Romania Approves 2024-2027 AI Strategy
On 11 July 2024, the Romanian government has officially approved it’s national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy for 2024-2027 (currently only available only in Romanian), aligning with the European Union's goal of becoming a global leader in AI.
At a press conference, executive spokesman Mihai Constantin said the new strategic framework will underpin European funding dedicated to the implementation of next-generation technologies and will significantly impact people's lives, society and the economy.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said at Thursday's cabinet meeting that the strategy is expected to enable tax authorities and other state institutions to extensively employ AI for risk analysis, public tenders, and optimizing public spending.
The strategy outlines five strategic axes:
digital public administration
digital economy
digital education
cybersecurity
digital communications
Its implementation will be overseen by the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) and the Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE), through an inter-ministerial commission.
The Vision Behind the Strategy
The National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence (SN-IA) in Romania aims to align the country’s digital technology adoption with human rights principles, while fostering excellence and trust in AI. SN-IA shall empower the Romanian government to advance standardisation, operationalisation, and regulation of AI development, maximizing its positive outcomes and mitigating associated risks. Additionally, the strategy will highlight and leverage the nation’s innovative potential in AI, ensuring alignment with EU directives on digital services.
The strategic document states that economic growth and social prosperity:
“will be defined by Romania’s ability to understand, harness, and adapt to the rapid advancements driven by emerging technologies, especially AI,” while stating that AI should not create barriers or issues for end users.