Europe's AI debate: who holds the power?

At TechBBQ in Copenhagen, European investors, founders, and operators grappled with the question of AI control. The event, themed 'Emerging from Agency,' highlighted concerns over sovereignty amid geopolitical tensions. Anthropic's withdrawal of its AI models Mythos and Fable from Europe earlier this year sparked discussions about owning AI infrastructure rather than relying on U.S. and Chinese providers. Ellen de Brever, head of partnerships at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Cellerator, noted the shift from AI capabilities to human judgment and control. Meredith Whittaker of Signal criticized AI integration into operating systems, warning of a 'data collection apparatus.' Emad Mostaque of Stability AI argued that controlling AI equates to controlling nations. Mia Negru of Life With Artificials warned of rethinking ownership and democracy as AI agents and robots reshape work. The event also featured networking and discussions on innovation, with de Brever emphasizing the enduring value of human connection in an AI-driven world. During the conference, panels addressed women's health, Nordic-African collaboration, and economic impacts of agentic workforces. Attendees also enjoyed social events, including a rooftop barbecue and fire-dancer performance. The discussions underscored Europe's push for technological and political autonomy in the AI era.