New EU rules for Artificial intelligence allow for innovation and regulate risks

Do not fear artificial intelligence, but regulate the risks. Allow for innovation, but use it responsibly. This is what the EPP Group fought for in the negotiations that led to a political agreement on the AI Act between the EU Member States, the European Parliament and the European Commission.

“The citizens of Europe expected us to step up and address these powerful new technologies. We owe it to them to deliver on that, and I am delighted that we have been able to do so. It marks the EU's commitment to shaping the future of AI in a way that is aligned with our values and protects our citizens. This new law will help ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly and ethically and that it benefits everyone,” highlighted Deirdre Clune MEP, who negotiated the law on behalf of the EPP Group in the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee. “Furthermore, given the need to strike the right balance between innovation and regulation, the regulation of foundation models, in particular, is not inherently anti-innovation. On the contrary, it can foster a more trustworthy and reliable AI ecosystem, that encourages responsible development and attracts investment. By establishing clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms, the EU can create a conducive environment for AI development, and ensure that innovation aligns with societal values and ethical principles,” Clune concluded.

AI plays a growing role in European economies and democracies. This is why the EPP Group wants Europe to be at the forefront of setting the rules for global standards. The AI Act is the first stand-alone set of rules of its kind to regulate the expansion and use of artificial intelligence.

“As the EPP Group, we have clearly left our mark on the AI Act. We now have to make sure that everything we have agreed works in practice," said Axel Voss MEP, who negotiated the law on behalf of the EPP Group in the Committee of Civil Affairs. The measures in the AI Act will only be implemented if we have legal certainty, harmonised standards, clear guidelines and enforcement. We argued against over-regulation and pushed for much more flexibility in order to modernise Europe. We must ensure that Europe remains competitive in AI. We have a duty to address innovation concerns and find ways to ensure that Europe is not left behind," underlined Voss.