The Washington AI Network welcomed Ben Brake, director general for digital and data policy at the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, for a breakfast conversation and live podcast recording at the House at 1229 on Wednesday, February 26. Brake spoke with host and Washington AI Network founder Tammy Haddad on the recent German elections, tech regulation, energy concerns for data centers, China’s role in technology, the Paris AI Summit, and strategies for fostering greater innovation and competitiveness in the European Union.
Brake’s Reaction to German Elections and Political Stability
In the wake of Germany’s recent election, Brake outlined how the country’s “center” has remained resilient, even as major political parties have lost some voter share. He explained that the coalition-building process is underway, adding: “In Germany after the elections, we see that the center actually was strengthened… [However,] we have some homework to do domestically and in the European Union when it comes to competitiveness.” He also noted, “I think it’s realistic to say that the second half of April might be the point where we will see a new government.”
Brake Responding to JD Vance and Navigating European Tech Regulation
Brake addressed JD Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference, where Vance challenged the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Brake stated, “I would invite each and everyone to have a closer look at the regulation of free speech in the European Union because the DSA is not so much about the regulation of free speech, it’s more the contrary. It’s about the illegal content defined by the national law or by the European law that it is targeting and where the platforms are obliged to take it down.”
Brake on AI, Competitiveness, and Investment Strategies
Brake applauded President Macron’s emphasis on AI during the recent Paris AI Summit and acknowledged that investment plays a key role. However, he cautioned that money alone won’t solve all challenges: “It’s also good that there was a mobilization of investment capital for AI. However, if you ask me if money is the solution to it, I would always say it is part of the solution.”
Energy, Sustainability, and the Future of AI
A major point of discussion was how the EU plans to power large-scale computing for AI without compromising on environmental goals. With Germany phasing out nuclear and coal, renewables are critical to the country’s long-term strategy: “We are putting everything on renewable. … So how should this be resolved? I don’t know. But it has to be resolved and it has to be on top of the political agenda.”
Brake on China: Partner and Competitor
Tensions and opportunities with China also featured prominently in the discussion. Brake described China as a “challenge” but also a key partner in addressing global technology and trade issues: “It remains a challenge… but it is most certainly a country with which we actually need to stay in close contact.”
Brake on the Importance of Global Cooperation
Brake stressed that Europe and the United States must stay aligned on tech governance. Beyond bilateral efforts, he highlighted the need for broader international frameworks: “We need to focus on the international level where a regulation is being discussed and actually implemented.” He cited organizations like the OECD as critical forums for developing shared standards in AI ethics and best practices.
At the conclusion of the interview, attendees—including policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers—engaged in a dynamic conversation on how best to align technological progress with public interest.
Guests included: Julian Ramirez, Adrian Wolkersdorf, and Jean Pierre Froehly from the German Embassy; Mary Ellen Callahan, former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security; MIT policy associate Tom Giancola; Apple’s Carolyn Wu; Matthias Oschinski and Mia Hoffman from Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology ; Aaron Woolf, director of the Semiconductor Industry Association; Deniz Houston, digital policy officer for the EU, Tanner Palin and Ayodele Okeowo from Tusk Strategies; Sabine Neschke and Mara Quintero Campbell from Equal AI.