European Union
EU Artificial Intelligence Tracker
This EU Artificial Intelligence tracker monitors key dates and information on legal and policy developments surrounding artificial intelligence in the EU. It covers major legislative initiatives, law reforms and policy updates impacting artificial intelligence in the European Union.
EU Artificial Intelligence Tracker (2025—):
The EU AI Tracker provides a clear overview of developments in artificial intelligence regulation within the European Union from 2025. It compiles official documents, proposals, policy discussions, and other relevant materials into an accessible reference point. The table also tracks the AI Pact, the European Commission’s standardisation request for the EU AI Act, the General Purpose Code of Practice, and the AI Model Clause, alongside international guidance such as the G7 Code of Conduct and EU-US initiatives. Subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss any updates.
| Date | Nature of development | Further details |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Sep 2025 | Guidance and Reporting Template for Serious Incidents | The European Commission has launched a consultation regarding proposed guidance and a reporting template for serious incidents related to high-risk AI systems, in accordance with Article 73 of the EU AI Act. This consultation aims to assist providers in preparing for new reporting requirements that will come into effect in August 2026. The draft guidance provides clarity on important definitions, specifies the types of incidents that need to be reported, and explains how these new regulations will interact with existing legal frameworks. The reporting template seeks to standardize the submissions made to national authorities. Feedback is requested by November 7, 2025. |
| 4 Sep 2025 | Guidelines and Code of Practice on Transparent AI systems | The European Commission has launched a consultation to support the implementation of transparency requirements outlined in Article 50 of the EU AI Act. This initiative is designed to help providers and users of generative and interactive AI systems, as well as those involved with emotion recognition, biometric categorization, and deepfake technologies, in fulfilling their obligations to inform individuals when they are engaging with AI or encountering AI-generated or altered content. These transparency requirements will take effect on 2 August 2026. The consultation and call for expressions of interest will remain open until 2 October 2025, with the finalization of the guidelines and code of practice expected by June 2026. |
| 1 Aug 2025 | GPAI Code of Practice | The European Commission and the European AI Board have issued an official statement affirming that the General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice, created by independent experts, serves as a sufficient voluntary resource for providers of GPAI models to show their compliance with the EU AI Act. |
| 30 Jul 2025 | Study | The European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs has published a study calling for urgent investment in traceability and attribution mechanisms for generative AI systems, following concerns that current models trained on copyright-protected content lack transparency. The study outlines technical and legal risks and recommends shared responsibility among developers, rights holders, and regulators to ensure legal compliance and fair remuneration. |
| 24 Jul 2025 | Explanatory Notice and Template | The European Commission has released an Explanatory Notice and Template to assist providers of GPAI models in fulfilling their obligations under Article 53(1)(d) of the EU AI Act. This regulation requires the public disclosure of a detailed summary of the data used to train these models, effective August 2, 2025. The intention is to enhance transparency, uphold rights enforcement, and find a balance between commercial confidentiality and the public interest. |
| 24 Jun 2025 | Platform | The European Commission has introduced new features on its AI-on-Demand platform to support the development of AI across research and industry. It provides researchers with access to datasets, tools, and computing resources. The initiative forms part of the AI Continent Action Plan and is intended to promote the adoption of trustworthy, scalable AI across the EU. |
| 18 Jul 2025 | Guidelines on GPAI Models | The European Commission has issued new guidelines that clarify the obligations of providers of General-Purpose AI (GPAI) models in relation to the EU AI Act. Released in anticipation of the Act's rules for GPAI model implementation set for 2 August 2025, these guidelines aim to elucidate the responsibilities of providers under this legislation. While not legally binding, they reflect the Commission’s interpretation and approach to enforcing the EU AI Act. These guidelines also serve to complement the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice. |
| 10 Jul 2025 | General-Purpose AI Code of Practice | The European Commission has released the final version of the General Purpose AI Code of Practice. This code, developed by 13 independent experts with contributions from over 1,000 stakeholders, aims to help providers comply with the EU AI Act's regulations regarding transparency, copyright, and systemic risk for GPAI models. It will be reviewed by Member States and enhanced by additional guidelines from the Commission before the relevant obligations for GPAI models under the EU AI Act take effect on 2 August 2025. See its Questions and Answers. |
| 24 Jun 2025 | Study | The Policy Department for Justice, Civil Liberties, and Institutional Affairs of the European Parliament has released a study that examines the EU's regulatory stance on civil liability related to AI systems. Commissioned by the Committee on Legal Affairs, the study proposes the establishment of a strict liability system specifically for high-risk AI systems. It suggests adopting a singular operator model to avoid regulatory inconsistencies among EU Member States and highlights the need for legal clarity, efficiency, and uniformity within the regulatory framework. |
| 10 Jun 2025 | Timeline | The European Parliamentary Research Service has issued a concise document outlining the timeline for implementing the EU AI Act. Published in July 2024, the EU AI Act is set to take a minimum of three years for full implementation, with the complete regulatory framework expected to be operational by mid-2027. |
| 6 Jun 2025 | Consultation | The Commission has launched a public consultation to inform the implementation of the EU AI Act's provisions on high-risk AI systems. The consultation, conducted by the Commission, aims to gather practical examples and clarify the application of rules concerning high-risk systems, which include those critical to product safety under EU law and those that significantly impact health, safety, or fundamental rights. The feedback will support the development of Commission guidelines on classifying such systems and specifying corresponding responsibilities along the AI value chain. Stakeholders, including developers, users, public authorities, academia, civil society, and citizens, are encouraged to participate. The consultation closes on 18 July 2025. |
| 12 May 2025 | EUIPO Study | The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has released a study that explores the legal implications of utilising copyright-protected works to train generative AI systems. This report examines current EU legislation, including the Copyright Directive (EU) 2019/790, also known as the Digital Single Market Copyright Directive, as well as expected provisions from the EU AI Act. It focuses on three main areas: the legal status of utilising copyright-protected materials for AI training, the assessment of rights protection mechanisms, and the challenges posed by the regulatory framework surrounding AI-generated content. Additionally, the report assesses the economic impact of copyright-intensive sectors and the potential revenue opportunities that may arise from the emerging market for AI training data. |
| 7 May 2025 | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | The European Commission has released a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the literacy requirements outlined in Article 4 of the EU AI Act. This guide addresses inquiries related to the definitions within Article 4 and the EU AI Act, as well as compliance and enforcement related to Article 4. It also details the AI Office's stance on AI literacy and provides additional valuable resources. |
| 22 Apr 2025 | Consultation on General-Purpose AI | The European Commission has initiated a focused consultation to gather feedback on guidelines that will clarify the regulations governing general-purpose AI models as part of the EU AI Act. These guidelines will cover essential topics, including the definition of GPAI models, provider obligations, and market placement rules. Additionally, the Commission intends to highlight how adhering to the Code of Practice can ease the administrative responsibilities for providers. |
| 14 Apr 2025 | Guidelines on the Relationship between the EU AI Act and the EU GDPR | The EDPB has announced its intention to collaborate with the AI Office on developing guidelines that address the relationship between the EU AI Act and the EU GDPR, specifically with respect to processing personal data through blockchain. |
| 10 Apr 2025 | Consultation | The European Commission has initiated a consultation regarding its new European Strategy for AI in science, along with guidelines for the responsible use of AI in research. This strategy is designed to harmonize AI implementation across EU Member States and to create a European AI Research Council. The consultation will remain open until June 5, 2025. |
| 10 Apr 2025 | Guidelines on the Responsible Use of Gen AI in Research | The Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the Commission has released the second version of its guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI in research. These updated recommendations are aimed at researchers, research organisations, and funding bodies, serving as a complement to the EU AI Act. They set forth requirements for transparency in the use of AI tools, safeguarding sensitive data and intellectual property rights, and explicitly prohibit significant AI involvement in peer review processes. |
| 9 Apr 2025 | Consultation | The European Commission has introduced the AI Continent Action Plan with the goal of positioning Europe as a global leader in artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to transform traditional industries and tap into the region's talent pool to drive AI innovation, contributing to a broader strategy that enhances Europe’s competitiveness, security, and technological independence in the AI sector. Additionally, the Commission has initiated two consultations: one focused on the Apply AI Strategy and another related to the new Cloud and AI Development Act. Through the Apply AI Strategy consultation, the Commission aims to gather feedback from stakeholders on the challenges they face in implementing the EU AI Act. This input will help shape additional support measures and guide a more comprehensive evaluation of the need to simplify digital legislation. |
