At the Élysée, one question kept coming back: must we choose between performance and sovereignty? No. Europe has to coexist with the best models in the world and prove its worth in use, not in slogans. Credibility is measured by impact.
What I argued
No borders, but demanding purchasing choices: evaluate models on real files, plug into what already exists without an IT overhaul, keep track of the data and make it auditable. The State can lead the way (public procurement, clear rules), but it is the market that confirms: legal departments, law firms, large buyers. When a European solution delivers, we adopt it. If not, we stay open. The label is not enough; results decide.
What this changes right now for legal departments
Start simple and measurable: a pilot on a specific flow (contract review, litigation research), tracked metrics (average review time, rework rate) and a data policy that is readable and logged (where the data goes, who accesses it, for how long). Keep a dual foundation (open and proprietary models) to avoid lock-in, and document the integration into the tools already in use rather than piling up gadgets.
Decide on evidence: a real file, a before and after, and keep what holds up.
Conclusion
That dinner was not a symbol: it was a reminder to look at the evidence. Coexisting to win means deciding on results, protecting the data and delivering uses that last. That is exactly what I stand for at uControlAi.