EU Opens Doors for AI Experts to Join AI Act Advisory Forum

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative force in numerous fields, and with its rapid development, the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework to manage and guide its evolution has become increasingly apparent. The European Commission's proactive approach in launching a call for applications to form the AI Act Advisory Forum underscores the EU's commitment to leading the charge in AI regulation. This forum is set to play a pivotal role in the application and refinement of the proposed AI Act, which aims to manage risks while encouraging ethical AI practices .

The AI Act itself represents a landmark legislative effort to categorize AI systems based on their risk levels, ensuring that providers and users adhere to obligations proportional to these risks. By seeking experts from diverse sectors such as academia, civil society, and industry, the European Commission aims to ensure that the Advisory Forum is a well-rounded body capable of offering nuanced perspectives on the AI Act's implementation challenges . As the Advisory Forum complements the work of the Scientific Panel, its creation signals an era of enhanced governance structures designed to keep pace with technological advancements while safeguarding ethical norms.

The participation in the AI Act Advisory Forum is set to draw significant attention from experts with a proven track record in AI. Although participation is unpaid, the role offers stakeholders a unique platform to influence the developmental trajectory of AI regulation across Europe. The two-year renewable terms suggest a dynamic environment where ongoing contributions and debates will shape the framework supporting the responsible deployment of AI technologies . By harnessing diverse inputs, the forum is expected to navigate the complexities of AI standardization and implementation, ensuring that the AI Act addresses both current challenges and future innovations.

The AI Act represents a pioneering legislative effort by the European Union to regulate artificial intelligence technologies in a manner that ensures ethical application and mitigates associated risks. This comprehensive framework classifies AI systems based on their perceived risk, thereby imposing a structured set of obligations on both providers and users of these technologies. Such stratification is crucial as it seeks to balance innovation with safety, thereby fostering a trusted AI ecosystem within Europe. The act is not only a regulatory measure but also a part of a larger strategic vision to position the EU as a leader in the global AI landscape, emphasizing accountability and transparency in AI operations.

One of the primary objectives of the AI Act is to classify AI applications across different levels of risk—ranging from minimal and limited to high and unacceptable risks. Systems categorized under unacceptable risk, such as those manipulating subconscious behavior or conducting social scoring, face outright prohibitions. This reflects the EU's commitment to safeguarding fundamental rights and prioritizing ethical AI usage. On the other hand, high-risk AI applications, which include areas like biometric identification and critical infrastructure, are subject to strict compliance requirements. These actions are geared towards ensuring that AI systems operate under strict ethical and safety standards while allowing innovation to flourish in lower-risk categories.

To effectively implement the AI Act, the European Commission has initiated the formation of the AI Act Advisory Forum. This forum will serve as a collaborative platform for providing the commission with insights and technical expertise on various challenges associated with the Act’s deployment, such as standardization and compliance. Experts from diverse sectors—including academia, industry, and civil society—are encouraged to contribute, ensuring that the forum captures a broad range of perspectives. By incorporating input from these various stakeholders, the forum aims to facilitate seamless integration of the AI Act within the EU's regulatory framework, thereby assuring its practical and effective application.

Moreover, the Advisory Forum complements the efforts of the AI Scientific Panel, which focuses on the unique challenges presented by general-purpose AI systems. This dual approach, integrating targeted expertise from both the forum and the panel, reflects a comprehensive governance strategy designed to address the complexities inherent in modern AI technologies. The coordination between these bodies is crucial for adapting to technological advancements while remaining aligned with ethical norms and societal values. Such coordination also extends to providing guidelines that will shape the technical and ethical landscape for AI development and deployment across Europe.

The AI Act Advisory Forum serves as a critical platform for providing the European Commission with specialized advice on the multifaceted elements involved in executing the European Union AI Act. This forum fosters a dialogue of innovative ideas and recommendations from a diverse range of experts drawn from industry, academia, and civil society, allowing the Commission to implement well-rounded and strategically sound AI regulations. The forum actively collaborates with the Scientific Panel to address challenges related to the standardization and application of AI technologies within European markets, ensuring that regulation keeps pace with technological advancement and industry needs. Through this consultative role, the Advisory Forum aims to bridge gaps between policy and practice by delivering grounded, technical insights into AI's evolving landscape. More detailed insights into the role and operations of the forum can be obtained from the official call for applications [here](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/european-commission-launches-call-applications-join-ai-act-advisory-forum).

