Wake-up call’: Europe reacts to Anthropic halting access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models
Anthropic has suspended access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models for foreign nationals following a directive from the Trump administration. The company disabled the tools to comply with government orders citing national security concerns, a move that has prompted European politicians to call for increased investment in homegrown, sovereign AI technology.
The company announced late Friday that it received a government letter ordering the suspension of these specific models for non-U.S. citizens. To ensure full compliance, Anthropic stated it had to abruptly disable Fable 5 and Mythos 5 for all customers.
Why did Anthropic disable Fable 5 and Mythos 5?
Anthropic disabled the models after the U.S. government issued a directive based on national security concerns. According to the company, the order required them to bar foreign nationals from accessing the technology.
The company noted that the net effect of the government’s order left them with no choice but to disable the models for their entire customer base to remain compliant.
How are European leaders responding to the AI restrictions?
Politicians across Europe have described the move as a “wake-up call” regarding technological dependence. Former French interior minister Bruno Retailleau wrote on X that a nation depending on others for technology “can be unplugged overnight.”
In the United Kingdom, MP Al Carns stated that British hospitals, companies, and researchers were piloting or testing the most advanced AI model on the planet before it was switched off by a foreign government.
French officials emphasized the geopolitical stakes. Minister delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad said the decision accelerates the “geopolitical battle over AI,” while former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe characterized AI as critical infrastructure as essential as the internet or electricity.
Dutch leader Geert Wilders called for the Netherlands to accelerate the development of its own models, stating that AI is increasingly a matter of national sovereignty.
What could this mean for the future of sovereign AI?
The restrictions may lead to a surge in support for European AI firms. Jordan Bardella, president of France’s National Rally party, stated that France must accelerate its support for the “gem” Mistral AI and the broader ecosystem.
Bruno Retailleau pointed to existing French assets, including decarbonized nuclear electricity and companies like Scaleway, OVHcloud, and ChapsVision, as tools to compete with American giants.
British MP Tom Tugendhat suggested that sovereignty is now more about “code than cannons.” He argued that Britain’s focus on safety over opportunity may have “built the brake,” potentially cutting the country off from future advancements.
If this trend continues, European governments may be more likely to treat AI as a matter of national security, potentially increasing funding for domestic models to avoid reliance on foreign-controlled code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which AI models were affected by the suspension?
Anthropic disabled access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models.
Why did the Trump administration order the suspension?
The government cited national security concerns as the reason for barring foreign nationals from accessing the models.
Who was impacted by the decision in the UK?
According to MP Al Carns, British researchers, companies, and hospitals that were studying, testing, or piloting the technology were affected.
Do you believe nations can achieve true technological sovereignty without relying on foreign AI models?