FRANKFURT, June 25 (Reuters) - Bosch CEO

Stefan Hartung warned on Wednesday that Europe risks hindering

its progress in artificial intelligence compared with other

parts of the world through over-regulation.

"Europe is unnecessarily delaying its AI future with

excessive regulation," said Hartung at a tech conference the

German firm is hosting in the south-western city of Stuttgart.

Bosch, which holds most of the AI patents in Europe, plans

to invest an additional 2.5 billion euros ($2.90 billion) by the

end of 2027 in the field.

The German car parts supplier is working on AI solutions for

autonomous driving and more efficient industry systems, among

other applications.

The combination of bureaucracy and strict, but also vague,

requirements makes Europe comparatively less attractive, said

the CEO.

Hartung recommended that lawmakers limit themselves to a

framework covering only the most important points.

Otherwise "we will regulate ourselves to death, because we

are trying to regulate against technological progress," he said.

Pressure to keep up in the race to develop AI has grown

since U.S. President Donald Trump announced a private sector

investment of up to $500 billion to fund infrastructure for AI

in January.

The EU shortly after unveiled plans to mobilise up to 200

billion euros for the sector.

($1 = 0.8618 euros)