| 11 Mar 2025 | General-Purpose AI Code of Practice | The European Commission has unveiled the third draft of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice. This draft features a more streamlined structure that includes two key commitments focused on transparency and copyright for all general-purpose AI providers, along with 16 additional commitments that emphasise safety and security for models deemed to have systemic risks. The Code is anticipated to be finalised by May 2025 and will act as a compliance framework for the AI Act. It introduces a new Model Documentation Form and offers simplified copyright provisions. Stakeholders are invited to share their feedback until March 30, 2025, via an interactive website and a series of dedicated workshops. |
| 5 Mar 2025 | Model Clauses | The Commission has released updated model contractual clauses for AI procurement, revising the original version from September 2023 to align with the EU AI Act. The update includes a comprehensive version for high-risk AI systems, a lighter version for non-high-risk AI, and accompanying practical guidance. The clauses aim to support public buyers in implementing AI procurement practices that comply with the new regulatory framework. |
| 26 Feb 2025 | Briefing | The European Parliament has released a briefing addressing algorithmic discrimination within the context of the AI Act and the GDPR. This document outlines the challenges the EU AI Act faces in addressing discrimination related to high-risk AI systems while upholding fundamental rights such as data protection. While the EU AI Act permits the processing of special categories of personal data to identify and rectify bias, its relationship with the more restrictive EU GDPR creates some legal ambiguities. To resolve these issues, there may be a need for legislative reform or additional guidance. |
| 12 Feb 2025 | Statement | The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has announced the establishment of a task force focused on AI enforcement, broadening the scope of its existing initiative concerning ChatGPT. The EDPB highlighted the importance of coordinating Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in addressing urgent and sensitive issues, which has led to the formation of a rapid response team. This initiative is designed to help DPAs navigate the challenges posed by AI while upholding robust data protection standards. Anu Talus, the EDPB Chair, emphasised the necessity of balancing responsible innovation with the rigorous data protection requirements outlined in the GDPR framework. |
| 12 Feb 2025 | European Commission 2025 Work Programme | As part of its 2025 Work Programme, the European Commission has revealed several key initiatives:
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| 11 Feb 2025 | Press Release | The European Commission has launched InvestAI, a project aimed at raising €200 billion for artificial intelligence investment across the EU. The initiative features a new €20 billion European fund dedicated to establishing AI gigafactories, which will support the development of four facilities focused on training advanced, large-scale AI models. |
| 6 Feb 2025 | Guidelines for Defining AI Systems | The European Commission has released guidelines to help providers determine whether a software system qualifies as AI under the EU AI Act. These guidelines are non-binding and are intended to facilitate the application of the Act's rules, which took effect on February 2. The Commission also notes that these guidelines will be updated over time to reflect practical experiences and emerging use cases. |
| 4 Feb 2025 | AI Literacy Repository | The European Commission has established a repository of AI literacy practices to support the implementation of the AI Act. This repository gathers examples from AI Pact organisations and organises them based on their implementation status. While it does not guarantee compliance, the initiative aims to foster learning and collaboration among AI providers and deployers. The EU AI Office highlights that this initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to support the implementation of Article 4, with additional discussions planned for a webinar on 20 February 2025. |
| 4 Feb 2025 | Guidelines on Prohibited AI Practices | The European Commission has released guidelines regarding prohibited AI practices as outlined in the EU AI Act. These non-binding guidelines aim to promote a uniform application of the Act across the EU by providing legal clarifications and practical examples of unacceptable AI practices. The document addresses issues such as harmful manipulation, social scoring, and real-time remote biometric identification. Although these guidelines have been approved, they are pending formal adoption, and the document stresses that definitive interpretations will be the responsibility of the Court of Justice of the EU. |
| 19 Jan 2025 | Communication | The European Commission has launched the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic framework designed to steer its efforts over the next five years and identify key actions to boost Europe's competitiveness. This marks the Commission's first significant initiative within its current mandate. The goal of the Compass is to establish Europe as a frontrunner in the development, production, and promotion of future technologies, services, and eco-friendly products, all while striving for climate neutrality. The Compass details several AI-related initiatives:
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EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act)
Our EU AI Act Tracker provides a clear and reliable overview of developments surrounding the European Union’s landmark legislation on artificial intelligence. Designed as an accessible resource for professionals, researchers, and businesses, it brings together structured updates on the Act’s progress, status, and key provisions. The tracker is updated regularly to help readers stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss any updates.
| Date | Nature of development | Further details |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Oct 2025 | Press Release | The European Commission has introduced the AI Act Service Desk and a Single Information Platform to facilitate the implementation of the EU AI Act. This platform will act as a central resource, providing guidance, interactive tools, and an online form for inquiries directed to the EU AI Act Service Desk. The Commission is dedicated to assisting with the implementation as the regulation gradually takes effect across the EU. |
| 16 Sep 2025 | Consultation | The European Commission has initiated a call for evidence regarding the Digital Omnibus, which is part of its Digital Package on Simplification, set to be adopted as a directive and regulation by late 2025. This initiative aims to lessen administrative burdens and compliance costs while still achieving the goals of current legislation. It addresses issues such as fragmentation, outdated regulations, and inconsistent enforcement within the EU digital landscape. Additionally, it will introduce specific simplification measures to enhance the implementation of the EU AI Act. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their feedback by 14 October 2025. |
| 1 Aug 2024 | Entry Into Force | The EU AI Act officially came into effect on 1 August 2024. Most of its regulations will take effect on 2 August 2026, while Member States have until 2 August 2025 to appoint national authorities responsible for overseeing the enforcement of these AI regulations and conducting market surveillance. Additionally, the Commission is working on guidelines to clarify and outline the implementation of the EU AI Act, as well as developing co-regulatory tools such as standards and codes of practice. The Commission's AI Office will serve as the primary enforcement body for general-purpose AI models, playing a vital role in implementing the EU AI Act at the EU level. |
| 17 Jul 2024 | EDPB Statement | The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has adopted a statement regarding the role of Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) within the framework of the EU AI Act. Under this Act, Member States are mandated to designate Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) at the national level by 2 August 2025 to oversee the enforcement and application of the EU AI Act. See the FAQs for European individuals and FAQs for European Businesses. |
| 12 Jul 2024 | Official Journal | The EU AI Act has been officially published and will come into effect on 1 August 2024, with its application starting on 2 August 2026. However, Chapters I (General Provisions) and II (Prohibited AI Practices) will take effect earlier, starting on 2 February 2025. Chapter III (High-Risk AI Systems), section 4, along with Chapters V (General Purpose AI Models), VII (Governance), and XII (Penalties), as well as Article 78 (Confidentiality), will be applicable from 2 August 2025, with the exception of Article 101. Additionally, Article 6(1) (concerning AI systems covered by the legislation in Annex I) will be implemented on 2 August 2027. |
| 19 Jun 2024 | Meeting | The inaugural high-level meeting of the forthcoming AI Board was held, emphasising the importance of early collaboration on the forthcoming AI Act. The agenda included discussions on several key topics: a strategic vision for implementing the EU AI Act and the Board's role, national strategies for governance and supervision under the EU AI Act, initial deliverables and priorities set by the Commission for the Act's implementation, and the organisation of the Board itself. |
| 29 May 2024 | Press Release | The European Commission has introduced the EU AI Office, designed to support the future progress, implementation, and application of AI in a manner that promotes societal and economic advantages and innovation, while also addressing potential risks. |
| 21 May 2024 | Press Release | The Council of the EU has given its approval to the EU AI Act. After being signed by the presidents of the Council and the European Parliament, the act will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will take effect twenty days after its publication. The provisions of the EU AI Act will be applicable two years after it comes into force, though some specific provisions may have different timelines. |
| 23 Apr 2024 | Regulation | The European Parliament has approved the Corrigendum to the EU AI Act. Since there were no requests for a vote from the IMCO and LIBE committees, the corrigendum has been forwarded to the Council of the EU for ratification. This legislation is anticipated to take effect in June 2024. |
| 19 Apr 2024 | Regulation | The European Parliament has released a Corrigendum for the EU AI Act that was adopted on March 13, 2024. This corrigendum serves as a legal and linguistic correction to the draft of the Act. It specifically includes amendments regarding how the Act applies to open source software. With this correction in place, the Council of the EU can proceed to approve the European Parliament's position. |
| 13 Mar 2024 | Press Release | The European Parliament has passed the EU AI Act, which now requires formal approval from the European Council. Once published in the Official Journal of the EU, the law will take effect 20 days later, with full implementation scheduled for 24 months after that. Prohibitions on certain practices will be enforced six months after the law comes into force, while codes of practice will be established nine months later. Governance and GPAI regulations will be in effect 12 months post-enforcement, and obligations for high-risk systems will be in place after 36 months. See adopted text here. |
