EU as a global standard-setter in AI?

The The EU’s directly elected legislative body comprised of 705 members. It is involved in policymaking but it does not have the power to propose new legislation. European Parliament established the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in September 2020, in order to explore how the EU should deal with AI technology. On Tuesday, 22 March, the committee adopted its final report. The key message: the use of AI comes with many opportunities, but the EU needs to take a more proactive role in shaping the standards for AI use to mitigate the risks connected to it.

Opportunities and risks

A Member of the European Parliament (MEP) is a person who has been elected to serve as a representative in the European Parliament. MEPs of the Committee highlight that AI should be seen as an opportunity to combat pandemics and hunger, to mitigate effects of climate change, and to assist people with personalized medicine. At the same time, if no minimum standards are set, AI could also have fatal consequences, for instance leading to the emergence of lethal autonomous weapon systems and infringement of privacy rights through mass surveillance. Lead A Member of the European Parliament (MEP) is a person who has been elected to serve as a representative in the European Parliament. MEP Axel Voss (EPP) stressed the importance of the EU in avoiding this situation:

“The EU now has the unique chance to promote a human-centric and trustworthy approach to AI based on fundamental rights that manages risks while taking full advantage of the benefits AI can bring for the whole of society. We need a legal framework that leaves space for innovation, and a harmonised digital single market with clear standards.”

They therefore consider the EU’s role crucial in setting a global minimum standard in order to avoid this being set by non-democratic regimes who do not shy away from breaching fundamental rights.

The S&D’s response

The Socialists & Democrats Group (S&D) co-developed and supported the report produced by the committee. S&D Group negotiator on the report, Brando Benifei, pointed out the importance of social considerations in the use of AI:

“AI in the EU should be human-centric and ethical, developed and used for the common good and the best interests of our citizens and businesses. […] What we, the Socialists and Democrats, fought for was to find the balance between this and guaranteeing full respect for the rights and freedoms of citizens.”

Renew Europe’s response

Similarly, the Renew Europe Group also stressed the importance of the human-centric approach and wholeheartedly supported the report. Svenja Hahn, Renew Europe’s Coordinator in the committee, pointed out the gravity of the report and mapped out the future:

“The final report of the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence is an impressive achievement. For the first time, the The EU’s directly elected legislative body comprised of 705 members. It is involved in policymaking but it does not have the power to propose new legislation. European Parliament defined its vision for the role of Artificial Intelligence in our societies. It is now crucial to implement the main takeaways in the upcoming AI Act.”

Vote

The report included policy proposals and a potential AI Roadmap leading up to 2030. The report will be voted on by the plenary in May.