In brief
Friedrich Mertes, Germany’s top digital adviser, said on 3 November 2026 that artificial intelligence must be rooted in human values and protected by stronger digital sovereignty. He called for more industrial‑scale AI models, increased research funding, and wider cooperation with France and Canada while warning against over‑reliance on un‑checked AI systems.
Berlin – On 3 November 2026, German digital adviser Friedrich Mertes spoke at a summit on the future of AI, urging that new technology be rooted in human values and that human dignity remain the core of any policy.
Mertes argued that Germany and Europe must grow their own industrial‑scale AI models, so they do not depend too much on foreign technology. He called for larger research budgets and stronger digital sovereignty across the continent.
He also highlighted the need for joint work with France and Canada, noting that shared knowledge is critical for building reliable supply chains and unlocking economic opportunities in industry and electronics.
Mertes warned that giving AI too much power without careful oversight could erode freedom and dignity. He said that setting rules for how technology is used and ensuring it upholds human rights is a task for politicians, economists and society together.
Earlier this year, the Human Rights Council adopted two resolutions on AI and human rights in a session that closed on 7 October.
In related moves, the UN Security Council’s research team released a 2026 report on how AI is reshaping geopolitics, emphasizing the growing risks of more autonomous systems and the competition for critical technologies.
