António Costa, President of the European Council, intends to place a discussion on the development and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) on the agenda of one of the remaining European Council summits in 2024. The proposed dates are October 15, November 13, or December 17.
Historically, digital issues have seldom featured on the top-level meeting agendas, and when they did it was usually in the context of Europe’s economic competitiveness. Listing AI as a separate agenda item indicates the topic is gaining political prominence.
Experts call for a comprehensive review
More than one hundred experts signed a letter describing AI as “the most significant structural transformation of our time” while arguing it is currently not given the necessary space. The letter urged António Costa to ensure the discussion is comprehensive, covering innovation, safety, and ethics as well as the social, environmental and geopolitical dimensions. Experts warn that in AI development, even a few months can make a substantial difference.
Hungary joins EU Gigafactory programme
Hungary’s Minister of Technology, Tanács Zoltán, recently said Hungary will join the EU’s AI programme, the Gigafactory. He stated that Hungary is currently significantly behind in this area, despite having been well placed in the region ten years ago.
The minister announced the government plans to invest €500 million and will use favourable loan conditions to finance the developments. Hungary will join a Polish-led consortium as part of the programme.
Why this matters
Taking AI onto the European Council agenda would allow leaders to develop considered, collective positions on AI regulation — important given the rapid pace of technological change and the urgency highlighted by experts. Simultaneously, national-level investments such as Hungary’s participation in the Gigafactory programme show that regulatory work and practical development efforts are advancing in parallel.
Decisions at the upcoming EU summits this year could shape the bloc’s approach to AI, with implications for European innovation capacity and global competitiveness.
