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Calls to slow down AI development serve the interests of US AI leaders, says French finance minister

By Thomson Reuters Sep 16, 2026 | 10:25 AM

PARIS, Sept 16 (Reuters) – Calls to slow down the development of artificial ​intelligence serve the ‌interests of U.S. AI leaders, French finance minister Roland Lescure said on Wednesday, ‌adding ​France and Europe ⁠must accelerate on ⁠AI so that they can control risks.

“I can clearly see that the ​calls to slow down are now coming ⁠from those ⁠at the top ​of the class… Making everyone ​behind them slow down ‌so they can stay in first place – I can clearly see their ⁠self-interest,” Lescure told Reuters.

“I want us to step up our ⁠efforts ‌in France and ⁠across Europe, to ​become ‌a leader and to ​be ⁠able to manage the risks,” he added.

(Reporting by Florence Loeve, Writing by Dominique Vidalon, Editing by Alex ​Richardson)