| 14 Feb 2024 | Decision | On 24 January 2024, the European Commission released Decision C/2024/390, establishing the European Artificial Intelligence Office within the Directorate-General for Communication Networks, Content, and Technology. This decision will take effect on 21 February 2024 and has been published in the Official Journal of the EU. |
| 14 Feb 2024 | Regulation | The Internal Market and Civil Liberties Committees of the European Parliament have approved a provisional agreement regarding the negotiations on the EU AI Act with EU Member States, with a vote result of 71 in favour and 8 against. A full vote by the parliament is anticipated in March 2024. You can find the text here. |
| 2 Feb 2024 | Regulation | Ambassadors from EU member states (COREPER) approved the final version of the legislation following weeks of uncertainty regarding its acceptance by France and Germany. According to a spokesman for the Belgian government, the agreement was reached unanimously. See the current version of the text here. |
| 25 Jan 2024 | Press Release | The European Commission has announced the creation of an EAIO within its framework, specifically within the Directorate-General for Communication Networks, Content and Technology. According to the Commission, the EAIO will operate in accordance with its internal procedures and will not interfere with the authority and responsibilities of national entities, bodies, offices, or EU agencies regarding the oversight of AI systems, as outlined in the forthcoming EU AI Act. |
| 12 Dec 2023 | Q&A | The European Commission released a Q&A document regarding the proposed EU AI Act. |
| 9 Dec 2023 | Regulation | The Council of the EU and the European Parliament have come to a preliminary political agreement on the AI Act. They have resolved contentious issues, including the regulation of foundation models through a risk-based approach and the use of biometric identification in law enforcement, which will be allowed under stringent conditions. This compromise also aligns the definitions with the methodology suggested by the OECD. The next step involves the formal approval of the Act by the co-legislators. Once published in the Official Journal, the Act will go into effect 20 days later and will be applicable two years after that, with some exceptions: prohibitions will be implemented after six months, and rules concerning general-purpose AI will be enforced after 12 months. |
| 24 Oct 2023 | Opinion | The EDPS has released its Opinion regarding the EU AI Act, offering targeted recommendations related to its upcoming responsibilities as the authority overseeing AI systems within European institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies (EUIs). |
| 11 Sept 2023 | Report | The European Commission has published a report emphasising the cybersecurity requirements for high-risk AI systems, as specified in Article 15 of its proposal for the EU AI Act. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the rapidly evolving AI environment, presents guiding principles for compliance with the EU AI Act, discusses strategies to mitigate cybersecurity risks, and addresses the substantial challenges associated with fulfilling the Act's cybersecurity requirements. |
| 25 Jul 2023 | Position Paper | The BEUC has published a position paper outlining recommendations for EU legislators concerning AI and the EU AI Act. Their suggestions aim to guide lawmakers in safeguarding consumer interests when utilising AI systems, ahead of the final legislative phase of the EU AI Act. |
| 12 Jul 2023 | Statement | Civil society urges the EU to safeguard individuals' rights during the ‘trilogue’ negotiations of the AI Act. |
| 14 Jun 2023 | Regulation | The European Parliament has finalised its negotiating position on the EU AI Act. The consolidated text approved by the relevant committees in the European Parliament can be accessed here. Following this, the Council of the EU will begin discussions with the European Parliament to aim for a consensus on the proposed regulation. |
| 11 May 2023 | Regulation | MEPs of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) committees of the European Parliament adopted their negotiation on the draft EU AI Act. This position is set to be ratified by the European Parliament plenary during the session from June 12 to 15. The consolidated text can be accessed here. The proposed changes feature customized regulations for general-purpose AI and foundation models, such as ChatGPT. |
| 6 Dec 2022 | Regulation | The Council of the EU has finalised its stance on the draft version of the EU AI Act, which dates back to 25 November 2022. Discussions involving the Council of the EU, the Commission, and the European Parliament will commence once the European Parliament has agreed on its common position. |
| 15 Jul 2022 | Regulation | The Second Presidency compromise text has been released in the Council of the EU Register concerning the Proposal for an EU AI Act. |
| 27 Jun 2022 | Regulatory Sandbox | The Commission and the Government of Spain have launched the inaugural regulatory sandbox focused on AI, titled ‘Bringing the AI Regulation Forward.’ This pilot program, initiated by the Spanish government, implements the requirements of the EU AI Act for specific AI projects. It also includes aspects such as conformity assessments and post-market activities, along with the provision of guidelines, toolkits, and best practice resources for all parties involved. The aim is to offer companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises and startups, increased clarity as they begin to comply with the EU AI Act’s requirements and related features. Testing commenced in October 2022, and the findings will be revealed during Spain's Presidency of the Council of the EU in the latter half of 2023. |
| 20 Apr 2022 | Report | The committees on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) of the European Parliament have released a report regarding the EU AI Act, detailing their proposed amendments. |
| 25 Jan 2022 | Press Release | The European Parliament has announced that the main committees will commence their parliamentary work on the proposal for the EU AI Act. |
| 29 Dec 2021 | Opinion | The European Central Bank published its Opinion on the EU AI Act. |
| 29 Nov 2021 | Regulation | The First Presidency compromise text has been released in the EU Register regarding the Proposal for the EU AI Act. |
| 8 Oct 2021 | BEUC Position Paper | The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has published a position paper on the EU’s AI Act proposals, stating that these proposals need significant improvements to ensure that consumers are adequately protected and can trust that AI will uphold their rights and freedoms. The paper outlines BEUC's recommendations for the draft AI Act. |
| 22 Sep 2021 | Opinion | The European Economic and Social Committee has released its opinion on the EU AI Act. |
| 21 Jun 2021 | Opinion | The EDPB and the EDPS have released a joint opinion regarding the European Commission's proposal for an EU AI Act. They express support for the idea of regulations specifically tailored for AI, but also highlight certain concerns. |
| 21 Apr 2021 | Proposal | The European Commission has released its proposal for a Regulation establishing standardised rules for AI, known as the EU Artificial Intelligence Act or EU AI Act, marking the first comprehensive legal framework for artificial intelligence. Additionally, it has proposed new regulations concerning machinery products under the EU Machinery Regulation. Alongside these proposals, an updated version of the 2018 Coordinated Plan, named the New Coordinated Plan on AI, has been issued. |
EU Artificial Intelligence Liability Directive (now withdrawn)
The European Commission published the proposal for an AI Liability Directive on 28 September 2022, aiming to harmonise certain rules on non-contractual civil liability for damage caused by AI systems. However, as part of the Commission’s Work Programme released on 12 February 2025, the proposal was listed for withdrawal and will not proceed in its current form.
| Date | Nature of development | Further details |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Oct 2025 | Official Journal of the EU | The European Commission has officially withdrawn several proposals, as stated in its 2025 Work Programme published in February 2025. Among those withdrawn is the EU AI Liability Directive. |
| 12 Feb 2025 | European Commission 2025 Work Programme | In its 2025 Work Programme, the European Commission announced its plan to withdraw the EU AI Liability Directive. The Commission stated that an agreement on the directive was unlikely and suggested it would assess whether to propose an alternative or explore a different approach. |
| 19 Sep 2024 | Impact Assessment | The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) has released an impact assessment on the proposed AI Liability Directive, as requested by the European Parliament. This study has highlighted several shortcomings in the Commission’s 2022 impact assessment that accompanied the proposal. These issues include an incomplete examination of regulatory policy options, a lack of consideration for the Parliament’s 2020 resolution on liability for AI, and a failure to explore the integration of strict liability with liability caps. Additionally, the original assessment provided insufficient detail regarding various negligence presumptions and included a limited cost-benefit analysis. The EPRS recommends that key concepts from the EU AI Act be incorporated into the AI Liability Directive. It also suggests adding categories that trigger evidence disclosure obligations and establishing rebuttable presumptions regarding fault and causality. Furthermore, the EPRS calls for the AI Liability Directive to encompass general-purpose AI systems and proposes extending the directive into a broader software liability regulation to prevent market fragmentation. |
| 11 Oct 2023 | Opinion | The European Data Protection Supervisor (EPDS) issued an opinion on proposals for a revised Product Liability Directive and a new AI Liability Directive. |
| 28 Sep 2022 | Proposal | The Commission adopted two proposals for the regulation of liability in the digital age: a revised Product Liability Directive and a new AI Liability Directive. Their aim was to ensure that victims benefited from the same standards of protection when harmed by AI products or services, as they would have if harm was caused under any other circumstances. |
| 18 Oct 2021 | Public Consultation | The European Commission initiated a public consultation aimed at addressing the adaptation of civil liability frameworks in light of advancements in the digital landscape, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence. This consultation period concluded on 10 January 2022. |
| 30 Jun 2021 | Initiative | The European Commission published an initiative proposing adaptations to the existing civil liability framework to address challenges brought about by the digital age, and in particular AI. The opportunity to give feedback on this initiative closed on 28 July 2021. |
Council of Europe Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law
The Council of Europe has adopted this Convention, and the European Commission has signed it, signalling the EU’s intention to join. This section tracks AI regulatory developments, and we will update it as further steps toward EU participation unfold.
