When Peter Wennink stepped down as CEO of ASML in April 2024, he left behind a legacy that transcended the semiconductor industry. Under his stewardship, ASML not only became Europe’s most valuable technology company but also a pivotal player in the geopolitical tug-of-war between the United States and China.
Europe’s quest for digital sovereignty is no longer a theoretical debate; it is a pressing strategic challenge. The continent, with its long history of innovation and strong governance, must ask itself: can it build a digital future on its own terms or has it already ceded too much control to global tech giants? This question is not only about technology—it is about Europe’s ability to protect its values, its institutions and its citizens in a world dominated by digital networks.
Imagine the world of artificial intelligence as a grand theater production, where the curtain rises on three distinct acts. In the blinding spotlights of center stage stand the Magnificent Seven – a cadre of American tech titans whose combined market capitalization hit $20.8 trillion by late 2025, eclipsing the European Union’s entire GDP of $19.4 trillion. These companies – Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla – don’t just perform; they rewrite the script, dictating the pace of innovation with a charisma that’s impossible to ignore.
Yesterday Geoffrey Hinton, the man who taught machines to dream, gave his verdict: Google will win the AI race. Not maybe. Not probably. Will.
