowski, Brainly
Pierre Salvy, Cambrium
Alexandre Bompard, Carrefour
Bastian Nominacher, Celonis
Stef van Grieken, Cradle
Bernard Charles, Dassault Systèmes
Mati Staniszewski, ElevenLabs
Dr. Julian Senoner, EthonAI
Dr. Jeannette zu Fürstenberg, EU AI Champions
Daniel Abbou, European AI Forum
Daniel Krauss, Flix
Robert Kilian, German AI Association
Verena Pausder, German Startup Association
Antoine Rostand, Kayrros
Lennard Schmidt, Langdock
Pierre-Damien Vaujour, Loft Orbital
Prof. Dr. Niko Mohr, Loh Group
Grazia Vittadini, Lufthansa
Ola Källenius, Mercedes-Benz
Philippe Corrot, Mirakl
Arthur Mensch, Mistral
Christian Gisy, OLX Group
Thomas Clozel, Owkin
Malte Kosub, Parloa
Tarik Benabdallah, Pelico
Hanno Renner, Personio
Roy Jakobs, Philips
Dr. Daniel Gebler, Picnic
Eleonore Crespo, Pigment
Fabricio Bloisi, Prosus
Maurice Lévy, Publicis
Clemens Maier, Ravensburger
Joel Hellermark, Sana Labs
Dr. Christian Bruch, Siemens Energy
Taavi Madiberk, Skeleton Technologies
Robert Goebel, Spread AI
Ilkka Paananen, Supercell
Hans-Peter Gai, Südzucker
Harold Goddijn, TomTom
Patrick Pouyanné, TotalEnergies
Ralph Dommermuth, United Internet
Supporters
The current supporters of the EU AI Champions Initiative represent over 110+ organizations, $3+ trillion in public market cap, and over 3.7M jobs across Europe—and that list is growing. All participating companies are united in showing strong leadership in AI.
Mission
In an era of rapid technological advancement and geopolitical shifts, Europe is at a critical juncture. Pressures on economic growth and competitiveness, exacerbated by an ageing population and declining productivity, are challenging our social contract. Against this backdrop, AI offers unprecedented opportunities for economic progress and strategic autonomy. As the global race to develop and deploy AI intensifies, Europe must act decisively to define its role. We can lead with vision and determination or risk being left behind.Today, we are excited to announce the launch of the ‘EU AI Champions Initiative’. This groundbreaking effort brings together more than 60 European companies, from start-ups to established incumbents, committed to establishing Europe as a global leader in AI development and application. It will be unveiled at the AI Action Summit in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, followed by dialogue with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Heads of State and Government of several EU member states.The initiative aims to frame a positive vision for Europe by mobilizing talent and capital, accelerating AI adoption in established industries, and increasing European companies’ competitiveness. Led by General Catalyst, our mission is to foster a resilient partnership between incumbents and technology providers to unlock Europe’s full potential in AI. Europe can seize a generational opportunity by leading in applied AI, integrating it into Europe’s industrial base to boost productivity, resilience, and economic sovereignty, especially in key sectors like manufacturing, energy, and defense.To support this vision, General Catalyst's report ‘An Ambitious Agenda for European AI’ (linked below) provides a strategic blueprint for Europe's path to AI leadership. The report highlights the need for coordinating efforts across technology, industry, and policy - mobilizing talent and capital to accelerate adoption by Europe's global industry leaders, modernize critical infrastructure, and foster a competitive European technology ecosystem.By seizing this moment, working with greater intent, and embracing radical collaboration, Europe can showcase its determination to transform ambition into tangible results, enhancing our global standing and shaping a future where technology fulfills the aspirations of our citizens. We seek to partner with all who believe in making this vision a reality.The EU AI Champions Initiative lays the groundwork to coordinate our efforts across technology, industry, and policy to accelerate AI adoption, modernize infrastructure, and foster a competitive technology ecosystem.Our shared mission is greater than what any one of us can accomplish alone. We are excited to seize this opportunity with the determination that defines the European spirit, paving the way for a new European renaissance.Sincerely,Jeannette zu Fürstenberg
On behalf of the EU AI Champions Initiative
Explore the Report
This report by General Catalyst lays out a vision for Europe’s AI reinvention in the context of economic value creation — one matched to the strengths and positioning of the European economy, recognising that we cannot compete in every domain and must chart a uniquely European path that allows for strategic autonomy.
Join the Movement
The EU AI Champions Initiative is calling on leading organizations to take action. By becoming a supporter, your organization joins a growing coalition committed to accelerating AI adoption, strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, and shaping a future where technology drives sustainable growth. Stand with us to make AI innovation a pillar of Europe’s strategic strength. Sign on today* and become part of the movement.*Upon completing the form below, your expression of support will be reviewed by the organizing team. Selected organizations will be contacted to confirm participation and may be featured on the Supporters list.
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