| Date | Nature of development | Further details |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Sep 2024 | Signature | The European Commission signed the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, indicating the EU’s intention to become a party to the Convention. This Convention is the first legally binding international instrument on artificial intelligence (AI) and aims to ensure that AI activities throughout their lifecycle align with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law by adopting a risk-based approach. The Convention will be implemented through the EU AI Act, which is compatible with it, sharing key concepts such as a risk-based approach, principles of trustworthy AI, transparency for AI systems, and documentation obligations. |
| 17 May 2024 | Treaty Adoption | The Council of Europe adopted the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence (AI), marking the first global treaty designed to ensure that AI systems respect human rights. This treaty is open to Member States as well as 11 non-Member States, including Australia, Japan, Costa Rica, and the USA. It addresses the use of AI in both the public and private sectors and establishes requirements for transparency and oversight related to generative AI. Additionally, the treaty outlines the accountability and responsibilities of states regarding the negative impacts of AI. |
| 15 Mar 2024 | Update | The Council of Europe Committee on AI finalized the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić stated that this treaty, the first of its kind, will ensure that the development of AI adheres to the Council of Europe's legal standards regarding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The draft text will be submitted to the Committee of Ministers for adoption and will be opened for signature at a later date. |
| 18 Dec 2023 | Eight Plenary Meeting | The Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAI) held its Eight Plenary Meeting from December 5 to 8. On 18 December, it made a new draft of an international convention on artificial intelligence public. This document will serve as the basis for the third and final reading, though it does not preclude the final outcome of the negotiations within the CAI. |
| 7 Jul 2023 | Sixth Plenary Meeting | The CAI held its Sixth Plenary Meeting on 15 June 2023 to discuss the Council of Europe's Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. On 7 July, the CAI made public the Consolidated Working Draft of the Convention. This draft will serve as the basis for further negotiations, but it does not preclude the final outcome of those negotiations within the CAI. |
| 1–3 Feb 2023 | Fourth Plenary Meeting | The CAI held its Fourth Plenary Meeting to discuss the Council of Europe’s Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. During this meeting, the CAI published the revised "Zero Draft" Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. This draft was prepared by the Chair of the CAI, Thomas Schneider, with support from the Secretariat. It is important to note that the document does not represent the final outcome of negotiations within the Committee. |
| 11–13 Jan 2023 | Third Plenary Meeting | The CAI convenes its Third Plenary Meeting to discuss the Council of Europe’s Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. |
| 21 Nov 2022 | Council Decision | Council Decision (EU) 2022/2349 authorizes the opening of negotiations on behalf of the European Union for a Council of Europe convention regarding artificial intelligence, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. This decision provides the EU with a mandate to engage in negotiations with the Council of Europe, ensuring that the Convention aligns with international law and EU regulations. |
| 13 Oct 2022 | Opinion | The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) released Opinion 20/2022 in response to a recommendation from the European Commission issued in August 2022. This recommendation calls for a Council Decision to authorize the opening of negotiations on behalf of the European Union regarding a Council of Europe convention focused on artificial intelligence, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. |
| 21–23 Sep 2022 | Second Plenary Meeting | The second plenary meeting of the CAI took place in Strasbourg, France and online. During the meeting, the Committee examined a first draft of a convention on artificial intelligence, human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The focus was on developing common principles ensuring the continued seamless application and respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law in a context where AI systems assist or replace human decision-making. |
| 22 Aug 2022 | Recommendation | The European Commission has released a recommendation for a Council decision to authorize the opening of negotiations on behalf of the EU for a Council of Europe convention concerning artificial intelligence, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The Commission aims to have the framework drafted by 15 November 2023, and finalized before the conclusion of the Council of Europe’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAI) in 2024. |
| 20 Jun 2022 | Regulation | The Council of Europe Committee of Ministers has instructed the CAI to swiftly develop a legally binding instrument of a transversal nature, referred to as a “convention” or “framework convention,” on AI. This instrument is to be based on the Council of Europe's standards concerning human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, consistent with its terms of reference. It will focus on general common principles that promote innovation and will be open to participation from non-member states. Additionally, it will take into consideration other relevant existing international frameworks and those that are currently being developed. The chair of the CAI has circulated a 'zero draft' of the proposed framework for discussion during the plenary sessions scheduled for later this year. |
| 4–6 Apr 2022 | First Plenary Meeting | The first plenary meeting of the CAI was held in Rome, Italy, and also took place online. |
EU Artificial Intelligence Tracker (2021—2024)
The EU AI Tracker offers a structured overview of developments in artificial intelligence regulation across the European Union from 2021 to 2024. It provides a clear timeline of proposals, discussions, and regulatory progress, enabling readers to track the EU’s approach to governing AI technologies during this period.
| Date | Nature of development | Further details |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Dec 2024 | General-Purpose AI Code of Practice | The European Commission has announced the second draft of the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice, which integrates feedback from the initial draft released on November 14, 2024. This new version aligns with the obligations set by the AI Act and features a revised structure that emphasises objectives, commitments, and measures, along with initial Key Performance Indicators. Additional meetings and workshops are planned to further refine the Code. The third draft is anticipated to be available during the week of February 17, 2025. |
| 18 Dec 2024 | EDPB Opinion | The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has released an opinion regarding the use of personal data in the development and deployment of AI models. This opinion provides guidance on establishing the anonymity of AI models, evaluating legitimate interest as a legal basis for processing, and considering the consequences of using data that has been processed unlawfully. |
| 28 Nov 2024 | Webinar | The European Commission's AI Office held a webinar to explore the architecture of the EU AI Act. The event formed part of the AI Pact initiative, which aims to engage stakeholders in implementing the EU AI Act. As part of this webinar, the speakers discussed potential future legislative actions, supplementary to the EU AI Act, aimed at addressing the environmental impacts of AI. |
| 14 Nov 2024 | General-Purpose AI Code of Practice | The European Commission has released the initial draft of its General-Purpose AI Code of Practice, created by independent experts assigned by the AI Office. This draft, the result of consultations and workshops with various stakeholders, will be further refined through working group discussions and a plenary session. The objective of the Code is to support the implementation of the EU AI Act, set to take effect in August 2025. Important elements of the Code include provisions on transparency, enforcement of copyright, a taxonomy for systemic risk, methodologies for risk assessment, and measures to mitigate risks associated with advanced general-purpose AI models. Stakeholders are encouraged to share their feedback by November 28, 2024, with a final version anticipated in May 2025. |
| 13 Nov 2024 | Guidelines on AI Systems and AI Act Prohibitions | The AI Office of the European Commission has launched a targeted stakeholder consultation process to gather feedback from stakeholders on the future guidelines for defining AI systems and the enforcement of AI practices deemed to pose unacceptable risks under the EU AI Act. These guidelines are intended to support national authorities, providers, and deployers in adhering to the EU AI Act’s regulations before the relevant provisions take effect on February 2, 2025. The consultation will remain open until December 11, 2024, and the feedback collected will inform the development of the final guidelines, which are expected to be released in early 2025. |
| 11 Nov 2024 | Proposals | The European Commission has revealed that seven proposals for AI Factories have been submitted as part of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, following a call made in September 2024. Countries including Finland, Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany, Italy, and Greece, along with participation from other EU Member States, have proposed establishing an AI Factory based on an existing or new supercomputer tailored for AI applications. Meanwhile, Spain, with support from Portugal, Romania, and Turkey, is expected to submit its own proposal shortly. These submissions will be reviewed, and the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking anticipates announcing the selection of the first AI Factories in December 2024. |
| 5 Nov 2024 | Special Report | The Council of the EU has endorsed conclusions based on a special report from the European Court of Auditors (ECA). This report focuses on enhancing the EU's ambitions in artificial intelligence (AI) by strengthening governance and ensuring sufficient investment in the field. The Council concurred with the ECA's assertion that to position the EU as a competitive global player in AI development and implementation, there must be increased investment in AI and improved access to digital infrastructure. |
| 25 Sep 2024 | Press Release | The European Commission has announced that more than 100 companies from various sectors, including IT, telecommunications, healthcare, and banking, have endorsed the EU AI Pact, along with its accompanying voluntary commitments. This Pact encourages signatories to undertake at least three fundamental actions, including developing an AI governance strategy, identifying high-risk AI systems, and promoting AI literacy. Additionally, more than half of the signatories have opted for extra pledges, such as guaranteeing human oversight, clearly labelling specific types of AI-generated content, and addressing potential risks. |
| 19 Sep 2024 | Policy Briefing Paper | The European Commission published a policy briefing paper on competition in generative AI and virtual worlds. The policy brief focuses on the dynamics of competition and potential concerns in generative AI-related markets. It does not discuss AI as an enforcement tool or AI as a potential tool to facilitate anti-competitive conduct in other markets, such as in the context of algorithmic collusion. It examines market dynamics, emerging trends, and barriers to entry in generative AI and virtual worlds, and proposes elements of a preliminary framework for competition enforcement in generative AI-related markets. |
| 10 Sep 2024 | Consultation | The European Commission has initiated a call to establish AI factories that aim to assist AI developers in training their large generative AI models using European high-performance computing supercomputers. These factories will provide access to essential data, computing resources, and storage facilities. Part of the AI innovation package unveiled in January 2024, the AI factories will connect various AI initiatives from Member States and foster the development of AI applications in key European sectors, including healthcare, automotive, transport, agritech, and energy. The initial deadline for this call is set for November 4, 2025, with additional cut-off dates occurring every three months as long as funding is available. The final deadline is December 31, 2025. |
| 9 Sep 2024 | Report | Mario Draghi noted in his report that the future of Europe’s competitiveness largely depends on catching up in the tech race with the US and China, thanks to the opportunities offered by AI. Draghi recommends adopting an AI Development Act that should include a strategy for AI capabilities, launching a plan to fund vertical AI integration in priority sectors, and harmonising national AI sandbox regimes. |
