US vice-president JD Vance has slammed what he called "excessive" EU regulation, claiming it "never pays off in the long term" during a forthright speech at an AI summit in Paris.
He also warned red tape risked "killing a transformative industry".
The 40-year-old, who was just 18 months into his tenure as a senator before joining US president Donald Trump's ticket, pushed back on European efforts to tighten AI oversight while advocating for a more open, innovation-driven approach while in Paris.
The AI summit has drawn world leaders, top tech executives, and policymakers to discuss artificial intelligence’s impact on global security, economics, and governance. High-profile attendees include Chinese vice-premier Zhang Guoqing, signalling Beijing’s deep interest in shaping global AI standards.
Mr Vance told leaders including, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen: "Number one, this administration will ensure that American AI technology continues to be the gold standard worldwide, and we are the partner of choice for others foreign countries and certainly businesses, as they expand their own use of AI.
"Number two, we believe that excessive regulation of the AI sector could kill a transformative industry just as it's taking off, and will make every effort to encourage pro grade growth AI policies, and I like to see that deregulatory flavor making its its way into a lot of the conversations this this conference.
"Number three, we feel very strongly that AI must remain free from ideological bias, and that American AI will not be co opted into a tool for authoritarian censorship.
"And finally, number four, the Trump administration will maintain a pro worker growth path for AI, so it can be a potent tool for job creation in the United States.
"And I appreciate Prime Minister Modi's point. AI, I really believe will facilitate and make people more productive. It is not going to replace human beings. It will never replace human beings."
"And I think too many of the leaders in the AI industry when they talk about this fear of replacing workers, I think they really missed a point."
Mr Vance has been an outspoken critic of European content moderation policies.
He has suggested the US should reconsider its NATO commitments if European governments impose restrictions on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X.
His Paris visit is also expected to include candid discussions on Ukraine, AI’s role in global power shifts, and US-China tensions.
French organisers hope the summit will boost investment in Europe’s AI sector, positioning the region as a credible contender in an industry shaped by US-China competition.
Ms von der Leyen, who also addressed the event, earlier said US tariffs on steel and aluminum "will not go unanswered", adding they will trigger tough countermeasures from the 27-nation bloc.
In a statement issued in response to Mr Trump's imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum the previous day, the former German Defence Minister said: "The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests.
"Tariffs are taxes - bad for business, worse for consumers. Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered - they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures."