Spotlight on artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a generic term referring to machines or algorithms capable of observing their environment, learning and, based on the knowledge and experience gained, taking intelligent actions or proposing solutions. The capacity to benefit from, and adapt to, the challenges and opportunities presented by this cognitive revolution is arguably one of the biggest strategic issues facing the European Union. AI can significantly improve people’s lives and bring major benefits to our society and economy through better healthcare, more efficient public administration, safer transport, a more competitive industry, sustainable farming and numerous other effects.
The EU is stimulating and facilitating the development of AI technologies to boost its competitiveness and put technology at the service of its citizens and economy. In addition, it is enhancing cooperation in this field among its Member States. However, it wants to ensure that the use of these technologies is in line with its values. As a result, the the approach of the EU to AI has to deal with important technological, ethical, legal and socioeconomic aspects.
Find out more about these aspects in this month’s newsletter, along with some of the most interesting EU publications on other topics, including research.
|
|
|
 |
A European perspective
This report aims to present an independent European perspective on AI underpinned by original research and not focused on any single policy domain. It provides a balanced assessment of the opportunities and challenges involved in supporting the development of European action in the global field of AI. It comes at a time when many European countries are developing national strategies to embrace this technological field and prepare society for the changes it will bring.
Available in English |
 |
In depth analysis - Study
The path to a more automated society, in which human intelligence is not the only complex one, is not free from danger and fear. Our ancestrally pessimistic bias makes us see things as worse than they actually are and systematically oppose technological progress. So, can we be optimistic about AI? Can we trust that it will benefit society? This study deals with such questions and with aspects that are particularly useful for politicians and legislators.
Available in English, French and Spanish |
 |
Mitigating bias and error to protect fundamental rights
This paper sets out to contribute to the many ongoing policy discussions around AI by highlighting an aspect that needs attention from a fundamental rights perspective: the need for good data quality. Algorithms can only be as good as the data used for their development. AI systems based on incomplete or biased data can lead to inaccurate outcomes that infringe on people’s fundamental rights. This is especially important in the era of big data, where quantity is sometimes valued more than quality.
Available in English |
|
|
More on this topic |
 |
Effects of disinformation initiatives on freedom of expression and media pluralism — Study
This study examines the consequences of the increasingly prevalent use of AI disinformation initiatives for freedom of expression, pluralism and the functioning of a democratic polity. Special attention is paid to the opportunities for the European Union to take the lead in establishing a framework for these technologies that enhances accountability and transparency but respects free speech.
Available in English |
 |
Study
This report describes the current state of the art in AI and its potential impact on learning, teaching and education. It provides conceptual foundations for well-informed policy-oriented work, research and forward-looking activities that address the opportunities and challenges created by the recent developments in the field.
Available in English |
 |
What implications for EU security and defence?
Imagine a world where human decision-making and thought processes play less of a role in the day-to-day functioning of society. Now think of the impact this would have on the security and defence sector. Indeed, it is likely that over the next few decades the development of AI will have major implications for this sector. This publication examines what these implications may be.
Available in English |
Research and innovation |
 |
Unlocking the secrets of the cosmos
The night sky is not just inspiring and beautiful. It also tells the story of the origins of our very existence, and is one of the greatest mysteries science has ever had to solve. The special feature of this month’s Research*eu looks into some of the latest EU-funded attempts to unlock the mysteries of the universe.
Available in English
(Individual article also available in French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish on the CORDIS website)
|
Also out recently |
 |
Political guidelines for the new European Commission 2019-2024
This document was originally presented on 16 July 2019 by Ursula von der Leyen in her capacity as candidate for President of the European Commission. It presents her vision for the European Union in the coming years. Ursula von der Leyen is now President-elect of the European Commission and will take office on 1 November 2019.
Available in English, French and German |
 |
Migration, population and education
At the very heart of a changing society lies the number and composition of its members. Population growth has shaped the EU over recent decades but now its population is ageing. The slow-moving shift towards longer-living, lower-fertility, higher-educated societies means new demographic frontiers for the EU, as it does for North America and East Asia. These developments naturally raise questions: Who will live and work in Europe in the coming decades? In what numbers and with what skills? These and other similar questions are examined in this report.
Available in English |
 |
Looking back, looking forward
This brochure sets out some of the highlights of the European Economic and Social Committee’s (EESC) work in 2018. It is every bit as much a statement of principles and goals as it is a snapshot of what the committee has achieved during the year. It illustrates the EESC’s ongoing efforts to fulfil the mission it was given more than 60 years ago. It also represents an opportunity for it to look ahead and ensure that it will continue to be the active and alert voice of civil society in the EU.
Available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish |
You may also like |
 |
European Union Prize for Literature: winning authors 2019
This book showcases the 14 laureates of the 2019 European Union Prize for Literature. What makes this prize so special is its aim to promote new voices from across our continent. Consequently, this book is also instrumental in helping to ensure that the works of these European talents recognised in 2019 will be read in many countries, in Europe and beyond.
Each story in the original language along with translation in English or French
|
 |
Significant ambitions but improved management required
In some situations, the most accessible or appropriate care for patients is available in a Member State other than their home country. Therefore, patients’ ability to make free and informed choices to access cross-border healthcare can improve the care they receive. This special report assesses the effectiveness of EU actions taken so far towards ensuring safe and high-quality healthcare across national borders within the EU; moreover, it provides recommendations for the future.
Available in all the official languages of the EU except Irish |
 |
15 years supporting European defence
This is a special edition of the European Defence Matters magazine, on the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of the European Defence Agency. It presents the history and achievements of the agency as well as the perspective of various stakeholders on the domain of European defence.
Available in English |
Our news |
Last chance to attend the EU DataViz 2019 conference!
Join us on 12 November to learn from the very best in the field!
EU DataViz 2019 is an international conference organised by the Publications Office of the European Union and taking place on 12 November 2019 in Luxembourg. It addresses the specific needs of the community engaged in data visualisation for the public sector in Europe, bringing together experts, professionals and solution-seekers.
We have almost reached full capacity, so if you are interested in attending the conference, please hurry and register here.
During the event, the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the EU institutions and Harvard University, among others, will share their experience and activities in data visualisation. You can see the comprehensive conference programme here.
The event is free of charge for participants thanks to the support of the European Commission’s ISA² (interoperability solutions for public administrations, businesses and citizens) programme.
Want to know more?
|
|
|
