EU Establishes AI Office for Socio-Economic Benefits and AI Risk Mitigation

To combat rising AI uncertainty, the European Union has decided to open a new center to study how AI can enhance societal and economic benefits while mitigating risks. The Office will be the AI expertise hub across the EU, providing advice on best practices for AI uptake, regulation and compliance, safety, robotics, AI for societal good, and innovation.

In addition, the EU intends to ensure that the EU bloc will become a global reference point for AI governance and mainstream the European AI approach internationally.

Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President at the European Commission, says the office will "help ensure a coherent implementation of the AI Act. Together with developers and a scientific community, the office will evaluate and test general-purpose AI to ensure that AI serves us as humans and upholds our European values."

Lucilla Sioli, Director for AI and Digital Industry within the European Commission, will formally lead the AI Office. It is estimated that around 140 experts will work in the AI Office; however, 60 staff have been selected from other units of the same institution till now, the European Commission noted.