The eligibility criteria for applicants seeking to join the AI Act Advisory Forum is designed to attract a diverse and qualified pool of candidates. The European Commission is reaching out to experts across various sectors, including civil society, academia, industry, SMEs, and startups, to ensure that the forum is representative of a broad range of stakeholders . This approach underscores the Commission's commitment to balanced representation, regional diversity, and gender equality in the selection process.

Applicants are expected to have a proven track record in AI-related fields to be considered eligible for the forum. This requirement is crucial as the forum will provide independent technical expertise and advice to the European Commission on implementing the AI Act . The expertise provided by members will assist in addressing challenges related to standardization and implementation, which are vital aspects of the AI Act.

Participants in the forum will not receive remuneration for their contributions; therefore, the Commission seeks individuals who are motivated by a genuine commitment to shaping AI regulation rather than personal gain . The selected members will need to commit to a two-year term, with the possibility of renewal once, and are expected to actively participate in meetings and contribute written insights.

The open call for applications until September 14, 2025, reflects the urgency and significance of the forum's work in guiding the effective execution of the EU's AI Act. The forum's composition is designed to ensure comprehensive oversight and inclusive advice on this pioneering legislative initiative .

The responsibilities of members of the AI Act Advisory Forum are pivotal to its mission to effectively support the European Commission in the enactment of the AI Act. These selected individuals will commit to a two-year term, which can be renewed once, showcasing the need for stability and continuity in advisory roles. Members are expected to engage actively by attending meetings and participating in specialized subgroups focused on distinct AI-related issues. This rigorous schedule ensures that forum members are deeply involved in the intricate processes of shaping AI policy within the European Union ().

A crucial responsibility for forum members involves providing comprehensive written analyses and recommendations that address the nuanced challenges of implementing the AI Act. This advisory role is geared toward offering independent technical expertise, which is integral to surmounting the various standardization and implementation hurdles posed by the AI framework. The independent nature of their contributions ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, aiding the European Commission in crafting robust AI policies that cater to diverse societal needs and technological advancements ().

Forum members are representatives from a wide array of sectors including academia, industry, civil society, SMEs, and startups. This diversity is a testament to the forum's commitment to ensuring balanced and comprehensive perspectives in its deliberations. Members are tasked with integrating these varied viewpoints to formulate holistic strategies that prioritize ethical considerations and address sector-specific regulatory needs, thereby ensuring the responsible and effective implementation of AI across all sectors ().

The European Commission's creation of both the Advisory Forum and the Scientific Panel underlines a structured approach to implementing the EU's AI Act, yet these two entities serve distinct but complementary roles. The Advisory Forum acts as a critical advisory body, providing the European Commission with a wide range of expert opinions on various challenges associated with the AI Act's implementation. This includes offering independent expertise on issues such as standardization and the unique hurdles that might emerge as the Act is put into practice. Its membership draws from a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, encompassing academia, industry, and civil society, which ensures a rich tapestry of perspectives. On the other hand, the Scientific Panel is more narrowly focused on general-purpose AI. It is specifically designed to address the complexities associated with these systems, thus playing a pivotal role in advising both the AI Office and national market surveillance authorities on this front. Its targeted focus allows for a deeper engagement with the scientific nuances of AI technologies, setting a rigorous scientific foundation for broader AI strategies. [source]

While both the Advisory Forum and the Scientific Panel are integral to the EU's strategy for AI regulation, their differing scopes and focuses highlight the multifaceted nature of AI governance. The Advisory Forum's broad remit encompasses all facets of the AI Act, ensuring that a holistic view is maintained as policies are proposed and refined. This broader lens ensures that the nuances of AI's impact across different sectors and societal strata are adequately considered, fostering an inclusive policy culture. In contrast, the Scientific Panel's specialization in general-purpose AI reflects a necessity to dive deep into the technicalities of AI models that drive most advanced AI technologies today. Its role in providing insights specifically related to the scientific and technical dimensions of general-purpose AI ensures that policies are not only theoretically sound but are also practically applicable and effective in managing the inherent risks associated with AI technologies. [source]

