Numerous governments are competing to excel in quantum computing, an emerging technology that aims to tackle certain kinds of mathematical problems significantly quicker than traditional machines.
It’s possible uses extend from facilitating advancements in drug discovery and materials research to deciphering encryption methods commonly employed in computer security.
"The pace of our rivals necessitates that we accelerate" and "alter the level" of investment, Macron stated while visiting a supercomputing facility in Bruyeres-le-Chatel, south of Paris.
He highlighted particularly advancements in the United States, where firms have increased their quantum investments.
The Commerce Department in Washington revealed the injection of more than $2.0 billion in public funds into private quantum companies.
Since 2021, France has allocated 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) in funding for quantum research, including investments in its major defense sector.
Macron additionally revealed an extra 550 million euros in government investment for semiconductors as part of a European initiative, in addition to the prior commitments of 5.5 billion since 2022.
"Across these issues, a conflict over sovereignty is ongoing and must certainly be victorious technological dependencies will increasingly transform into industrial and strategic dependencies," Macron stated.
In a separate announcement, American semiconductor leader Nvidia revealed on Friday its investment in the French quantum computing startup Alice and Bob.
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Macron emphasized the necessity for European nations to collaborate on advanced computing technologies, advocating for the union to establish a quantum ecosystem "created, developed, and managed by European firms, independent of any laws with extraterritorial implications."
The comment arises as European governments rush to identify cloud computing and artificial intelligence suppliers that have no ties to the United States, amid ongoing tensions with Donald Trump's administration.
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Macron contended that developing these domestic capabilities in Europe necessitated alterations to competition policy, which he claimed needed to be "reformed and updated to enable champions to arise," as well as to the bloc's single market.
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"What is the power of the Americans?" They possess a unified market. They possess actors on a continental level who invest heavily. We establish rules for banks and insurance companies hindering them from funding innovation," he stated.