Tuesday, December 3, the European Parliament was shaken by a small “earthquake”, in the words of MEP Sarah Knafo. The woman who led Éric Zemmour's presidential campaign was named rapporteur for a strategic text on technological sovereignty. This report aims to explore key topics like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, 5G, the technology industry and its infrastructure, and quantum computing. “The objective is to study how to encourage innovation and European competitiveness in this area”explains Sarah Knafo, member of the Industry, Research and Energy committee.
Sarah Knafo believes that there is not a minute to lose and announces the color: she wants to collaborate with all the actors concerned. “I will start by making appointments with other groups, the Commission and experts, such as artificial intelligence start-ups, large groups and investment fundsshe explains. But I was a magistrate at the Court of Auditors, I never reveal my conclusions before having completed my work (laughs). » How did this young MP manage to land this strategic position?
The sanitary cordon is crumbling
In the European Parliament, the allocation of this type of text is often done by show of hands. Faced with Sarah Knafo, Green MEPs hoped to take ownership of this issue. But, in this battle, it was the member of the executive office of Reconquest who gained the upper hand. “I didn’t give up. They looked at each other, and they ended up leaving the subject to me”says the MEP.
However, the path will not be without obstacles. According to The Letter A, “representatives of interests from telecoms or European start-ups are wondering about the attitude to adopt in the face of an elected official whose political positions could compromise the outcome of the text”. Sarah Knafo brushes aside these doubts. “Since my appointment, I have received nearly 500 messages on LinkedIn from bosses and entrepreneurs requesting meetings,” she assures.
Sarah Knafo draws an alarming observation: “Europe is lagging behind”
Since the start of this legislature, the sanitary cordon imposed around certain political figures has been faltering. The EPP, party of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has already voted with the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ENS) group, where Sarah Knafo sits. These rapprochements, on sensitive subjects such as borders or asylum requests, mark a turning point. But the battle for technological sovereignty has only just begun.
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A Europe in search of technological awakening
Faced with behemoths like the United States and China, Europe seems to be lagging behind. Sarah Knafo recognizes this: “Europe is failing. » But she remains optimistic: “Our training is among the best. It is not for nothing that polytechnicians shine in Silicon Valley. Entrepreneurs are waiting for Europe to wake up. We have the ideas, the skills, the desire, but there are still barriers to break down. »
She calls for a framework that allows European start-ups to prosper without being bought out by foreign players. “Let’s stop copying others ten years late. Let's take a direct look at the waves of innovation to come. We are the continent of technological innovation”she says. An ambitious challenge which could well mark a turning point in the standoff between Europe and the American technological giants.
