The ECR Group welcomes the first ever comprehensive legal framework for artificial intelligence systems.

The European Parliament’s negotiating position on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, adopted today in Strasbourg, includes a number of the ECR Group’s demands, such as incentives for AI research, support for European new technology SMEs, strengthening the role of regulatory sandboxes and transparency obligations for AI operations in high-risk areas.

Speaking after the adoption, ECR shadow rapporteur in the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, Kosma Złotowski, said:

“Technology will always move faster than we can control it. However, we need to create a legal framework for the development of AI that ensures consumer safety and a high level of protection of human rights, and which outlines a framework of accountability for companies and public institutions.

“The text is a good starting point for further amendments, especially in those areas that are crucial for strengthening innovation in the European economy.”

Rob Rooken, ECR shadow rapporteur in the Civil Liberties Committee, said:

“With the AI Act, the European Parliament has made an effort to protect the fundamental rights of EU citizens. Let’s hope that the Council shares the same concern and will address Parliament’s concerns about the use of ‘real-time’ remote biometric identification systems in public spaces. We should protect the rights of our citizens and not allow the use of facial recognition in public spaces. Mass surveillance of innocent citizens must be prevented”.