ASML chief financial officer Roger Dassen criticized the European Union’s approach to artificial intelligence, arguing that the bloc’s early focus on regulation is pushing top talent and ambitious companies to Silicon Valley. Speaking at an event in Eindhoven on Monday evening, Dassen said Europe made it “difficult to get artificial intelligence done” by starting with rules designed to keep the technology “under the thumb.” He added that people with strong artificial intelligence skills are inclined to spend their “hard-earned money” on a ticket to Silicon Valley, underscoring a broader concern about Europe’s competitiveness. His remarks came during a campaign event for the Dutch center-right party Christian Democratic Appeal ahead of national elections on October 29.
The comments add pressure on the European Union’s artificial intelligence law, which has faced pushback from parts of industry. ASML, Europe’s most valuable tech company by market capitalization, has urged policymakers to pause the still-to-be-implemented elements of the law. In July, its executives joined 45 other companies in signing a letter calling for a two-year pause. The company has also raised its profile in the European artificial intelligence ecosystem, becoming the largest shareholder in French startup Mistral in September through a €1.3 billion investment, a move that could amplify its voice in debates over how the European Union handles artificial intelligence companies.
Dassen broadened his critique to Europe’s strategic positioning, questioning whether major European champions feel adequately protected amid intensifying competition between the United States and China. Citing peers such as Airbus and Nokia alongside ASML, he said the answer “will not always be yes.” The Netherlands has been under sustained pressure from Washington to restrict ASML’s most advanced chipmaking exports to China, illustrating the geopolitical crosswinds buffeting European industry.
ASML’s frustrations extend to Brussels access. Last week, the company’s top lobbyist Frank Heemskerk said at a POLITICO event in Brussels that it is “not always easy” to secure meetings with European Union officials, adding that it can be easier to see a senior White House official than a European commissioner. Dassen also called on the European Union to complete its capital markets union to improve funding pathways, arguing that Europe is “very good at startups” but “worthless at scale-ups,” and needs to help homegrown innovators grow into global players.
