Telekom CEO Tim Höttges warns of European AI skepticism

Deutsche Telekom CEO Tim Höttges has warned that Germany and Europe are trapped in a ‘bubble of skepticism’ regarding artificial intelligence, which is hindering progress compared to other regions.

Speaking at the Digital X trade fair in Cologne, Höttges noted that China and the United States, specifically Silicon Valley, are advancing much faster due to high levels of optimism and technological hunger. He cited China’s ‘dark factories’—facilities operated entirely by AI-driven robots—as an example of the significant productivity advantages available through automation.

Höttges described AI as ‘the greatest gift,’ suggesting it could allow Europe to overcome software disadvantages, increase productivity, and reduce costs. He highlighted practical applications within Deutsche Telekom, noting that 60 percent of customer inquiries are now handled by AI assistants, allowing employees to focus on more complex tasks.