Friedrich Merz says AI policy work is "engaged on the European level"

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told an investor event in Berlin on Tuesday that his government is directing money into defense, semiconductors and artificial intelligence to strengthen the country’s long-term output and economic independence. With high costs, bureaucracy and a slow recovery burdening Germany’s established industries, he said his administration wants to improve conditions for companies. Merz cited stronger growth, higher foreign direct investment and more startup formation, and noted the Made for Germany effort, whose participating firms have committed more than €800 billion by 2028. He also said Germany intends to quadruple its AI computing capacity by 2030. In that connection, Merz said he was working with other European governments on AI policy so that regulation would support the technology as it develops. He additionally promised to pursue a harmonized EU corporate framework.