Friends of Europe’s Post

🌍 Innovation & Regulation Updates: September 2024 Here’s the latest in #AI regulation and innovation from across 🇪🇺 Europe this month: 1️⃣ 🇬🇧 UK Signs First International AI Treaty (Published: 5 September 2024): The UK became the first to sign a legally-binding treaty on the safe use of AI, aimed at protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. This new framework will help manage AI systems globally and ensure they are used safely, without eroding public trust. 🛡️ 2️⃣ european regions research and innovation network European Innovation Agenda Progress (Published: 9 September 2024): The European Commission reported that 13 out of 25 actions under the New European Innovation Agenda have been completed. These actions are helping startups access funding and resources, such as the €115M in EU funding allocated to innovation ecosystems, with additional €77M co-funded from private sources. This initiative aims to support deep tech innovation across the EU. 🚀 Stay informed about how these developments in AI and innovation could impact your business! #AIRegulation #InnovationNews #TechTrends #VentureFinance #P2VentureFinance

𝐀𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐔 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰? 🤔 On February 2, 2024, European Union countries reached an agreement on the technical details of the AI Act, marking the world's first attempt to regulate artificial intelligence using a risk-based approach. This follows a political agreement reached in December. While final approval by all 27 EU member states was expected, concerns raised by countries like France and Germany led to prolonged negotiations over the wording of the rules.   Now, the AI Act requires sign-off from EU lawmakers before it can come into effect. The European Parliament is likely to vote on it in March or April. Once approved, the act is anticipated to take effect later this year, with a transition period of up to 36 months.   Notably, the requirements for AI models will begin to apply after just one year. This development marks a significant step towards regulating AI technology responsibly in Europe! For more information on the European AI Act, you can find in the article, prepared by our Associate Partner Austeja Dimaityte ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dQnKAUVB #expertlab #businessconsulting #connectingexpertise #artificialintelligence #artificialintelligenceact

🚨 Breaking Ground in AI Governance: A New Global Standard Emerges! 🚨 On September 5, 2024, history was made at the Council of Europe Ministers of Justice conference in Vilnius, where the first-ever international, legally binding treaty on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Rights was opened for signature! 🌍🤖 The Council of Europe Framework Convention (CETS No. 225) aims to ensure AI systems align with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. This groundbreaking treaty is a game changer for tech regulation, signed by key global players including the UK, USA, Israel, EU, and others. What makes this treaty unique? Tech-neutral: Future-proof for evolving AI. Comprehensive: Covers the full AI lifecycle. Global Reach: Open to countries worldwide, promoting AI innovation while safeguarding fundamental values. Council of Europe Secretary General, Marija Pejčinović Burić, stated, "We must ensure that the rise of AI upholds our standards, rather than undermining them." For convenience here is the URL to the text of the Treaty No.225 - https://lnkd.in/dCX3URy2 Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Let's spark a productive discussion on the future of AI and its impact on human rights, democracy, and innovation. #AI #HumanRights #TechForGood #CouncilOfEurope #InnovationAndEthics #AIRegulation #DemocracyInTech #GlobalTreaty

On January 24, 2024, in anticipation of the new #Eu #AIAct, the European Commission founded the #europeanartificialintelligenceoffice (https://lnkd.in/dSt7Cc_v). This establishment aims to spearhead the upcoming harmonized #AI regulations detailed in the legislation. The new office is integrated into the Directorate-General for Communication Networks, Content, and Technology. It is structured to complement the existing EU administrative framework without altering the existing powers of national authorities or changing the distribution of responsibilities among various #eubodies. The office’s responsibilities extend to developing and deploying trustworthy AI systems within the EU, promoting innovation, and driving positive societal and economic impacts. Operational tasks include creating evaluation methodologies for AI models, monitoring system compliance and emerging risks, investigating potential infractions, and enhancing cooperation and information exchange among national authorities (https://lnkd.in/dpF4P_Uv). Beyond its foundational regulatory and monitoring functions, the office will engage with AI providers and the scientific community to advance best practices and establish codes of conduct. It aims to foster cross-sectoral collaboration within the Commission and ensure that AI technologies align with EU policy goals. It only shows how we never have enough offices and bodies in the EU.

As a follow-up on my post for last week, the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) issued a statement on April 5, 2024, underscoring a unified commitment to a risk-based approach for artificial intelligence (AI). This approach is aimed at fostering the development of AI that is not only innovative but also safe, secure, and trustworthy. 🤝 The TTC’s statement from Leuven, Belgium, reaffirms the transatlantic partnership’s dedication to supporting democratic values and human rights. The council appears focused on establishing rules for emerging technologies including AI. 🚀 An area of focus appears to be equipping the workforce with the skills necessary for the digital transformation, highlighting the importance of preparing societies for the future of technology. 💡 The statement also emphasizes the importance of interoperability and the promotion of innovation while ensuring the well-being of citizens. This focus appears directed at maintaining the integrity of the international rules-based order and for the economic security of firms, workers, and citizens. 🔍 Obviously a lot more to come. Players in the AI space will need to pay attention to the various transatlantic developments expected this year to ensure compliance and strategic positioning for emerging technology. #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #EULaw #USLaw #Technology #Innovation #DigitalTransformation

