The German government has drafted a new strategic plan to catch up in the global artificial intelligence race. According to a document obtained by Politico and published on Monday, the aim is for Germany to become an autonomous, technologically sovereign AI nation by 2030 and to reduce the gap with leading development centers in the United States and China.
Timing and authorship
A government working group coordinating several ministries was set up in June. The report says the next 12–18 months will be decisive for setting the course. The proposal is scheduled to be presented at the Berlin AI summit and before the National Security Council.
Strategic focus
The document proposes a dual approach: secure access to the world's leading models while strengthening and supporting European alternatives. Berlin would deepen cooperation with like‑minded partners, especially France and Canada, and rely on European firms such as the French company Mistral.
Domestically, the strategy prioritizes industrial applications and highly specialized models. It argues that widespread adoption of innovative manufacturing systems and AI‑based robotics can raise productivity and quality, optimize industrial processes, and improve the management of complex systems.
Measures and targets
The proposal lists 18 concrete measures. Key points include:
- Increasing the capacity of the country's AI data centers by 300 percent compared with 2025 levels.
- Targets for 2030: at least 80 percent of large companies and 55 percent of small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) should be using some form of AI solution.
- At least one AI application should be in live use at 90 percent of federal institutions; AI agents could prepare entire administrative workflows and, within legal frameworks, carry out certain tasks fully automatically.
- Strategic expansion and European networking of computing infrastructure, and strengthening the semiconductor industry value chain are emphasized.
The government would also act as a strategic buyer, using public procurement and pilot projects to help European AI providers enter the market.
Funding and implementation questions
The report notes that the proposed measures do not constitute concrete financing decisions and do not prejudge the outcomes of future budget negotiations. Therefore, detailed funding sources and final implementation mechanisms remain unclear.
Why it matters
The document lays out ambitious steps to respond to geopolitical competition while trying to bolster Germany's and Europe's technological standing and reduce dependence on models developed outside Europe. Implementation will depend on budget choices, international cooperation, and adoption by domestic businesses.
An AI assistant contributed to the preparation of this article; our journalist edited and verified the final content.
