If you're interested in the governance of emerging technologies, you are probably following the minute-by-minute legislative work shaping the AI Act. The complexity of the discussion and the volume of new information and topics on the agenda has reached unprecedented levels. Discussions are animated and the moment we are living is one of the most interesting historical times for emerging tech governance: the AI Act marks a pioneering legislative work, being the world's first comprehensive AI regulation.

Since the European Commission's initial proposal in April 2021, the AI Act has gone through several critical stages in the legislative process, including the Council's General Approach and the adoption of positions by the European Parliament. The trilogue negotiations have marked significant progress. Consensus has been reached on many crucial aspects of the Act. However, discussions are still ongoing regarding key issues such as governance and safeguarding fundamental rights.

In the midst of these advancements and negotiations, the Political Panel on the AI Act, held at the 4th AI Alliance Assembly in Madrid on November 16, aims to offer a timely and well-informed discussion on the ongoing negotiations. The panel will bring together high-level representatives from EU institutions that are shaping the negotiations and crafting this regulation. 

The panel will delve into the current state of political discussions and the consensus reached on critical matters so far. At the centre of the discussion will be issues such as high-risk categories, fundamental rights, and the regulation of foundation AI models. Additionally, the panel will provide a space to exchange visions on the path forward for the remaining steps of the AI Act’s formulation process. The panel, which I will have the honor to moderate, will count with the presence of:

• Roberto Viola, Director General of DG CNECT at the European Commission, who oversees the development and implementation of important AI policies in the EU;
• Carme Artigas, Spain's Secretary of State for Digitalization and AI, who plays a vital role in shaping Spain's AI strategy and represents the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council;
• Dragoș Tudorache, Member of the European Parliament, who brings valuable legislative insights and perspectives on the negotiations to the discussion;
• Brando Benifei, Member of the European Parliament, who contributes withs his expertise to the panel, focusing on the legislative work and negotiations.

Initially, the panel will explore the earlyvision of the AI Act and its evolution throughout the legislative process and negotiations, together with the Council’s perspective and priorities for the finalization of the formulation process.

At the heart of the discussion will be the aspects related to the risk-based approach adopted by the EU in the AI Act. The discussion will address the fundamental rights and AI regulation, prohibited practices and details of the proposed regulation. Discussions regarding high-risk AI systems and the EU's approach to them will be explored. Particularly, speakers will share visions on the procedures considered to identify high-risk AI systems and how the Act addresses the concerns regarding high-risk AI systems. As generative AI systems have sparked energetic debates within EU institutions, the panel will provide perspectives on the implications of regulating these technologies and information regarding the consensus reached so far.

Another important point of discussion regards the governance structure for the AI Act implementation. The speakers will provide insights on the structure and mechanisms programmed for coordination and enforcement. As part of this, we will discuss the role of regulatory sandboxes and their implementation, the setting of standards and the mechanisms to revisit lists of critical areas for high-risk AI applications.

In brief, the Political Panel will cover the most interesting topics that are now being discussed with the participation of a panel of experts that are working at the heart of the AI Act legislation process. The panel will not only be a unique opportunity to gain insights into the ongoing negotiations, but also a platform to build consensus and align visions on the steps forward for the AI Act finalization.

We encourage you to register for the 4th AI Alliance Assembly and attend this important panel discussion! It will take place on 16 November 2023, from 10:20 to 11:20 at Casa de América (Madrid, Spain). More information and updates on the Assembly we’ll be released soon in our communication channels.

Written by Dr Irene López de Vallejo, Moderator of the Panel