The German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDS) has clarified that reports of a withdrawal from an AI project with Mistral AI and SAP are inaccurate. The cooperation remains unchanged, with the government continuing to support European AI development.
TL;DR
- Germany has not withdrawn from the AI project with Mistral and SAP, contrary to recent reports.
- The initial Letter of Intent (LoI) signed in November was non-binding, but discussions have led to tangible progress.
- The German government emphasizes the importance of European partnerships and digital sovereignty in AI development.
What happened
Following reports of an alleged withdrawal, the BMDS clarified that there was no binding agreement to begin with. The LoI signed in November outlined areas of cooperation and provided for discussions on a framework agreement, which was never concluded.
The BMDS spokesperson emphasized that the LoI was legally non-binding, except for the commitment to serious negotiations. No project or procurement commitments, or financial obligations, were associated with the declaration.
SAP and Mistral have independently continued their cooperation, presenting initial joint technology for the public sector at the Paris VivaTech trade fair in June. The BMDS welcomes this development and sees it as a testament to the potential of cooperation between European tech companies.
Why it matters
This clarification is important for AI developers and startups involved in European AI projects, as it reaffirms the German government's commitment to supporting and investing in European AI development.
For tech investors, this news highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen European digital sovereignty and the potential for growth in the European AI market. The focus on open and collaborative approaches, such as the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC), presents opportunities for investment and partnership.
However, the debate about the competitiveness of European AI models and their technological independence continues. The German government's stance on these issues will be crucial in shaping the future of AI development in Europe.
Key facts
- The LoI was signed in November by Germany, France, SAP, and Mistral AI.
- The LoI outlined areas of cooperation and provided for discussions on a framework agreement, which was never concluded.
- The LoI was legally non-binding, except for the commitment to serious negotiations.
- SAP and Mistral presented initial joint technology for the public sector at the Paris VivaTech trade fair in June.
- The EDIC platform brings together public administrations, European companies, and the open-source community to establish cross-platform digital standards usable throughout Europe.
- The German government emphasizes the importance of European partnerships and digital sovereignty in AI development.
Context
The debate about the government's course had previously been fueled by discussions about the competitiveness of European AI models and their technological independence. Ecosia CEO Christian Kroll recently doubted Mistral's performance, and Aachen-based AI researcher Holger Hoos points to close ties between the French company and US tech giants like Microsoft.
Despite these concerns, the German government is sticking to its line. All relevant future projects must align with the open and collaborative EDIC approach, with the primary goal of strengthening European digital sovereignty and leveraging the innovative strength of domestic companies.