🚀 (Real) Breaking News: The EU AI Act Takes a Giant Leap Forward! 🌍 In an era where artificial intelligence is redefining the boundaries of possibility, the European Union has taken a decisive step towards shaping our digital future. Today marks a historic milestone with the passage of the EU AI Act, heralding a new era of tech governance that balances innovation with safeguarding citizens' rights. 🔍 What's Next on the Horizon? Before this groundbreaking regulation graces the pages of the Official Journal of the EU, it embarks on a final meticulous review by the sage lawyers-linguists. Anticipation builds as its adoption is slated for the twilight of this parliamentary term, setting the stage for a formal nod from the Council. 📅 Countdown to Impact The countdown begins now, with the act soaring into effect 20 days post-publication. Yet, its full might will unfurl over a 24-month horizon, promising a future where AI's potential is harnessed responsibly. Here's a glance at the phased timeline: > Certain high-risk practices face an immediate clampdown, effective just 6 months post-enactment. > The introduction of Codes of Practice will follow suit in 9 months, laying down the ethical groundwork. > A year into its journey, the act will unveil governance rules for AI systems of general purposes. > And for those high-stakes, high-risk systems, a 36-month period is allocated to meet the new obligations. 💡 Why This Matters This isn't just legislation; it's a blueprint for a future where AI and humans coexist in harmony, fostering innovation while protecting the fabric of our society. It's about setting a global standard that others might follow, demonstrating that progress and ethical responsibility can go hand in hand. Let's embark on this journey together, embracing the changes and challenges that lie ahead in this exciting new chapter of digital evolution. Your thoughts, insights, and conversations on this pivotal development are eagerly awaited. #EUAIAct #DigitalInnovation #TechGovernance #AIRegulation #FutureIsNow #EUAIAct #DigitalInnovation #TechGovernance #AIRegulation #FutureIsNow #EUTechPolicy #ArtificialIntelligence #InnovationPolicy #DigitalEurope #TechEthics #ResponsibleAI #AIForGood #GovernanceAndAI #FutureOfTech

Last September 5th 2024, the Council of Europe made history by signing the first-ever legally binding international treaty concerning #AI alignment with #HumanRights 🙍♀️ 👥 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 The Convention aligns seamlessly with the #AIAct, the world's first comprehensive AI regulation. It adopts a nuanced, risk-based approach for assessing and regulating AI systems potentially harmful for citizen’s fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law 🤖 ⚖ Find out more on fundamental principles and key features hereunder⤵ 🗞 https://lnkd.in/dfHmtdyR 📬 Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop & receive all the latest updates, event news, and opportunities to be involved. 📩 https://lnkd.in/e2NQk7WG EU Digital & Tech | EU Science, Research and Innovation | Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) | Universidad Politécnica de Madrid | The Lisbon Council | European Research Executive Agency (REA) | EU AI Act

📣 “Historic!”, declared Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market, on 8 December 2023: “With the political deal on the AI Act sealed tonight, the EU becomes the first continent to set clear rules for the use of AI.” ✍ In her Policy Paper, Aysenur Alma gives an overview of the state of play of the upcoming EU AI Act within the legislative process. Since the Commission's proposal in April 2021, the proposal has undergone the ordinary legislative procedure. Last month, a provisional agreement was achieved in the trilogue negotiations of the Parliament and the Council. ❗ Taking into consideration the political sensitivity of regulating Artificial Intelligence, the trilogue results are an important step forward towards the adoption of the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation. The EU has established an extensive framework for safe and human-centric AI systems that has the potential to create a spillover to the global market space. 🇪🇺 🌎 The regulation is not only awaited within Europe but is also expected to have extra-territorial reach. Nevertheless, Alma argues, it is important to keep in mind that the factors benefitting the regulatory power of the EU in digital and AI policy are not a given. For instance, the EU consumer market and access to it can – in the long run – lose its affluence as the importance of large consumer markets in emerging economies rises. Thus, simultaneous investments in future technologies in the AI sector remain indispensable for a global standard-setting and regulatory pioneering role of the EU. #aiact #artificialintelligence #europeanunion #digital #CIFEPolicyPaper

🤔 Regulating #AI is as complex as the technology itself. Are you part of a civil society organisation or a policymaker in the digital space, finding it hard to untangle Europe's intricate AI regulations? We want to help you! At #DisinfoCon, we’ll dive into 3️⃣ crucial intersections between the EU's AI Act and the #DSA. The session will provide you with a clearer understanding of how the EU is shaping new standards for transparency, accountability, and the ethical use of AI. Additionally, you’ll discover the best avenues for presenting your technical research as evidence to support enforcement actions. Let us help you become a better advocate in the digital space! Join our #DisinfoCon2024! Register now ➡️ https://bit.ly/3LRTA3c 🤝Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany #Disinformation #DigitalDemocracy