Polish government seeks answers after exclusion from US AI chip export list

Poland's government is protesting a US decision to restrict the export of artificial intelligence chips to the country.

This move, according to POLITICO, could undermine Warsaw's ambitions in AI development just as it seeks to solidify its role as a reliable transatlantic military partner, per Caliber.Az.

As a long-standing adversary of Russia, Poland is one of the largest military spenders in NATO and has prioritized strengthening its ties with the United States. Therefore, it came as a surprise when Poland became the most prominent EU country affected by the US administration’s recent decision to impose limits on AI chip exports.

Polish officials are reacting strongly against the US action, which they argue could harm the nation’s tech industry and military growth. Krzysztof Paszyk, Poland’s minister for economic development and technology, called the chip export restrictions "incomprehensible."

In response to the decision, US Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski was asked to clarify the situation just before he left his post, as confirmed by the Polish Ministry for Economic Development. Additionally, Deputy Minister Michał Baranowski plans to address the matter during his upcoming trip to the US.

This dispute highlights how European allies can become unintended casualties of US efforts to curb China’s technological progress. Both Presidents Biden and Trump have ramped up initiatives to limit China’s access to high-tech products, such as advanced chips, often impacting European companies.

Last week, the US announced that only 18 allied countries, including 10 EU nations, would be allowed to buy AI chips without restrictions. Europe relies heavily on U.S.-based companies, such as Nvidia, the world's leading chip designer. However, Poland was not included in the group of 18 and now faces restrictions on its AI chip imports.

Paszyk expressed his “deep surprise” at Poland’s exclusion, emphasizing that the decision is hard to understand. The Polish government is concerned that these limits could hinder the country’s technological sector and military expansion. In a statement, the economic development ministry warned that any restrictions could slow down Poland's progress in developing its high-tech sector.

Poland is also concerned that its military modernization efforts, which include developing AI systems to monitor and respond to threats, could be negatively affected. The ministry stated that US export restrictions could restrict Poland’s ability to advance these technologies.

The Polish government is hopeful that its strong relationship with the U.S. will help reverse the decision. "Poland and the United States share a strategic partnership in key areas, including investments in Poland and collaboration on nuclear energy and military purchases," Paszyk stated.

Poland is also seeking support from the EU, particularly from Commissioner Henna Virkkunen, who oversees technological security. Polish Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said he would personally urge Virkkunen to take action. Virkkunen, along with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, has already expressed opposition to the US move.

Meanwhile, the Polish opposition has blamed the government for not doing enough to strengthen relations with the US to prevent the chip export restrictions. "This situation exposes a broader issue: the government’s lack of proactive engagement with transatlantic partners," said Adam Bielan, a Polish MEP from the Law and Justice party. He argued that despite President Andrzej Duda’s call over a year ago to prioritize transatlantic relations, the Polish government failed to take sufficient action. Bielan also raised concerns about the long-term impact on Poland’s access to critical technologies, hoping the situation would serve as a wake-up call.

By Tamilla Hasanova