| 30 Jul 2024 | AI Code of Practice | The European AI Office has initiated a consultation regarding the first General Purpose AI Code of Practice, which will outline the rules of the EU AI Act for providers of general-purpose AI models and those posing systemic risks. This consultation will address various aspects, including transparency, copyright regulations, risk categorisation, and the assessment and mitigation strategies for general-purpose AI models. Additionally, it will include guidelines on how the Codes of Practice will be reviewed and monitored. The initial draft of the Code of Practice will be created based on feedback and responses to the targeted questions posed in the consultation. The deadline for submissions is September 18, 2024. Furthermore, the European AI Office is inviting expressions of interest from individuals who wish to contribute to the development of the Code of Practice, which is expected to be completed by April 1, 2025. Interested parties should submit their expressions by August 25, 2024. |
| 23 Jul 2024 | Joint Statement | The European Commission, the Competition and Markets Authority, the US Department of Justice, and the US Federal Trade Commission issued a joint statement on competition in generative AI foundation models and AI products. The statement outlines the impact and benefits of new AI services in the market, while also highlighting the risks to consumers and competition that warrant attention. It recommends focusing on how emerging AI business models influence behaviour and incentives, among other factors. |
| 22 Jul 2024 | AI Pact | The Commission has published draft pledges for the AI Pact. Some elements of the newly adopted EU AI Act will take effect soon, while certain requirements will only come into play after a two-year transitional period. In this context, the AI Office has launched the AI Pact, which aims to encourage industry stakeholders to voluntarily commit to implementing the EU AI Act's requirements ahead of the legal deadlines. The initiative is organised around two main pillars: 'Pillar I: gathering and exchanging within the AI Pact network' and 'Pillar II: facilitating and communicating company pledges.' The AI Office is currently in the preparatory phase of these pledges. The draft pledges available on the Commission's website are still open for changes and have been shared with key stakeholders in the AI Pact network for their feedback and insights. The finalised version of the pledges will be unveiled and discussed in a workshop scheduled for September 2024, with the goal of collecting official signatures by the latter half of September. |
| 27 Jun 2024 | EDPB AI Auditing Project | The EDPB has initiated the AI Auditing project to promote adherence to the EU GDPR. This project focuses on creating pilot tools designed to assess the compliance of AI systems with the EU GDPR. Additionally, it aims to assist Data Protection Authorities in inspecting AI systems through a standardised methodology for auditing algorithms and offers tools to improve transparency. |
| 19 Jun 2024 | Regulation | The Council of the EU has approved an amendment to Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1173, which establishes the European High-Performance Computing (EuroHPC) joint undertaking. This amendment now incorporates the development and operation of "AI factories" into its objectives. The updated Regulation has been published in the Official Journal. |
| 18 Jun 2024 | Consultation | The European Commission is conducting a focused consultation and a series of workshops to gather feedback from stakeholders regarding the application of AI in the financial sector. These initiatives will explore use cases, advantages, challenges, risks, and the needs of stakeholders. The feedback collected will help the Commission provide guidance on implementing the EU AI Act in this sector. The consultation period will conclude on September 13, 2024. |
| 3 Jun 2024 | EDPS Orientations | The EDPS has issued guidelines to offer practical advice to EU institutions, offices, and agencies (EUIs) on utilising generative AI while processing personal data and adhering to the EU Data Protection Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2018/1725. The guide also addresses issues related to data security, including when to perform a data protection impact assessment, the responsibilities of Data Protection Officers during the development and implementation of generative AI, and how to determine if a generative AI system involves the processing of personal data. |
| 24 May 2024 | EDPB Report | The EDPB has released the report from the ChatGPT taskforce, which was established to enhance collaboration among Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) investigating the OpenAI chatbot. This report shares initial perspectives on certain topics discussed by the DPAs but does not preclude the conclusions that each DPA will reach in its ongoing inquiries. It examines several factors related to the consistent interpretation of relevant EU GDPR provisions that are significant for ongoing investigations, including aspects such as legality, fairness, transparency, and data accuracy. Additionally, the EDPB has decided to create guidelines for generative AI, focusing initially on data scraping in the context of AI training. |
| 5 Apr 2024 | EU-US TTC list of AI Terminology | The sixth meeting of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) took place, during which both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to a risk-based approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and their support for the development of safe and reliable AI technologies. They released a brief overview document regarding the AI for the Public Good report, highlighting key areas of collaboration between the EU and the US, including extreme weather, energy, emergency response, and reconstruction. Additionally, they announced a new dialogue between the EU AI office and the US Safety Institute aimed at developing tools, methodologies, and benchmarks for assessing AI models. An extended list of AI terminology was also published. |
| 20 Mar 2024 | Generative AI Guidelines | The European Commission and the countries in the European Research Area have released guidelines aimed at the responsible application of generative AI in research, providing support to the European research community. These guidelines include recommendations for researchers and prompt users to tailor them to fit their unique contexts and circumstances. |
| 18 Mar 2024 | Inquiry | The European Ombudsman inquired about the European Commission's approach to deciding on and utilising AI in its decision-making processes. The Ombudsman’s questions encompass how the Commission prioritises the use of AI in analysing public feedback, identifying potential violations of EU competition laws, and addressing complaints. The Commission is required to respond to the Ombudsman by 14 June 2024. |
| 15 Mar 2024 | High-level Position | The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) has adopted its high-level position on AI and virtual worlds, which has been presented to the European Commission. BEREC states that several critical issues related to competition dynamics, internet openness, and cybersecurity must be evaluated and addressed to fully realise the potential of AI and virtual environments. |
| 15 Mar 2024 | Regulation | The European Commission has introduced a new Regulation to create an EU-wide framework for assessing the sustainability of data centres, which are vital for technologies such as AI. According to the revised Energy Efficiency Directive, this legislation mandates that data centre operators submit key performance indicators to the European database by 15 September 2024, and annually by 15 May 15. This initiative aims to encourage more sustainable practices within the data centre industry, crucial for fostering AI and other data-heavy technologies while minimising their environmental footprint. |
| 24 Jan 2024 | Measures | The European Commission unveiled a set of measures aimed at assisting European startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their AI development efforts. These measures put into action the promise made during Von der Leyen's address at the 2023 State of the EU debate, focusing on supporting AI startups and fostering innovation. Additionally, the proposal includes offering privileged access to supercomputers for AI startups. |
| 24 Jan 2024 | Communication | The European Commission released a Communication outlining its strategic vision to enhance the internal development and application of lawful and trustworthy AI systems, while awaiting the enactment of the EU AI Act. This Communication details the actions and measures the Commission intends to implement to develop institutional and operational capacity, ensuring the safe, transparent, and human-centred use of AI in its operations. Additionally, the Commission is preparing to partner with EU public administrations, innovative startups, and GovTech companies. |
| 9 Jan 2024 | Consultation | The European Commission initiated two calls for contributions focusing on competition within virtual worlds and generative AI, along with requests for information directed at several major digital players. The purpose is to gather insights from stakeholders about their experiences concerning competition in these areas and how competition law can help maintain competitiveness in these emerging markets. |
| 22 Dec 2023 | Strategy Report | The Court of Justice of the EU releases a report detailing its AI Strategy. This report addresses topics such as the definition and classification of AI, along with the court’s exploration of AI’s potential. It sets forth three main objectives: to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of administrative and judicial processes, enhance the quality and consistency of judicial decisions, and increase access to justice and transparency for EU citizens. |
| 18 Dec 2023 | ISO and IEC Global standard | The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have introduced ISO/IEC 42001:2023, marking the inaugural global standard for AI Management Systems (AIMS). This international standard outlines the requirements for organisations to establish, implement, maintain, and continuously enhance their AIMS. It is intended for entities that provide or utilise AI-based products or services, promoting the responsible development and application of AI technologies. |
| 18 Dec 2023 | Workplan | The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) released their Multi-Annual AI Workplan for 2023–2028. This Workplan is designed to assist the European Medicines Regulatory Network (EMRN) — a coordinated network of national competent authorities within EEA Member States that collaborates with the EMA and the Commission. Its goal is to integrate AI for internal regulatory purposes and to outline a proposed strategy for regulatory advancements that will leverage AI opportunities in the medical sector. Starting in mid-2024, the focus will shift towards preparing for the implementation of the EU AI Act, which is anticipated to take effect between 2025 and 2026. |
| 16 Nov 2023 | Press Release | The European Commission, in collaboration with the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU), pledges to expand access to the EU’s supercomputing resources for European AI start-ups, SMEs, and the wider AI community as part of the EU AI Start-Up Initiative - Press Release. |
| 2 Nov 2023 | Bletchley Declaration on AI Safety | During the UK AI Safety Summit 2023, held at Bletchley Park, representatives from 28 nations, including those from the EU, endorsed the Bletchley Declaration on AI Safety. This Declaration aims to enhance global collaboration in overseeing AI, acknowledging the potential "catastrophic" harm that AI models could cause. At the summit, Von der Leyen also mentioned that discussions were underway regarding the establishment of a new European AI Office as part of the EU AI Act. This office would focus on the most advanced AI models, ensuring oversight and contributing to the development of standards and testing practices. Additionally, it would collaborate closely with the private sector and "trusted flaggers" to identify risks early. Von der Leyen indicated that the office should be able to respond to alerts and ensure that developers are held accountable, highlighting its role in "enforcing the common rules across all 27 Member States." |
| 30 Oct 2023 | G7 Code of Conduct | The Group of Seven (G7) nations have reached an agreement on International Guiding Principles on AI and a voluntary Code of Conduct for AI developers, as part of the Hiroshima AI process. These Principles and the Code of Conduct aim to complement the EU AI Act, which is currently being finalised by EU co-legislators. Both documents will be subject to regular reviews and updates to ensure their relevance and effectiveness in response to rapidly changing technology. G7 leaders have encouraged organisations involved in developing advanced AI systems to adhere to the Code of Conduct. |
| 13 Oct 2023 | Code of Conduct | The European Commission initiated a survey for stakeholders regarding the draft of 11 International Guiding Principles aimed at organisations developing advanced AI systems. This survey concluded on 20 October 2023. |
| 6 Oct 2023 | Code of Conduct | Věra Jourová, the European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, is set to attend the 18th annual Internet Governance Forum hosted by the United Nations in Japan on 8–9 October 2023. The forum will focus on pressing issues related to the open Internet, human rights, combating disinformation, data governance, virtual worlds, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, with a specific emphasis on generative AI. Together with Japanese Minister Suzuki, Jourová will initiate a stakeholder consultation regarding the G7 Code of Conduct for generative AI as part of the G7 Hiroshima AI Process. Feedback gathered from this consultation will be considered to finalise the Code before its approval by G7 leaders by the end of 2023. |
