Genesis and Evolution of the EU Approach to Artificial Intelligence

This chapter analyses the European Union’s evolving approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance, focussing on its regulatory journey from initial ethical guidelines to the pioneering AI Act. Starting with early measures in 2015, the EU’s trajectory reflects a growing awareness of AI’s societal risks and benefits. Initial steps emphasised ethical guidelines and stakeholder consultations, leading to the establishment of the High-Level Expert Group on AI, which introduced the concept of “trustworthy AI”. The chapter details key regulatory milestones, including the 2021 AI Act proposal, which defined AI applications within a risk-based framework. It concludes by examining Europe’s challenges in fostering an “ecosystem of excellence” essential for sustaining AI innovation. With only 6% of global AI venture capital and significant talent loss to other regions, Europe faces hurdles in advancing AI capabilities. Proposed initiatives, including the AI Innovation Package and the GenAI4EU initiative, aim to enhance Europe’s AI competitiveness by supporting infrastructure, talent retention, and venture capital. This regulatory and innovation landscape reflects Europe’s ambition to lead in AI governance while addressing global challenges.