The EESC is urging the European Union to boost its investment in secure connectivity, resilient infrastructure and supply chains to ensure it stays competitive in the rapidly evolving field of general-purpose AI (GPAI). These measures are seen as essential in maximising the benefits of generative AI in line with European values, needs and fundamental rights.

In its exploratory opinion on Artificial intelligence/the way forward, in which it focuses on the key aspects of GPAI, the EESC stresses that the dynamism and complexity of AI require ongoing updates to the EU’s AI Act. While GPAI models are largely technical and apply predominantly in the business-to-business (B2B) sector, their indirect impact on workers and consumers cannot be overlooked.

‘We think it is very important that any AI we use here in Europe also be based on European values. This of course means the rule of law and human rights, but it also means transparency, credibility and trustworthiness. Those are the key factors enabling any AI system to work for the people,’ said Sandra Parthie, rapporteur for the opinion, which was requested by the European Commission and the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Although supportive of the AI Act, the EESC stresses the need for it to be closely monitored and adjusted if the regulation proves to stifle the innovativeness of EU AI-focused companies. This can happen where there are uncertainties over how the regulation should be applied or if it proves to be too complex, driving investors and innovators away from the European market.

To counteract the heavy dominance of large non-EU digital companies on the EU market, the EESC has called for EU competition policy tools to be mobilised to address any critical behaviour or non-compliance with EU standards.

The EU and its Member States need to invest in innovation to build strong networks for creating and improving AI products and to increase the benefits AI brings to people and the economy. Not developing and using GPAI in Europe might result in decreasing competitiveness among European companies and in declining sales, job losses, economic stagnation and poverty.

‘We have very good companies and researchers; we have world-leading research facilities on our doorstep. We need to promote them much more than we do. We need to attract talent and make Europe attractive for them to work here. We need to develop AI made in Europe,’ Ms Parthie concluded. (ll)