| 5 Oct 2023 | Model Clauses | The European Commission has published a revised edition of the Model Clauses, originally issued in April 2023, designed to assist public buyers in acquiring AI systems while the AI Act is still under negotiation. These AI Clauses provide standardised contractual language for the procurement of both High-Risk and Non-High-Risk AI systems. While the Commission provides these clauses for voluntary use, it also encourages buyers to customise them to suit their specific needs and organisational context. |
| 13 Sep 2023 | State of Union Address | The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, highlighted the Commission's past achievements and future plans ahead of the June 2024 elections in her State of the Union 2023 address. Concerning digital and AI initiatives, Von der Leyen announced several key developments such as the launch of a new initiative that will provide EU high-performance computers to AI start-ups for model training; the establishment of a global panel comprising scientists, tech companies, and experts to identify AI-related opportunities and risks; the development of minimal global standards for the safe and ethical use of AI in collaboration with the business sector; the introduction of a new global framework for AI, centred on three pillars: guardrails, governance, and guiding innovation. |
| 16 Jun 2023 | Parliament's Briefing | The European Parliament Research Service (EPRS) released a briefing on artificial intelligence, featuring links to reports and commentaries that reflect current perspectives on the subject. |
| 8 Jun 2023 | BEREC Report | The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) published a report examining the influence of AI systems within the telecommunications sector. The aim is to evaluate how these applications may affect regulation, as well as to highlight the uses, advantages, and potential risks associated with the implementation of AI. |
| 7 Jun 2023 | ENISA reports | ENISA released four reports addressing cybersecurity, focusing on artificial intelligence. These are Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Research; Multilayer Framework for Good Cybersecurity; Practices for AI—Medical Imaging Diagnosis; Cybersecurity and Privacy in AI—Forecasting Demand on Electricity Grids. |
| 31 May 2023 | Code of Conduct | The EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) recently held its fourth ministerial meeting, where participants agreed to create a global emergency code of conduct for AI that countries and businesses can voluntarily adopt. This code is anticipated to be developed in the coming weeks. Additionally, the EU and US released a Joint Roadmap for Trustworthy AI, focusing on risk management and the establishment of standards and tools for reliable AI, particularly in relation to generative AI. As part of this initiative, three specialised expert groups were formed, which have compiled a list of 65 essential AI terms that are crucial for understanding risk-based approaches to AI. They have also mapped the participation of both the EU and US in standardization activities to identify key AI-related standards of shared interest. |
| 30 May 2023 | Statement | Centre for AI Safety released a statement addressing AI risk and safety, aiming to foster dialogue about the dangers linked to artificial intelligence. Over 350 AI researchers and prominent individuals raised alarms regarding the potential 'risk of extinction' posed by AI, emphasising the importance of prioritising global efforts to mitigate this threat. |
| 24 May 2023 | AI Pact | Google has committed to assisting in the establishment of an 'AI pact' at the EU's request. This initiative aims to encourage major software companies and AI developers to voluntarily adopt a set of temporary regulations or standards while waiting for the formal implementation of the EU AI Act. |
| 22 May 2023 | Standardisation Request | The European Commission has issued a standardisation request to CEN and CENELEC to assist with the EU AI Act. They have asked these organisations to create new European standards, or European standardisation deliverables, as outlined in Appendix II of the request, focusing on the critical technical areas addressed by the EU AI Act. The request mandates CEN and CENELEC to provide regular progress updates on the standardisation efforts, requiring them to report to the Commission every six months. Additionally, an initial joint report must be submitted to the Commission by no later than 22 March 2024. |
| 17 Apr 2023 | Open Letter | A bipartisan group of legislators in the European Parliament issued an open letter urging European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Joe Biden to convene a ‘high-level global summit on artificial intelligence.’ The goal of this summit would be to establish ‘preliminary’ guidelines for the development and application of ‘very powerful artificial intelligence.’ |
| 13 Apr 2023 | Taskforce | The EDPB revealed the establishment of a specialized task force aimed at promoting collaboration and the sharing of information concerning enforcement actions undertaken by DPAs regarding the ChatGPT service. |
| 14 Mar 2023 | Press Release | ENISA published a document focusing on the cybersecurity of AI and standardization. Its primary goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of various standards, those that currently exist, are being drafted, are under consideration, and are planned, related to AI cybersecurity. The document evaluates their coverage and identifies gaps in standardisation by taking into account the unique characteristics of AI, particularly machine learning. |
| 26 Jan 2023 | Risk Management Framework | The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released the AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0). This framework offers guidance for AI users to effectively navigate and manage the associated risks. While adherence to this framework is not mandatory, NIST anticipates that it will encourage both current and future users to consider and address the challenges linked to AI utilisation. The framework outlines key principles for managing risks in areas such as validity and reliability, safety, security and resilience, explainability and interpretability, privacy, as well as fairness and bias. |
| 23 Dec 2022 | Position paper | The European Association for Medical Devices of Notified Bodies (Team-NB) has published a position paper emphasising the need to update processes and personnel qualifications to meet AI requirements, albeit outside the context of a comprehensive designation in accordance with AI regulations. Team NB raised several concerns regarding the challenges associated with designating a notified body (NB). |
| 5 Dec 2022 | Draft Standardisation Request | The European Commission has released a draft standardisation request to the European Standardisation Organisations to promote safe and reliable AI. This draft requests that the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC) develop new European standards or standardisation deliverables that align with the European strategy for AI. |
| 25 Oct 2022 | Ethical Guidelines | The European Commission released ethical guidelines for educators regarding the use of AI and data in teaching and learning. |
| 22 Mar 2022 | Recommendations | The Special Committee on AI in a Digital Age (AIDA) of the European Parliament has passed its final recommendations, highlighting policy options to harness the potential of AI in the health and environmental sectors while improving overall quality of life. The committee advocates for a risk-based approach to AI regulation rather than treating AI as a technology in itself. This report is scheduled for a vote by the final House in May 2022. |
| 2 Mar 2022 | Report | The EUIPO has released a report examining the effects of AI on copyright and design infringement and enforcement. The Impact of Technology Expert Group (EG) has developed a methodology to assess the impact of new technologies on AI, which is applied to two comprehensive case studies in this report. The findings suggest that while AI poses risks for copyright and design infringement, it also presents opportunities for their lawful enforcement. |
| 29 Dec 2021 | Opinion | The European Central Bank has released its opinion on the EU AI Act. |
| 21 Dec 2021 | Decision | The Legal Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office has announced its decision to reject the appeal in the DABUS case, reiterating that artificial intelligence systems cannot be recognised as inventors on patent applications. |
| 15 Dec 2021 | Report | ENISA has released a report titled "Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Challenges," which outlines its comprehensive assessment of the AI cybersecurity landscape and the associated threat environment, with a specific focus on the AI supply chain. |
| 29 Nov 2021 | Legislation | The compromise text proposed by the First Presidency has been released in the Council of the EU Register concerning the EU AI Act proposal. |
| 18 Oct 2021 | Consultation | The European Commission initiated a public consultation on adapting civil liability regulations for the digital era, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence. This consultation concluded on January 10, 2022. |
| 8 Oct 2021 | Position Paper | The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has released a position paper regarding the EU’s AI Act proposals. They emphasise the need for significant enhancements to ensure that consumers have adequate protections and can rely on AI to uphold their rights and freedoms. The paper outlines BEUC's recommendations for improving the draft AI Act. |
| 6 Oct 2021 | Press Release | The European Parliament has passed a resolution that mandates safeguards for the use of AI tools in law enforcement. Key requirements include the necessity for human oversight of AI systems, the implementation of transparent algorithms, a prohibition on automated recognition technologies in public areas, and a ban on social scoring systems and the use of biometric data for remote identification. |
| 14–15 Nov 2021 | Conference | Representatives from the European and international community participated in Europe’s High-Level Conference on Artificial Intelligence. This event followed the European Commission's Proposal for a Regulation that establishes standardised rules for AI, along with the updated Coordinated Plan on AI, released in April 2021. |
| 22 Sep 2021 | Opinion | The European Economic and Social Committee has released its opinion on the EU AI Act. |
| 8 Jul 2021 | Press Release | The European Commission is to hold the first meeting of an expert group dedicated to AI and data in education and training. This gathering is part of the Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027, which aims to promote the long-term digital transformation of educational and training systems. |
| 30 Jun 2021 | Initiative | The European Commission has released a proposal aimed at updating the current civil liability framework to tackle the challenges posed by the digital era, especially in relation to AI. The deadline for providing feedback on this proposal was 28 July 2021. |
| 23 Jun 2021 | Press Release | The European Commission initiated a new European Partnership as part of the Horizon Europe programme, including a dedicated Partnership focused on AI, Data, and Robotics. This initiative aims to stimulate the development of new markets and applications while attracting investment to generate technical, economic, and societal benefits for businesses, citizens, and the environment. The goal is to maximise the advantages of AI, Data, and Robotics for Europe. |
| 21 Jun 2021 | Opinion | The EDPB and the European Data Protection Supervisor issue a joint opinion on the European Commission’s proposal for an EU AI Act, welcoming the notion of AI-specific regulation but noting concerns. |
| 21 Apr 2021 | Press Release | The European Commission released its proposal for a Regulation that establishes harmonised rules on artificial intelligence, known as the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. This marks the introduction of the first legal framework for AI. Additionally, the proposal includes guidelines on machinery products under the EU Machinery Regulation. Alongside this, the Commission has updated the 2018 Coordinated Plan with the New Coordinated Plan on AI and has provided a Q&A regarding the new regulations. |
| 16 Mar 2021 | Press Release | The Culture and Education Committee of the European Parliament passed a resolution urging that all AI technologies be regulated and developed in a manner that safeguards non-discrimination, promotes gender equality, and supports pluralism, as well as cultural and linguistic diversity. |
| 21 Jan 2021 | Press Release | The European Parliament released guidelines for the military and non-military applications of AI, urging the establishment of a legal framework within the EU. This framework encompass definitions and ethical principles that aim to ensure AI and related technologies serve humanity and promote the common good. |
EU Artificial Intelligence Tracker (2014—2020)
Between 2014 and 2020, the European Union laid important groundwork for its long-term approach to artificial intelligence. This period can be seen as one of exploration, consultation, and strategic direction-setting, where attention increasingly turned toward how AI might affect society, business, and governance. Institutions and stakeholders began mapping opportunities alongside emerging challenges, with discussions spanning ethics, innovation, competitiveness, and regulatory preparedness.
