EUROPEAN COMMISSION HOSTS INAUGURAL HIGH-LEVEL MEETING TO PREPARE FOR AI ACT IMPLEMENTATION

Authored By - Ms Tanima Bhatia

Key Highlights Strategic Vision and Collaboration:

- The meeting set the groundwork for the AI Act’s implementation, emphasizing early collaboration.

- Attendees included high-level delegates from all EU Member States, the European Commission, and EEA/EFTA members.

- The meeting aimed to ensure a robust setup for the AI governance framework, facilitating effective participation and timely implementation of the AI Act.

On 19^th June, 2024, the European Commission hosted the inaugural high-level meeting for the upcoming AI Board at the Commission’s Borschette building. Although the formal entry into force of the AI Act is anticipated for early August, this gathering aimed to establish the groundwork for its proper implementation. The meeting underscored the necessity for early collaboration among stakeholders regarding the AI Act. The agenda encompassed several key topics including the strategic vision for the AI Act’s implementation , national approaches to AI governance and supervision , and the organization of the Board such as its mandate, the process for selecting a Chair, the decision-making process, and the creation of sub-groups.

Key Participants and Observers

In addition to delegates from the European Commission, notable attendees included Director-General Roberto Viola, Director of the AI Office Lucilla Sioli, and other representatives from the AI Office. High-level delegates from all EU Member States were present, ensuring a comprehensive representation of perspectives. The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) attended in its observer role, highlighting the significance of data protection in AI governance. Additionally, representatives from EEA/EFTA members—Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland—participated in an observing capacity, emphasizing the broader European interest in the AI Act.

Objectives and Future Meetings

The timing of this meeting reflects the Commission’s and Member States’ commitment to ensuring a robust and timely setup for the AI governance framework. The objective is to facilitate effective participation of Member States and ensure a smooth implementation of the AI Act from day one. The strategic discussions aimed to align national approaches with the overarching European strategy, fostering a unified approach to AI governance across the continent. The next meeting is scheduled for early Autumn, post the AI Act’s entry into force, which will further solidify the framework and operational aspects of the AI Board.

Further Information

For more details on the AI Board and the AI Act, interested parties can refer to the European AI Office. The key provisions related to the establishment and tasks of the AI Board are outlined in Articles 65 and 66 of the AI Act. The complete and final text of the AI Act, including the corrigendum and revisions by lawyer-linguists, is available in a downloadable PDF format.

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