21.11.2024

The View from Brussels #324

News, Publications and Consultations from the Past Week

News CW 46 (11.11.2024 – 17.11.2024)

General-purpose AI guidelines: The EU’s first draft for general-purpose AI includes strict testing and risk mitigation plans to minimise systemic risks from models like ChatGPT. Despite concerns from industry and civil society, the code could serve as a global standard. Small companies are to be exempt from some requirements, while larger providers will have to disclose detailed information about their models. (Euractiv)​

AI Code of Conduct and independent experts: The EU Commission has delegated the creation of an AI Code of Conduct to 13 independent experts. These experts must consider transparency and security standards, as well as the interests of numerous stakeholders. However, critics have raised concerns about a lack of transparency and influence by industry. (Euractiv)​

Digital platform for declaring posted workers: The EU is planning a central digital platform to simplify the registration process for posted workers. This will save companies time and reduce administrative burdens while enhancing cooperation between Member States and the protection of workers. The use of the portal will remain voluntary for Member States. (European Commission)​

Tech sovereignty and a new EU tech leadership: As EU’s tech chief, Henna Virkkunen is set to take over a hefty role such as enforcing rules against Big Tech and promoting European technology. She is under pressure to reduce Europe’s dependence on the US and China and to promote innovation in areas such as AI and chips. Critics question her close ties to industry. (Politico)​

Connectivity Union for Europe: Mario Draghi calls for a “Connectivity Union” to enhance Europe’s digital infrastructure and secure its competitiveness. Poor 5G coverage and fragmented regulations are hindering innovation and economic growth. Harmonised standards and targeted investments could help to accelarate Europe’s digital transformation. (Politico)​

Selected Publications from the EP Think Tanks

Ongoing Relevant European Commission Consultations

Selections of the CW 47 (18.11.2024 – 24.11.2024)

Council:

The current preview of the Council’s work for the upcoming week can be found here.

Summit and Ministerial Meetings:

Preparatory Bodies:

An overview of the various Council dates can be found here.

Commission:

The agenda of the current Commission meeting was not available at our time of writing. You can potentially find it on the Commission’s website in the near future.

Parliament:

Plenary Sittings (Brussels)

There are no plenary sittings of the European Parliament taking place this week.

Here you can find a list of the upcoming dates of the European Parliament. The calendar of the plenary sittings for 2024 is available here (PDF).

Committees

LIBE Committee (Civil Liberties)

The agenda for the current meeting of the LIBE Committee taking place on 21.11.2024 can be found here.

JURI Committee (Legal Affairs)

No meeting of the JURI Committee is scheduled for this week.

ITRE Committee (Industry)

No meeting of the ITRE Committee is scheduled for this week.

IMCO Committee (Internal Market)

The agenda for the current meeting of the IMCO Committee taking place on 18.11.2024 can be found here. From the perspective of the Internet industry, the following agenda item is relevant:

  • Fitness Check of EU consumer law on digital fairness

CULT Committee (Culture and Education)

No meeting of the CULT Committee is scheduled for this week.

Outlook:

An overview of the following session weeks can be found here. The provisional agenda for the upcoming plenary sittings (25-28.11.2024) can be found here.

European Court of Justice

You can find the judicial calendar of the ECJ here.

The View from Brussels 1 October 2018