This stage of development is significant because it reflects the EU’s early efforts to position itself as a leader in shaping AI through values-driven policymaking. The years between 2014 and 2020, therefore, form a foundation for the more concrete regulatory proposals and frameworks that followed.
| Date | Nature of development | Further details |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Dec 2020 | Press Release | ENISA has released its AI Threat Landscape Report, which outlines the key cybersecurity challenges impacting the AI ecosystem. |
| 14 Dec 2020 | Report | The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights has released a report titled "Getting the Future Right—Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Rights," emphasising the importance of maintaining fundamental rights standards in the deployment of AI technology. |
| 10 Dec 2020 | Guidelines | The Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament has released guidelines regarding the use of AI in military applications, as well as in the health and justice sectors. |
| 27 Nov 2020 | Draft Opinion | The European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs has released a draft opinion focused on shaping Europe's digital future. This includes efforts to eliminate obstacles to the digital single market and enhance the application of AI for European consumers. The opinion emphasises the necessity for a new regulatory framework, modifications to current legislation (including Directive 85/374/EEC, known as the EU Product Liability Directive), and the establishment of international standards aimed at governing AI to benefit consumers across Europe. |
| 25 Nov 2020 | Press Release | The European Commission has released its Action Plan on Intellectual Property, which includes remarks stating that AI systems should not be recognised as authors or inventors. |
| 20 Oct 2020 | Press Release | The European Parliament has approved recommendations for regulating artificial intelligence. This new legal framework will define ethical and legal responsibilities for the development, deployment, and use of AI. It will also introduce a civil liability framework imposing strict liability on operators of high-risk AI systems, and will create an efficient system for intellectual property rights that differentiates between human-created works assisted by AI and those generated entirely by AI. |
| 9 Oct 2020 | Press Release | The inaugural meeting of the European Network of AI Excellence Centres was held to establish a unified vision, approach, and identity for the AI ecosystem in Europe. |
| 1 Oct 2020 | Legislation | The Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament has approved proposals aimed at addressing the opportunities and legal challenges presented by artificial intelligence, with a focus on ethics, civil liability, and intellectual property. They adopted three reports: one addressing a civil liability framework for AI, another concerning the Digital Services Act, which updates commercial and civil law for online businesses, and a third related to intellectual property rights in connection with the advancement of AI technologies. |
| 31 Aug 2020 | Impact Assessment | The European Commission has released its impact assessment study on the revision of Directive 2006/42/EC, commonly referred to as the Machinery Directive. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of various policy options and identify the most cost-effective approach while maintaining a high standard of health and safety. |
| 23 Jul 2020 | Impact Assessment | The European Commission has initiated an Inception Impact Assessment (IIA) concerning the proposal for a legal framework from the European Parliament and the Council that establishes requirements for artificial intelligence (AI). This IIA builds on the White Paper released in February 2020, which detailed the Commission's regulatory goals and policy alternatives. These include options for soft law, voluntary labelling initiatives, mandatory requirements for tools and systems, and risk assessments. The consultation period concluded on September 10, 2020, and the proposal for the regulation is expected to be presented in the first quarter of 2021. |
| 17 Jul 2020 | Consultation | The European Commission has released the initial results of the public consultation on the White Paper regarding AI—a European strategy focused on excellence and trust (February 2020). This consultation is part of a broader process to engage stakeholders, which will ultimately inform the development of regulatory proposals. |
| 17 Jul 2020 | Press Release | The European Commission has released the Assessment List for Trustworthy AI (ALTAI), which serves as a checklist for businesses and organisations to evaluate the trustworthiness of their AI systems. |
| 9 Jul 2020 | WIPO Conversation | WIPO held the second session of the Conversation on Intellectual Property and AI, following the first session on September 27, 2019. This session outlined the necessary steps to address and clarify the most pressing questions related to intellectual property policy. |
| 2 Jul 2020 | Study | The European Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy released a study titled "Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence." This report assesses the technological, economic, and regulatory landscape of AI in the EU in comparison to other competitive nations. It also assesses how well the EU's policy and regulatory framework aligns with current needs in the AI sector. |
| 29 Jun 2020 | Opinion | The European Data Protection Supervisor has issued an opinion regarding the European Commission's White Paper titled ‘Artificial Intelligence: A European approach to excellence and trust’ (February 2020). This opinion offers recommendations aimed at enhancing and refining safeguards and controls for protecting personal data. |
| 25 Jun 2020 | Study | The European Parliament Think Tank has released a study titled “The Impact of the GDPR on AI.” This study explores the relationship and tensions between artificial intelligence and data protection principles. Key topics include purpose limitation, data minimisation, data protection by design and by default, the admissibility of automated decision-making, necessary safeguard measures, and the rights of data subjects to receive individual explanations. |
| 15 Jun 2020 | Press Release | The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has announced that it will host the Secretariat of a new Global Partnership on AI (GPAI). This initiative aims to unite experts from various sectors, including industry, government, civil society, and academia, to implement projects that connect theoretical concepts with practical applications in AI policy. The goal is to promote responsible use of AI, while upholding human rights and democratic values. |
| 11 Jun 2020 | Decision | The European Parliament has established a special committee on AI in a Digital Age (AIDA), tasked with examining the future impact of AI on the EU economy. The committee will also explore the challenges associated with AI deployment, its role in enhancing business value and driving economic growth, and will assess the strategies of other countries in this regard. |
| 26 May 2020 | Draft Opinions | The European Parliament Committee on Legal Affairs has released two draft opinions. The first addresses the role of AI in the education, culture, and audiovisual sectors, urging the Committee on Culture and Education to evaluate AI's impact on these fields, particularly concerning authorship and related issues. The second opinion focuses on the use of AI in criminal law by police and judicial authorities, emphasising the necessity of creating codes of conduct for the design and use of AI to support law enforcement and judicial processes. |
| 21 May 2020 | Revised Issues Paper | WIPO has released a Revised Issues Paper on Intellectual Property Policy and AI, incorporating feedback from responses received on the original draft issues paper published on December 13, 2019. |
| 27 Apr 2020 | Draft Report | The Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament released a draft report that includes suggestions for the European Commission regarding a civil liability framework for artificial intelligence. The report advocates for the Commission to concentrate on claims directed at the deployer of AI systems, given that current laws already offer protections for various other potential harms. Additionally, it calls on the Commission to present a proposal for regulations that establish guidelines for civil liability claims involving AI system deployers. |
| 24 Apr 2020 | Draft Report | The Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament has released a draft report concerning intellectual property rights in relation to the advancement of AI technologies. The report recommends a review and revision of existing intellectual property policies and laws, with the goal of ensuring robust protection for European AI developers. |
| 21 Apr 2020 | Press Release | The Arborus Association, which advocates for gender equality and inclusion in the workplace, in a press release, partnered with Orange to introduce the first International Charter for Inclusive AI. This initiative seeks to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed, implemented, and managed responsibly and inclusively. The Charter outlines seven commitments that serve as a foundation for fostering trust in the design and application of AI systems. It represents a significant initial move towards establishing a Gender Equality European & International Standard (GEEIS) for AI. |
| 21 Apr 2020 | Draft Report | The European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs has released a draft report containing recommendations for the Commission regarding a framework that addresses the ethical considerations of AI, robotics, and related technologies. This report proposes a regulation that outlines ethical principles for the development, deployment, and usage of AI, which would be enforced and monitored by national authorities, in coordination with the European Agency for AI. Additionally, the report suggests that the European Commission evaluate the current laws related to AI to keep pace with the rapid advancements in this field. |
| 26 Mar 2020 | Press Release | The European AI Alliance has initiated AI-Robotics vs COVID-19, a project aimed at establishing a repository of ideas and information on AI and robotics solutions that can be implemented to support a unified European response to the coronavirus outbreak. |
| 27 Feb 2020 | Press Release | The European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are collaborating on a global monitoring initiative for AI development, including the associated challenges and opportunities for its application. Additionally, the OECD has launched its AI Observatory, an online platform designed to help shape and share policies on a global scale. |
| 19 Feb 2020 | Press Release | The European Commission has unveiled its digital strategy, outlining initiatives and actions aimed at shaping Europe's digital future with an emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and data. Over the coming five years, the Commission will prioritize three main digital objectives: ensuring technology benefits people, fostering a fair and competitive economy, and promoting an open, democratic, and sustainable society. Among the published materials are a White Paper titled "AI: A European Approach to Excellence and Trust" (with consultations closing on 14 June 2020) and a report addressing the safety and liability implications related to AI, the Internet of Things, and robotics. |
| 12 Feb 2020 | Press Release | The European Parliament has adopted a resolution aimed at safeguarding consumers in the realm of AI and automated decision-making. The resolution emphasizes the need for transparency regarding the functioning of automated systems, ensures that consumers can access a human representative with decision-making authority, and establishes a protocol for reviewing and rectifying automated decisions. |
| 29 Jan 2020 | EDPB Letter | The EDPB released its letter addressing the questions regarding the suitability of the GDPR as a legal framework for safeguarding citizens against unfair algorithms. |
| 28 Jan 2020 | EPO decision | The European Patent Office (EPO) recently announced its decision to reject two patent applications that named an AI system as the inventor. This decision is based on the stipulation in the European Patent Convention that an inventor must be a natural person—specifically, a human being rather than a machine. The role of an inventor carries several legal implications, including the ability to access rights associated with that title. To exercise these rights, the inventor must possess a legal personality, which AI systems or machines do not possess. |
