Last week, I asked Europe to wake up.

Perhaps I was slightly unfair.

Because while I was questioning Europe’s ability to think beyond the next election, European entrepreneurs, engineers and investors were already busy building the future.

Just look at the past few days.

In France, HyPrSpace is developing new rocket propulsion technology and building industrial capacity near Bordeaux.

In Germany, RobCo has reached unicorn status, demonstrating how AI and robotics can transform European industrial expertise into global businesses.

In Italy, new investments in AI data centres aim to combine computing infrastructure, renewable energy and industrial capabilities.

And European capital is increasingly finding its way into DeepTech and innovation.

So yes, Europe is building. And that gives me reasons to be optimistic.

But one question continues to trouble me.

Looking at the upcoming US midterm elections, AI is already part of the political conversation, even if affordability understandably dominates voters’ concerns.

In France, as we approach the 2027 presidential election, I would love to hear candidates talk more about their vision for AI and Europe’s technological future.

Of course, taxation, purchasing power, pensions and social issues matter enormously.

But so do the decisions that will determine our prosperity in 2040 or 2050.

What is our ambition for European AI?

How will it transform our industries and create tomorrow’s jobs?

How will we finance it, power it and retain control over critical technologies?

After more than three decades working in European industry, and now discovering the energy of young entrepreneurs, I am convinced that Europe has the talent and the industrial foundations to succeed.

What I would like to hear from those aspiring to lead our countries is how they intend to turn these strengths into a long-term European ambition.

I am not asking politicians to predict the future. I am asking them to explain how they intend to prepare for it.

Last week, I asked:

What are we building today that our great-grandchildren will thank us for?

This week, I have part of the answer.

More than I thought. But still not enough.