Macron declares Europe “safe space” for AI innovation at India summit

French President Emmanuel Macron said that Europe will continue to be a “safe space” for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation while ensuring responsible oversight, speaking at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, France24 reports.

“We are determined to continue to shape the rules of the game … with our allies such as India,” Macron said. “Europe is not blindly focused on regulation – Europe is a space for innovation and investment, but it is a safe space.”

Macron emphasized that the European Union has taken a leading role in global AI regulation through the Artificial Intelligence Act, adopted in 2024 and being phased in. Under the law, regulators can ban AI systems that pose “unacceptable risks” to society, such as real-time public surveillance tools.

Addressing concerns about the impact of regulation on innovation, Macron highlighted Europe’s commitment to fostering AI talent and startups. “France is doubling the number of AI scientists and engineers trained,” he said, noting that new ventures in the sector are generating tens of thousands of jobs.

Child protection also featured prominently in Macron’s remarks. He cited France’s recent legislation banning social media use for children under 15, which now awaits a Senate vote, and Australia’s similar ban last December. “One of our G7 priorities will be, as well, children’s protection against AI and digital abuse,” Macron said. “There is no reason our children should be exposed online to what is legally forbidden in the real world.”

Macron added that safeguarding children online is not merely regulation but a matter of “civilisation.” He expressed confidence that India would join Europe in these initiatives. “France is committed here in this journey,” he said.

The speech comes amid ongoing debates over AI regulation internationally. At last year’s AI summit in Paris, US Vice President JD Vance warned that “excessive regulation could kill a transformative sector,” underscoring the balance policymakers must strike between innovation and safety.

By Vafa Guliyeva