Europe launched its new artificial intelligence (AI) office this week, aiming to establish itself as a global reference point for AI safety, policy, and development. The European Commission set up the AI Office to drive policy for the bloc and promote the use of trustworthy AI while mitigating AI risks.
The European AI Office will serve as the center of AI expertise within the European Commission, laying the groundwork for a unified European AI governance system. By coordinating policy among member states, the office will support the development of trustworthy AI and foster an innovative ecosystem to leverage the societal and economic benefits of AI.
In line with its AI strategy unveiled in April 2021, the European Union (EU) seeks to position itself as a leading hub for AI while prioritizing human-centric and trustworthy AI development. To achieve this goal, the EU has launched initiatives such as the GenAI4EU program to support startups and SMEs in adhering to EU values and regulations.
At the heart of the EU’s AI innovation package is the aim to ensure safety in AI development and usage. The European Commission’s efforts in this area include the launch of the EU AI Act, hailed as the first comprehensive law on AI globally. Staying competitive in the AI landscape involves not only advancing technological capabilities but also establishing robust AI safety policies.
In a move to support AI startups and spur innovation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an initiative to provide European AI startups access to supercomputers and launched a competition with a substantial prize for companies developing new AI models. By fostering an environment conducive to AI innovation, the EU aims to lead the way in AI development and regulation.
The U.S. has also made strides in AI safety with the establishment of the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute under the National Institute of Standards of Technology. As countries worldwide focus on AI safety and policy, the EU’s AI Office will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure a strategic and effective European approach to AI on a global scale.
