In recent years, the European Unionhas recognized that the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings not only opportunities but also profound challenges for fundamental
rights. While initial policies largely focused on fostering innovation and economic growth, increasing public concern has shifted attention toward ensuring that AI technologies respect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
A significant turning point came in2017 when the European Parliament emphasized that building public trust in AI requires strict enforcement of fundamental rights. This was soon followed by
calls from the European Council for a strong European approach that combines digital innovation with ethical safeguards. Responding to these demands, the European Commission established a High-Level Expert Group on AI and published the landmark "Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI." These initiatives laid the foundation for integrating human rights principles directly into AI development and deployment across Europe.
In 2020, the European Commission’sWhite Paper on AI proposed a comprehensive, risk-based regulatory framework. Special attention is given to "high-risk" AI applications, such as those used in healthcare, transport, recruitment, and biometric surveillance. The White Paper acknowledged that AI could threaten fundamental rights if not properly designed or if biased data are used, highlighting the need for mandatory regulation in critical sectors.
The EU’s efforts extend beyondregulation. With strategic initiatives like the European Data Strategy and the Digital Europe Programme, substantial financial investments are being made to ensure Europe’s leadership in ethical and secure AI. Moreover, global institutions such asthe Council of Europe, the OECD, and UNESCO are also developing standards and guidelines, underlining the importance of international cooperation in this field.
Ultimately, a rights-based regulatoryapproach is crucial. As the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has stated, voluntary ethical guidelines alone are not enough. Only through binding legal
frameworks can we ensure that AI serves society, upholds fundamental rights, and strengthens democratic values in the digital age.