French AI startup Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch (아서 멘쉬) warned Europe has only 2 years to build its own AI infrastructure before becoming permanently dependent on U.S. big tech, Business Insider reported on Saturday.

Mensch, appearing at a French National Assembly hearing on digital sovereignty and AI, said the outcome would be decided within the next 2 years, the report said.

Mensch, 33, said Europe is at risk of losing control not only of AI models but also of the energy and computing infrastructure that runs them.

He also said Europe could become a “vassal state” if it fails to grow its own AI industry and keeps importing digital services from the United States.

Mensch has emphasized his company’s open-source strategy with a key message that Europe can become independent from U.S. AI companies.

Mistral recently formed a strategic partnership with French public investment institution Groupe Caisse des Depots. The cooperation focuses on strengthening Europe’s “digital sovereignty” through generative AI and GPU computing infrastructure. “The AI race is turning into a war to secure energy, chips and data centre capacity,” Mensch said. “U.S. tech companies are already moving aggressively to secure these resources, and if Europe responds slowly, it risks falling behind permanently,” he said.