As the European Union prepares for the next elections, the continent finds itself at a critical juncture. The next wave of leaders will be tasked with guiding the EU towards a future defined by technological prowess, regulatory adaptability and global competitiveness.
During this outgoing term, we have already taken a bold step by introducing the AI Act, a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to govern the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI). As the next term approaches, it is imperative that the EU focuses on the effective implementation of this landmark legislation. The AI law not only guarantees fundamental rights, but is also expected to promote innovation and ethical practices in AI.
To ensure successful implementation, EU leaders must collaborate with industry experts, academia and civil society. However, Member States must also collaborate with each other to ensure a harmonized approach to implementation. The fragmentation of the digital sphere will be our greatest weakness. Transparency, accountability and a robust enforcement mechanism should be at the forefront of the EU’s strategy for navigating the complex landscape of AI development.
Additionally, as technology evolves, the regulatory frameworks that govern it must evolve as well. The EU must also embark on thoughtful and adaptive reform of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which was another landmark EU legislation that showed flaws in its fragmented implementation and unsuitability for new technologies. GDPR must be able to address emerging data protection challenges without stifling innovation. Reform efforts should focus on strengthening user control over personal data, promoting international cooperation on data protection standards, and streamlining regulatory processes. Striking a delicate balance between privacy protection and data-driven innovation is essential. The EU should learn lessons from GDPR implementation to create a more agile and responsive regulatory framework.
As technology evolves, the regulatory frameworks that govern it must also evolve.
Ultimately, whatever we do in regulation, we will not succeed without the right investments. The EU finds itself at a crossroads in the global technology race, with the US and China having pulled ahead in almost every technology category, including artificial intelligence. The AI law does not lead to a brain drain, but it will not lead to brain gain either. To secure a competitive advantage, European leaders must invest significantly in research and development, innovation ecosystems and digital infrastructure, and provide an attractive framework for research. Additionally, targeted investments in education and digital skills development will ensure a tech-literate workforce capable of driving innovation. This not only concerns AI, but also other new developments in the field of quantum computing or virtual worlds for which we need a competitive advantage and to prepare for the consequences of its widespread use over the of the next term.
The European Union’s political priorities until 2029 must revolve around building a future that embraces technological innovation while preserving fundamental rights from a geostrategic perspective. We can regulate technology as much as we want, but it will achieve no results if we are not also at the forefront of technological development based on our democratic values. As citizens head to the polls, the choices made in the upcoming elections will pave the way for a resilient, competitive and technologically advanced European future.
