In an age where artificial intelligence shapes every aspect of society —from governance to commerce— Europe faces a pivotal choice: follow the paths of the US and China, or forge its own ethical, democratic, and sustainable model. Technology is not an inevitable destiny; it is the result of the choices we make today. In this thought-provoking essay, the author argues that AI is not merely a tool—it is the foundational infrastructure of society. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the present and actively shape the future.