In May 2024, the European Commission introduced the AI Office, a new initiative aimed at promoting the development and use of AI in a way that benefits society and the economy. The office, housed within the commission itself, will play a crucial role in implementing the EU AI Act, a groundbreaking legislation that will govern AI in the European Union.
One of the main objectives of the AI Office is to foster research and innovation in trustworthy AI, positioning the EU as a leader in global discussions on the technology. Additionally, the office will work towards balancing innovation and risk mitigation in the deployment of AI.
Background: EU AI Act and responsible innovation
The European AI Office will serve as the hub of AI expertise in the EU, with a focus on implementing the AI Act to ensure the health, safety, and fundamental rights of individuals. The act aims to promote responsible AI and provide legal certainty to businesses operating in the EU.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, emphasized the importance of the AI Office in ensuring that AI serves humanity and upholds European values. The office will be responsible for evaluating and testing general-purpose AI models to ensure compliance with the AI Act.
With the power to enforce rules for general-purpose AI models, the AI Office will play a key role in maintaining AI responsibility. It will also work towards establishing a clear European approach to AI on the international stage, becoming a reference point for global discussions on AI.
Employing a team of over 140 staff members, including technology specialists, administrative assistants, lawyers, policy experts, and economists, the AI Office will be led by Lucilla Sioli, the current Director for AI and Digital Industry within the European Commission.
Championing a clear European approach to AI
The primary goal of the EU AI Office is to promote the use of responsible AI and ensure that AI development aligns with European values and principles.
