For most of my life in business, I believed that Poland's greatest opportunities were still ahead of us.
I believed in this when I was building media and telecommunications companies in the newly liberated Poland. I believed in this when our country was modernizing and emerging as one of the most dynamic economies in Europe. And I believe that today, as the world enters the era of artificial intelligence.
The AI revolution is already here, and it's rapidly transforming economies, industries, and societies around the world. It will transform any industry. Countries that embrace this transformation will experience tremendous economic growth and technological advancements. Those who hesitate risk being left behind.
Europe now faces a decisive choice. Will we help lead the next era of innovation? Or will we become increasingly dependent on technology and infrastructure built elsewhere?
Too often, European conversations about AI focus mainly on regulation. Regulations matter. Trust matters. But innovation requires more than rules. It requires ambition. It requires investment. And most importantly, it requires infrastructure.
Artificial intelligence is based on enormous computing power. Huge computing power depends on data centers. And data centers depend on something increasingly important in today's economy: abundant, reliable energy.
It is here that Poland has a historic opportunity.
Poland is uniquely positioned to become one of Europe's leading hubs for AI infrastructure and digital investments. We have talented engineers, highly qualified staff and one of the most strategically important locations in Europe. We are also one of the most pro-American countries in Europe, with growing partnerships in the fields of technology, energy and defense.
But none of this potential will be realized if we do not bring in the energy demand of the AI economy.
Countries that can provide stable, scalable and affordable energy will attract the next generation of investments. They will attract data centers, cloud infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and high-paying jobs in technology. Countries that can't will find it difficult to keep up.
I therefore believe that advanced energy technologies, including small modular nuclear reactors, deserve serious consideration throughout Europe.
U.S. companies like X-energy are pioneering technologies that can help meet the massive energy demand of future AI infrastructure. A reliable base energy will be essential if Europe wants to compete globally in artificial intelligence and advanced computing.
The United States understands this reality. The same is true of China.
China is aggressively investing in artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and digital dominance. It is not waiting for permission to lead the industries of the future. If Europe does not act strategically and urgently, we risk further delaying one of the most important technological races of our time.
Poland can help to chart a different path.
We have the opportunity not only to participate in the future of AI in Europe, but also to help lead it. By implementing innovations, strengthening partnerships with American technology and energy companies, investing in infrastructure and thinking boldly about the future, Poland can become one of Europe's greatest economic successes of the coming decade.
This is not just about technology. It is about sovereignty, competitiveness and long-term prosperity.
The next economic boom will fall on countries capable of driving the AI economy.
Opportunities on this scale do not wait forever. The nations that build today will lead tomorrow. Poland should be one of such countries.
Zygmunt Solorz is a Polish billionaire, entrepreneur and investor.
