A PYMNTS Company

Bosch CEO Warns Overregulation Could Stall Europe’s AI Progress

By  |  June 25, 2025

Bosch CEO Stefan Hartung has raised concerns that Europe’s approach to regulating artificial intelligence (AI) might be slowing the continent’s advancement in the field compared to other global players. Speaking at a technology conference hosted by the German engineering giant in Stuttgart, Hartung emphasized that excessive regulatory measures could be detrimental to innovation in AI, according to Reuters.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Hartung highlighted that Europe’s AI development is being held back by a combination of bureaucratic hurdles and unclear regulatory requirements. As reported by Reuters, the Bosch CEO urged policymakers to adopt a more streamlined regulatory framework focused only on essential aspects. “Otherwise we will regulate ourselves to death, because we are trying to regulate against technological progress,” he said.

    Read more: Agentic AI and the Looming Problem of Criminal Scienter

    Bosch, which holds the largest number of AI patents in Europe, plans to invest an additional 2.5 billion euros (approximately $2.9 billion) in AI technology by the end of 2027. The company is actively developing AI solutions aimed at enhancing autonomous driving capabilities and improving efficiency in industrial processes, per Reuters.

    The warning from Hartung comes amid increased global competition in AI development, particularly following a significant push in the United States. Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for up to $500 billion in private sector investment to support AI infrastructure, intensifying the urgency for Europe to maintain its competitive edge.

    Source: Reuters