European Union Ready for the Challenges of Artificial Intelligence, says President Ursula von der Leyen
In her annual State of the Union address, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the European Union (EU) has thrived in the past five years and is well-prepared to tackle the immense challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI).
This may be von der Leyen’s final State of the Union address, as the European election in 2024 looms on the horizon. Since her 2019 speech as president-elect, she has successfully led the EU through a pandemic, an economic crisis, and even a war on European soil.
While she claims a 90 percent success rate in delivering on political guidelines presented in 2019, the accuracy of this figure is open to debate. Nevertheless, von der Leyen’s speech primarily focused on the Commission’s accomplishments during its mandate and outlined plans for the enlargement of the EU.
The President emphasized that artificial intelligence and technology are crucial concerns for the future of the EU. She highlighted the need for the EU to be at the forefront of AI development, ensuring it is both ethical and respects EU values. Von der Leyen also emphasized the importance of protecting citizens’ privacy and data, stating that AI must serve humanity and not the other way around.
To support her claims, von der Leyen relied on data and analysis from POLITICO’s Research and Analysis Division. These statistics were used to evaluate and validate the Commission’s achievements and the progress made under her leadership.
Looking ahead, the EU aims to continue its successful trajectory, with artificial intelligence at the forefront of its strategic priorities. The EU intends to invest heavily in research and innovation, fostering collaboration between member states and attracting talented researchers and innovators. By doing so, the EU seeks to ensure that it remains a global leader in AI technology.
While challenges undoubtedly await, President Ursula von der Leyen exudes confidence in the EU’s ability to thrive in the face of these obstacles and emerge stronger than ever. With her tenure coming to an end in the near future, her final State of the Union address serves as a testament to the EU’s resilience and commitment to progress.
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