Germany, France, and Italy to Agree on Common Position on Final EU AI Act Text
Summary
Germany, France, and Italy have all raised criticisms of last December’s deal between the European Council and Parliament on the proposed EU AI Act, raising questions over the text’s final shape. On December 27, 2023, German Digital Minister Volker Wissing stated that the current text’s strict hurdles for large foundation models created an “[un]fair competitive environment” that could put new entrants and smaller companies at a disadvantage compared to established players. Minister Wissing’s statement followed criticisms by French President Emmanuel Macron, who asserted earlier in the month that it was “not a good idea” to regulate AI more than other countries like the United States. The three countries are currently in the process of establishing a common position on their concerns. It is unclear whether they will seek to block the Act’s final passage—which will require a fourth EU Member’s support—or whether they will merely seek to extract further concessions, such as a mandatory periodic review of the legislation as President Macron has proposed.
