US AI Dominates German Companies as Green Party Urges Active European AI Engagement

A recent survey by Bitkom has revealed that artificial intelligence adoption in German companies overwhelmingly favors US-based applications, with Chinese AI solutions playing a minimal role. According to the survey of 603 companies with at least 20 employees, 76% of firms utilizing AI rely on OpenAI's ChatGPT, marking an increase from 70% the previous year. Other key US AI tools include Microsoft Copilot at 35% and Google's Gemini at 28%. In contrast, Chinese AI platforms are scarcely used, with only 2% employing DeepSeek and a mere 1% using Alibaba's Qwen.

Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst expressed concern over this heavy dependence on US technologies, stressing the importance of fostering European AI providers to ensure digital sovereignty. “The German economy currently relies almost exclusively on US applications for artificial intelligence. Those who want digital sovereignty must give European providers a chance,” he said. The full survey results are set for release on September 14.

In parallel political developments, Green Party leader Ricarda Brantner has called for a more proactive political engagement with AI technology. Brantner emphasized that politics must do more than just manage AI; it must engage deeply with those developing and implementing AI to prevent Europe from being sidelined in this pivotal technology arena. She argued that AI policy should balance competitiveness, freedom, and social responsibility to secure Europe’s leadership role.

Brantner warned, “Europe must not sit on the sidelines when it comes to this key technology.” Her initiative to start an AI dialogue with businesses underscores the urgency to integrate technological progress with thoughtful policy frameworks.

These developments highlight the current landscape where German businesses predominantly use US AI tools, while political leaders stress the need for Europe to strengthen its AI capabilities, both to maintain autonomy and to compete globally in AI innovation.