| 23 Jan 2020 | Press Release | The European Parliament has passed a resolution addressing the challenges posed by the rapid advancement of AI and automated decision-making. This includes revising EU safety and liability regulations for AI-enabled products, ensuring the utilization of high-quality and unbiased datasets, and promoting transparency and thorough evaluation in automated decision-making processes. |
| 13 Dec 2019 | Press Release | The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) initiated a consultation regarding AI and intellectual property policy, which concluded on February 14, 2020. |
| 21 Nov 2019 | Report | The Expert Group on liability and new technologies of the European Commission has released a report addressing the issues of liability concerning AI and other emerging technologies, focusing on the implications of these digital innovations for liability law. |
| 23 Oct 2019 | Paper | The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has released a document outlining consumer rights regarding AI and urging that these rights be established as enforceable regulations. |
| 27 Sep 2019 | WIPO Meeting | The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) organises the initial session in a series of discussions, creating a platform for member states to share perspectives on diverse issues related to AI and the intellectual property (IP) system. The focus is primarily on how AI affects IP systems, the management of IP rights, and fostering international collaboration on IP issues. |
| 19 Sep 2019 | Discussion Paper | The European Parliament has released a discussion paper that examines recommendations for the design, development, implementation, and use of AI products and services within the EU. This paper follows the guidelines on AI ethics published in April 2019 and addresses the challenges of implementation, as well as potential further EU guidance, standardization, and legislation in this area. |
| 12 Sep 2019 | Press Release | The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has established an Ad Hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAHAI). This committee will explore the feasibility and possible components of a legal framework for the development, design, and application of AI, ensuring alignment with the Council of Europe’s standards regarding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. |
| 26 Jun 2019 | Guidelines | The inaugural European AI Alliance Assembly took place, during which the European Commission introduced an updated version of its draft guidelines for Trustworthy AI. Additionally, a pilot phase was launched, allowing organizations to test the assessment list for trustworthy AI to evaluate its practical effectiveness. The High-Level Expert Group on AI also unveiled a set of 33 policy recommendations aimed at ensuring that AI can significantly benefit citizens, businesses, public administrations, and academic institutions. |
| 7 Jun 2019 – 30 Aug 2019 | Consultation | The European Commission conducted a consultation to discuss updates to Directive 2006/42/EC, also known as the Machinery Directive, with the aim of enhancing safety standards and incorporating recent IT advancements. Proposed changes involve aligning the Directive with EU harmonized regulations on product health and safety, as well as addressing potential challenges posed by advancements in digitization. |
| 23 May 2019 | International Guidelines | The 36 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), along with partner nations, culminate in a total of 42 countries that officially endorse the OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence. These principles represent the first set of intergovernmental policy guidelines aimed at ensuring the robust, safe, fair, and trustworthy development of AI systems. They consist of five core values-driven principles for the responsible use of AI, in addition to five key recommendations for public policy and international collaboration. |
| 14 May 2019 | Recommendation | The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe releases ten recommendations aimed at enhancing adherence to human rights standards in the development, deployment, and implementation of artificial intelligence. |
| 9 Apr 2019 | Study | The European High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence has put forward ethical guidelines for ensuring Trustworthy AI. |
| 8 Apr 2019 | Press Release | The European Commission outlines its future actions regarding ethics guidelines by reiterating the seven key principles for fostering trustworthy AI. They announced the initiation of a pilot phase set for summer 2019, encouraging collaboration among industry, research institutions, and public authorities to test the comprehensive assessment list created by the High-Level Expert Group. This list complements the draft ethical guidelines for the development and use of AI, which were mentioned in the entry dated 18 December. The Commission also expressed its intention to enhance cooperation with other like-minded international stakeholders. |
| 27 Feb 2019 | Conclusions | The conclusions of the conference titled "Governing the Game Changer—Impacts of AI Development on Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law," which was organized by the Council of Europe in collaboration with the Finnish Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, have been released. These conclusions offer crucial guidance for the responsible development of AI, ensuring it benefits everyone. |
| 19 Feb 2019 | Conclusions | The European Council has adopted conclusions regarding the Coordinated Plan for the development and utilization of Artificial Intelligence made in Europe. This demonstrates the need to promote AI growth in Europe through increased investment, enhanced excellence in technologies and applications, and strengthened collaboration between industry and academia. |
| 28 Jan 2019 | Guidelines | The Committee of the Council of Europe’s data protection treaty, known as ‘Convention 108,’ has published Guidelines on AI and Data Protection. These guidelines aim to assist policymakers, AI developers, manufacturers, and service providers in ensuring that AI applications do not compromise the right to privacy and data protection as outlined in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This initiative aims to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. |
| 10 Jan 2019 | Press Release | The European Commission has released an inception impact assessment regarding Directive 2006/42/EC, commonly known as the Machinery Directive. This evaluation aims to revise the Directive to enhance safety standards and incorporate recent technological advancements. Stakeholders can provide their feedback from January 14, 2019, to February 11, 2019. |
| 9 Jan 2019 | Press Release | The European Commission has officially launched the AI4EU project, which brings together 79 leading research institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large companies from 21 countries. This initiative aims to create an AI demand platform that serves as a central hub for artificial intelligence resources, including data repositories, computing power, tools, and algorithms. The platform will provide services and assistance to AI users, helping with the testing and integration of AI solutions. |
| 18 Dec 2018 | Study and Consultation | The European High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence releases a first draft of its ethics guidelines for the development and use of artificial intelligence and launches a consultation to collect feedback on the draft. The consultation closed on 1 February 2019. |
| 13 Dec 2018 | Opinion | The European Parliament issued a statement regarding a detailed industrial policy for artificial intelligence and robotics in Europe. |
| 7 Dec 2018 | Press Release | The European Commission has introduced a plan aimed at enhancing collaboration among Member States, Norway, Switzerland, and the Commission to promote the growth and application of AI in Europe. This initiative centres on four main priorities: boosting investment, improving data accessibility, nurturing talent, and building trust. |
| 4 Dec 2018 | Press Release | The European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice, part of the Council of Europe, has established the first European ethical charter outlining principles for the application of artificial intelligence within judicial systems. |
| 14 Sep 2018 | Study | The European Parliament has released a study examining Europe's leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and how the continent can capitalise on the advancements made in this field. |
| 14 Jun 2018 | High-Level Expert Group and Alliance | The High-Level Expert Group (HLG) on Artificial Intelligence has been established, comprising 52 experts from industry, academia, and civil society organizations. Their role is to provide recommendations and proposals to assist the Commission in addressing AI-related matters. Additionally, the European AI Alliance has been launched as an open forum that brings together multiple stakeholders to engage in discussions on AI issues and offer feedback to the HLG. |
| 25 Apr 2018 | Press Release | The European Commission has released a fact sheet detailing the measures it is implementing to promote the adoption of AI throughout the EU. |
| 10 Apr 2018 | Declaration | Twenty-five EU Member States signed a declaration to cooperate on artificial intelligence. This agreement focuses on key issues concerning AI, including enhancing Europe's technological and industrial capabilities, as well as improving access to public sector data. The nations also aim to tackle socio-economic challenges, such as the transformation of labour markets and the modernization of education and training systems in Europe. This includes efforts to upskill and retrain EU citizens. Additionally, the signatories are committed to establishing a robust legal and ethical framework that aligns with EU fundamental rights and values, emphasizing privacy, data protection, transparency, and accountability. The countries involved in this declaration are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and Norway. |
| 9 Mar 2018 | Press Release | The European Commission announced the establishment of an expert group on AI, which will advise the EC on creating a broad and diverse community of stakeholders within a ‘European AI Alliance.’ This group will also support the implementation of the forthcoming European initiative on AI set for April 2018. By the end of the year, the expert group is expected to present draft guidelines aimed at ensuring the ethical development and use of AI, all grounded in the fundamental rights of the EU. |
| 9 Mar 2018 | Statement | The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies has released a statement urging the development of a globally acknowledged ethical and legal framework for the design, production, usage, and governance of AI, robotics, and autonomous systems. |
| 16 Feb 2017 | European Parliament Resolution | The European Parliament issued a resolution to the European Commission based on the report from the Legal Affairs Committee regarding civil law regulations on robotics. |
| 27 Jan 2017 | Report | The European Parliament has released the final version of its report on Civil Law Rules concerning Robotics and has voted in favor of a resolution advocating for new laws to regulate robotics and AI. |
| 12 Oct 2016 | European Parliament Evaluation Study | The Legal Affairs Committee of the EU Commission has released a study aimed at evaluating and analyzing potential future civil law codes in robotics from both legal and ethical viewpoints. |
| 28 Jun 2016 | European Parliament Foresight Study | The SOTA Panel of the European Parliament released its Foresight Study titled "Ethical Aspects of Cyber-Physical Systems." |
| 31 May 2016 | Draft Report | The Working Group established by the Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament published a draft report on Civil Law Rules on Robotics, announcing the need for EU-wide regulations on AI and robots. |
| 20 Jan 2015 | New Working Group | The European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI Committee) established a Working Group to address legal issues related to the development of robotics and AI in the EU. |
| Mar 2012 – May 2014 | Research project | An EU project titled 'Regulating Emerging Robotic Technologies in Europe: Law and Ethics' examines the necessary laws and regulations for robotic technology. |