Nat´l implementation of EU AI Regulation begins

The working group preparing the national implementation of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Regulation has begun its work, said the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in a press release on Tuesday.

The Regulation aims to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) systems introduced on the EU market do not endanger human health, safety or fundamental rights.

The Regulation lays down rules on AI systems based on the risks they pose. AI systems posing an unacceptable risk will be banned and certain systems classified as high-risk will be subject to stricter requirements.

The working group will evaluate what national legislation is required by the Regulation and prepare a legislative proposal on its national implementation. The working group will assess whether this requires one or more government proposals.

The group’s tasks also include the test environments for the regulation of artificial intelligence (so-called sandboxes). The working group consists of representatives from the relevant ministries and it is chaired by Sami Kivivasara, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

The Regulation is expected to come into force in June or July 2024.

It will be implemented in stages according to different transitional periods and include different deadlines for Member States.

For example, the designation of authorities protecting fundamental rights must take place within three months and the designation of competent authorities within 12 months following the entry into force of the Regulation. Unless otherwise provided, the Regulation will apply 24 months after its entry into force.

The term of the working group is 29 April 2024–30 June 2026.