US chip restrictions spark diplomatic tensions with Poland
The United States has added Poland to the list of countries facing restrictions on importing modern chips from the US. "The Polish embassy has requested explanations from the US administration," said Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs, Dariusz Standerski.
On Monday, the US Department of Commerce decided to limit the export of American AI chips to select countries. While exceptions have been made for strategic allies, several EU member states are expected to face these restrictions.
US decision announced; Poland responds
New semiconductor technologies, essential for the advancement of artificial intelligence, are becoming less accessible to Poland. Our country has been included among those with restricted access to modern technologies from the US.
When asked about this decision, Standerski remarked that it indicates "the European Union is having a discussion about digital sovereignty twenty years too late."
This causes us to be categorised by other countries in a manner that should not have occurred," he commented.
"While this so-called limit established by the American administration will not halt artificial intelligence in Poland in the next couple of years, it poses a long-term issue due to the arbitrary nature of these decisions, which seem disconnected from all trade principles," he stated.
He conveyed that the Polish embassy has requested explanations in this matter from the US administration. He also noted that the European Commission has protested against such an approach.
"For us, the main priority should be to implement the act on semiconductors. Therefore, the Ministry of Digital Affairs is developing a semiconductor policy aimed at attracting investors to Poland not only from the United States, so that these chips are at least tested and packaged here," he informed.
European Commission expresses concern
The European Commission has expressed concern about the measures adopted by US authorities, which restrict certain EU member states and their companies' access to advanced American artificial intelligence chips.
A joint statement on this issue was issued by EC Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič.
"We believe that it is also in the economic and security interest of the US that the EU can purchase advanced AI systems from the US without restrictions. We work closely together, particularly in the security field, and represent an economic opportunity for the US, not a security threat," they wrote.
