The United States has sparked a new controversy with its decision to restrict access to advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips for several countries in the European Union (EU). Of the 27 member countries, only 10 have been classified as Level 1, granting them privileged access to AI hardware and software. Spain, however, along with 16 other countries, is categorized as Level 2, facing strict limitations that hinder its capacity for innovation and development in AI.
A Technological Gap in the EU
The Level System
The U.S. classification divides countries into two levels:
- Level 1: Includes countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, which will have nearly unrestricted access to AI technologies. However, 75% of their processing capabilities must remain within this group of countries, allowing only 25% for the rest of the world.
- Level 2: Countries like Spain will be limited to acquiring a maximum of 50,000 GPUs between 2025 and 2027, a laughable figure considering the current AI demands. Additionally, any hardware exported from a Level 1 country cannot accumulate more than 7% in a single country.
These restrictions not only limit access but also fragment collaborative capabilities within the EU, making it difficult to develop joint projects in AI and supercomputing.
Impact for Spain and the EU
Technological Dependence and Reduced Competitiveness
The U.S. decision threatens to significantly delay advancements for Spain and other Level 2 countries in key areas such as scientific research, industrial automation, and advanced computing. At a time when AI is poised to be the centerpiece of the next technological revolution, these restrictions place countries like Spain at a disadvantage compared to their European neighbors.
Furthermore, the EU as a whole faces an increasing dependence on the United States, which contradicts its goal of achieving strategic autonomy in critical sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
Barriers to Scalability
Spanish companies and research centers looking to expand their AI capabilities will now have to deal with strict hardware quotas and complicated regulatory processes. This limits the possibility of developing large-scale infrastructures, such as supercomputing clusters or AI platforms aimed at competing in global markets.
The U.S. Argument
National Security and Global Competition
The Biden administration justifies these restrictions as a measure to ensure national security, arguing that controlling AI chips is essential to maintaining a strategic advantage over competitors like China. However, this protectionist approach also seems to prioritize the business interests of the United States over those of its traditional allies, including the EU.
Response from the European Union
In response, the EU has issued an official statement expressing its concern about the U.S. measures. Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, stated:
“It is in the economic and security interest of the United States that the EU purchases advanced AI chips without limitations. We represent an economic opportunity for the U.S., not a risk to its security.”
Although the tone of the statement reflects a desire for dialogue, it also underscores the frustration of European leaders over the growing technological gap with the United States.
Options for Spain and the EU
To face this challenge, Spain and the other Level 2 countries will need to seek alternative solutions to reduce their dependence on the United States. Some strategies include:
- Encouraging local production of semiconductors and AI hardware, supporting initiatives like the EU Chips Act.
- Exploring alliances with other tech partners, such as Japan or South Korea, which could provide access to advanced technologies.
- Investing in research and development to advance proprietary technologies that reduce the need to import foreign hardware.
Conclusion
The restrictions imposed by the United States represent a significant obstacle for Spain and other Level 2 countries in the technological race. In a world where AI and semiconductors are key to global competitiveness, these limitations highlight the need for the EU to bolster its technological capabilities and achieve greater strategic autonomy.
In the meantime, Spain’s ability to remain competitive in AI will depend on its capacity to adapt to this new environment and its willingness to invest in alternatives that ensure its long-term technological relevance. The question now is: can Europe find a solution that balances transatlantic cooperation with technological independence?