The 2024 EU Regulation on Artificial Intelligence: A Perspective

The 2024 EU Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AIR, Regulation No. 1689/2024) represents the first comprehensive attempt to establish a harmonized legal framework for artificial intelligence across the European Union. The Regulation is complex and aims to balance market integration with the protection of fundamental rights. Central to its design are two overarching values: the proper functioning of the internal market and the safeguarding of human dignity, health, safety, and fundamental rights, in line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The AIR builds upon principles articulated by the High-Level Expert Group on AI, including transparency, accountability, technical robustness, and human oversight, to foster the development of trustworthy and anthropocentric AI. Key regulatory issues examined in this contribution include the method of lawmaking – where the Regulation introduces harmonized rather than fully uniform rules – the legal definition of “AI system” in Article 3, and the categorization of high-risk and unacceptable-risk systems under Articles 5 and 6. The Regulation deliberately relies on pre-existing EU frameworks such as unfair commercial practices law and consumer rights directives. Ultimately, the AIR seeks to position Europe as a global standard-setter by ensuring reliable, human-centered AI while promoting innovation and safeguarding the internal market.