The enactment of the EU AI Act represents a transformative step in Europe's approach to artificial intelligence regulation, carrying profound economic implications. At the core of these repercussions is the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks aimed at harnessing the potential of AI while mitigating associated risks. The European Commission's creation of the AI Act Advisory Forum exemplifies a strategic initiative to gather insights and expertise from a diverse array of professionals, including those from industry, academia, SMEs, and startups. This ensures that the legislation is not only comprehensive but also adaptable to the varying needs of different sectors. The Forum’s insights are vital as they will inform the strategic decisions that could either streamline regulatory processes or impose significant compliance burdens on businesses: European Commission's call for applications.

While some businesses may face increased compliance costs due to the stringent standards set forth by the AI Act, these regulations also promise to level the playing field by enforcing ethical practices across the board. Such measures could deter unfair advantages gained through unregulated AI deployment, motivating companies to invest in compliant innovations. Additionally, the phased implementation strategy allows companies time to adjust, reducing immediate economic uncertainty and enabling a gradual adaptation to the regulatory environment. This approach addresses potential barriers while fostering an innovation-friendly atmosphere that can ultimately lead to a thriving AI ecosystem in Europe: European Commission's AI Act Advisory Forum details.

Moreover, the targeted regulation of general-purpose AI, as emphasized by the concurrent efforts of the Scientific Panel and the GPAI Code of Practice, underscores a deliberate focus on technologies that form the backbone of numerous AI applications. This can fundamentally shape how companies, both large and small, approach AI development, potentially curbing any monopolistic tendencies and fostering a diversified market. Whether these regulations will stymie or stimulate innovation largely depends on their implementation and the flexibility offered to industry players. Hence, the outcomes of these initiatives will have enduring impacts on the economic landscape of AI across Europe: Launch of AI Advisory Forum.

The European Union's AI Act aims to create a comprehensive framework for the equitable and risk-aware deployment of artificial intelligence across Europe. A key component of the act is the emphasis on its social implications. By regulating AI systems, especially those considered high-risk, the act endeavors to prevent technologies from harming societal structures or influencing public behavior in manipulative ways. For instance, it prohibits AI applications designed for social scoring, a practice that evaluates people's trustworthiness based on their digital actions. Such provisions underscore the EU's commitment to protecting individual rights and preserving democratic values, while fostering trust in AI systems used in daily life. The initiative to form an AI Act Advisory Forum reflects this commitment, as the forum will provide expert guidance to ensure the act is implemented in a manner that safeguards public interests.

Furthermore, the AI Act addresses the societal concerns surrounding employment and skills as automation becomes more prevalent. While AI technologies hold the promise of increasing productivity, they also pose a threat to employment as certain tasks may be transferred to machines. To alleviate these issues, the AI Act encourages the development of retraining programs and aims to upskill citizens, ensuring that the workforce remains adaptable and competitive in an AI-driven future. This indicates a proactive approach by the EU to not only foster technological innovation but also to mitigate the socio-economic disruptions that such innovations might bring.

The act also places considerable emphasis on transparency, particularly in AI systems that interact with individuals or offer generative content. Recognizing the potential for AI to be used in ways that could obscure or manipulate information, the act mandates clear and transparent communications about the operation of AI systems. This transparency is crucial in building public trust, as citizens will be better informed about the technologies affecting their lives and the reasoning behind AI-driven decisions. This focus aligns with the EU's broader strategy of ensuring that AI development is both responsible and aligned with the public good.

The impact of the AI Act extends beyond Europe, setting a precedent for global AI governance. By establishing clear guidelines and ethical principles for AI deployment, the EU is positioning itself as a leader in the responsible use of technology. This leadership role was evident in the EU's strategic interplay between regulation and innovation—balancing strict, ethical requirements with the need to remain competitive in the global market. Such efforts could encourage other regions to adopt similar frameworks, promoting an international consensus on ethical AI standards.

