EU Council pushes for stronger AI framework and funding

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU Council approved the European Court of Auditors’ recommendations to boost AI investments, improve governance, and address environmental impacts.

The European Council approved conclusions on a European Court of Auditors (ECA) report seeking to support the EU’s AI ambitions, notably by improving governance and ensuring an increased, more attentive investment when moving forward in this field. The EU Council consented with the Court’s conclusion that the EU must boost investments in AI and promote access to digital infrastructure to be a globally competitive actor with a global influence, assume leadership in the development and deployment of AI, nurture talent and create an ecosystem of excellence and trust.

Why is environmental impact critical in AI policies?

The EU Council stresses that the environmental impact of AI systems, high-performance computing, and possible resolutions to increase energy efficiency, as well as securing a reliable hardware supply chain, are critical factors, which should be also taken into account in AI policies.

How will collaboration with member states improve AI efforts?

The Council also agreed with the Court that close partnership and collaboration with member states and international organisations, intending to maximise the influence of investments at EU and national levels, while capitalizing on synergies, is a critical element to ensure the EU’s global leadership in AI and its positioning as a consideration point for AI governance. 

What performance indicators does the eu consider for AI?

EU Council states that it agrees with the Court regarding the need for measurable performance targets and indicators. The Council adds, however, that such indicators should be planned carefully without hindrance to the overall purpose of the projects, in a way that would not add additional duties to the beneficiaries, the member states, and implementing entities.

How does the ECA report shape future eu AI goals?

On 29 May 2024, ECA issued its special report titled ‘EU artificial intelligence ambition – Stronger governance and increased, more concentrating investment essential going forward’, which delivers an in-depth examination of the effectiveness of several Commission actions between 2018 and 2023, including AI research and innovation backing policies (2018-2022), and regulatory endeavours (2023). 

ECA stresses that the EU framework for coordinating and controlling EU investment in AI is a work in headway, whereas the Commission’s coordination and evaluation with the member states had determined effects. ECA also states that the implementation of the envisaged enablers for AI innovation is continuous and that, even if the Commission increased the funding of research and innovation (R&I) in AI, such economic support lacks an adequate framework for performance monitoring.