After reaching a compromise, Germany is set to endorse the European Union’s seminal AI Act. This decision comes following the EU’s provisional agreement in December to establish a regulatory framework for AI development. The Act, however, requires the consensus of member states and the European Parliament.
The minister overseeing digital matters in Germany, Volker Wissing, indicated significant progress, especially in fostering a more innovation-friendly environment. He highlighted that the revised rules now include provisions to ease the burden on small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby avoiding excessive demands on these businesses. Specifics of these adjustments were not disclosed.
“Without the use of artificial intelligence, there will be no competitiveness in the future.
The wrangling over the German position on the AI Act came to an end today with an acceptable compromise.
The negotiated compromise lays the foundations for the development of trustworthy AI.”
— Volker Wissing, German Digital Minister
Previously, sources informed Reuters that the FDP, a minor coalition partner in Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government, which includes the Social Democrats and the Greens, had withdrawn their initial reservations about the Act. This shift in stance paves the way for Germany’s approval of the EU’s AI legislation.