In summary, the social impacts of the AI Act are profound and far-reaching. Through regulations that reinforce ethical AI practices, protect employment, and ensure transparency, the act aims to cultivate an environment where AI advancements contribute positively to society. The EU’s proactive steps, including the formation of advisory forums and scientific panels, cement its role as a pioneer in setting not only a regulatory framework but also a visionary path for AI’s integration into society.

The European Commission's call for applications to the AI Act Advisory Forum marks a significant step in shaping the political landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation globally. This initiative underscores the EU's commitment to establishing comprehensive governance over AI technologies, setting a precedent that could influence global regulatory standards. The Advisory Forum will play a pivotal role in advising the Commission on implementing the AI Act, focusing on aspects such as standardization and addressing implementation challenges. This move not only reinforces the EU's position as a leader in AI regulation but also showcases its ability to mobilize a diverse range of experts from various sectors, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to policymaking. More details can be found in the [official announcement](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/european-commission-launches-call-applications-join-ai-act-advisory-forum).

By convening stakeholders from civil society, academia, and industry, the AI Act Advisory Forum provides a platform for exchanging expert insights and fostering an interdisciplinary dialogue on AI governance. This approach is particularly significant as it reflects the EU's strategy to address the multifaceted nature of AI's impact across different domains. Such comprehensive engagement ensures that the AI Act's implementation considers diverse viewpoints and expertise, thereby enhancing its effectiveness and acceptance. Consequently, the Advisory Forum is not just a tool for regulatory guidance but also a model for international collaboration on AI governance, potentially influencing other regions to adopt similar frameworks. Further information is available from the [European Commission's funding page](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/european-commission-launches-call-applications-join-ai-act-advisory-forum).

Internationally, the implications of the EU's AI Act and its Advisory Forum extend beyond regional boundaries, as they challenge other nations to elevate their regulatory frameworks for AI. By emphasizing ethical AI development and robust risk assessments, the AI Act offers a template that can inspire similar regulatory constructs worldwide. The establishment of the Scientific Panel, alongside the Advisory Forum, enhances the EU's capacity to lead in global AI ethics, potentially harmonizing standards and reducing the risk of regulatory fragmentation across borders. This harmonized approach could pave the way for international treaties or agreements focused on AI ethics and regulation. To learn more about the Advisory Forum's role and application process, visit the [European Commission's site](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/european-commission-launches-call-applications-join-ai-act-advisory-forum).

The European Commission's call for applications to the AI Act Advisory Forum represents a forward-thinking approach to artificial intelligence governance. By creating an inclusive platform for various sectors, including industry experts, civil society, and academia, the Commission aims to gather diverse perspectives on standardization and implementation challenges. This initiative seeks to ensure that the AI Act not only addresses regulatory concerns but also fosters innovation and ethical AI development.

Participation in the forum is designed to be a collaborative journey rather than a remunerated role. Experts are called upon to contribute actively through meetings and written work, underlining a commitment to shaping a globally significant AI regulatory framework. The forum complements the Scientific Panel, ensuring that both specialized and general-purpose AI insights are integrated into the EU's larger regulatory scheme.

As the AI landscape evolves, the forum's input will be pivotal in adapting the AI Act to emerging technologies and trends. The continuous evaluation and feedback loop established by the forum is expected to play a crucial role in aligning the Act with both regional needs and international standards. Given the AI Act's groundbreaking nature – being the first comprehensive legal framework to regulate artificial intelligence worldwide – this forum acts as a key enabler in the EU's mission to set global AI governance standards.

Looking ahead, the success of the AI Act and the Advisory Forum will likely be measured by their ability to balance stringent regulatory requirements with the promotion of innovation. By engaging with a variety of stakeholders, the EU aims to pioneer a regulatory environment that encourages responsible AI development while safeguarding fundamental rights. Collaboration, both within Europe and with international partners, will be essential to achieving these goals.