France declares AI a strategic pillar for economy and defense

President Emmanuel Macron warned against taxing success while urging France to maintain a stable macro‑economic framework for artificial intelligence. He said the state must protect investment in AI, promote European‑focused tools and supply chains, and avoid a “nebulous” risk narrative as the country prepares its France 2030 plan and a new expert group in the autumn.

Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin announced that military AI is now an “essential” domain on par with nuclear deterrence and cryptography. She described the move as “political” and “strategic” during the opening of the Agency for Defence Artificial Intelligence (AMIAD) facilities in Bruz, stressing the need for autonomous French capabilities after recent U.S. restrictions on advanced AI models.

Together, the statements underline France’s dual push to boost AI investment for civilian competitiveness and to secure a sovereign AI capability for national security.