European Commission Launches AI Office

The European Commission has established the European AI Office as the central hub of AI expertise across the EU. This office is designed to be at the forefront of implementing the AI Act, particularly focusing on general-purpose AI, and aims to "foster the development and use of trustworthy AI, and international cooperation." It positions itself as the foundation for a unified European AI governance system, emphasizing the need for AI to be safe, trustworthy, and beneficial across the 27 Member States.

The European AI Office will have a crucial role in ensuring the AI Act's effective implementation by supporting Member States' governance bodies. It is entrusted with enforcing rules for general-purpose AI models and promoting a culture of trustworthy AI within the EU. The office's duties include "supporting the AI Act and enforcing general-purpose AI rules," thereby contributing to the coherent application of the AI Act across Member States and developing tools for evaluating AI models.

Furthermore, the office is committed to strengthening the development and use of trustworthy AI by "advancing actions and policies to reap the societal and economic benefits of AI across the EU." This involves providing advice on best practices, facilitating access to AI sandboxes for real-world testing, and encouraging the growth of innovative AI ecosystems.