Published on | 1 year ago
Programmes Digital, Industry & Space Horizon Europe HorizonEU L+F AI, data & cloudThe video at the end of this article contains a training on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Horizon Europe, given by Cristina Contero Almagro (Aphaia). Over the past five years, Europe has prioritized AI as a means to enhance its competitive edge. This training provides an overview of key milestones in AI regulation, including the ethics guidelines for trustworthy AI, the Assessment List for justworthy AI, and the proposed Artificial Intelligence Act. The focus lies on what you can do within the frame of self-assessment, and is especially relevant for AI-heavy projects.
You can find below the basic information (and links to more information) of the most important documents.
The foundation of AI regulation began with the Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI in 2018. The guidelines defined trustworthy AI based on three components: legality, ethical adherence, and robustness. To achieve trustworthy AI, compliance with laws, ethical principles, and robust technical and societal frameworks is essential to prevent unintended harm and enhance societal acceptance of AI technologies.
Following the ethics guidelines, the Assessment List for Trustworthy AI was published in late 2019, serving as an operational tool. It outlines specific requirements and questions related to ethical AI, aiding applicants and stakeholders in understanding and assessing their projects' adherence to ethical standards. While not offering definitions, it prompts critical self-reflection to ensure ethical considerations are adequately addressed.
The Artificial Intelligence Act, although not yet applicable, represents a significant step in AI regulation. It categorizes AI systems into four risk levels: acceptable risk, high risk (e.g., critical infrastructures), limited risk (e.g., standard websites), and minimal risk (e.g., video games). Each category corresponds to distinct regulatory requirements, reinforcing transparency and accountability, especially in high-risk applications.
Privacy and data governance are key aspects linked to principles of preventing harm, fairness, and accountability. This requirement emphasizes the critical role of data management and privacy protections. Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations is vital in the majority of AI projects, highlighting the need for familiarity with these aspects in AI development and implementation.
Understanding the evolving landscape of AI regulation in Horizon Europe is fundamental for successful project applications. The Ethics Guidelines, Assessment List, and proposed Artificial Intelligence Act provide a roadmap for developers and stakeholders to navigate the legal and ethical implications of AI. Addressing privacy and data governance concerns is equally vital to ensure responsible and effective AI deployment within the European context.
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The UNCHAIN project, ‘urban logistics and planning: anticipating urban freight generation and demand including digitalisation of urban freight’ obtained funding from the Horizon Europe’s Mobility Cluster. The project focuses on breaking down data silos and promoting public-private data exchange across a unified European mobility data space, enabling more informed decisions and greater efficiency. The City of Mechelen is a partner in the project and takes on the role of ‘follower city’: it will work alongside the primary demonstration sites (in Madrid, Berlin and Florence) to maximize the geographical coverage and replicability of solutions across Europe. Mechelen aims to test 2 concrete solutions in the UNCHAIN project, with the aim to help addressing its current and future challenges in urban freight distribution.