Europe must reduce regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in order to be globally competitive in the technology, according to Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP).
He made the comments at the AI Action Summit in Paris on Tuesday, alongside the gathering of other world leaders.
"Europe regulates and the US invests. We must be able to do something about this regulation, because it encourages investment in the United States and drives companies and innovation out of Europe," Orpo told Yle on Tuesday evening.
Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron called on the EU to reduce regulation of AI technology.
According to Orpo, European countries and leaders have recognised the need for deregulation, noting that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is to submit an initial deregulation package to be considered by member states in the near future.
According to news service AP, von der Leyen said that "AI needs the confidence of the people and has to be safe". She detailed EU guidelines intended to standardise the AI Act but also acknowledged concerns about regulatory burdens.
"At the same time, I know that we have to make it easier and we have to cut red tape and we will," she added, AP reported.
US VP calls for AI deregulation
Recently inaugurated US Vice President JD Vance also attended the meeting. In an address, the VP criticised what he characterised as the EU's excessive regulation that hindered development of AI technology.
According to Orpo, the US vice president's presence at the AI summit was important.
"He was clearly meeting Europeans with an open mind and constructive approach," Orpo said.
Orpo had a private discussion with Vance on the sidelines of the meeting and said they exchanged invitations to visit their respective countries.
Invitations to visit
"He immediately recognised Finland and said he wanted to visit, which I took him up on and extended an invitation. I also expressed my own desire to visit Washington for more discussion as soon as possible," Orpo explained.
The Finnish PM said their discussion confirmed that Finland and the US remain important allies.
"I think it was a very good start for a short meeting, and it is a good point from which to continue. These days, we need natural, direct connections with people in the US so that we can even solve difficult issues," Orpo said, adding that his first impression of Vance was a positive one.
"I found him to be a very pleasant person. Open, clearly interested and curious to hear what people think about things — and he assured me of his willingness to cooperate," Orpo said.
Users with an Yle ID can leave comments on our news stories. You can create your Yle ID via this link. Our guidelines on commenting and moderation are explained here.