The European Union expressed confidence in its existing artificial intelligence regulations to address risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems, including concerns that advanced models could behave unexpectedly or uncontrollably. Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission’s executive vice-president for technological sovereignty, security and democracy, said that the bloc was well equipped to manage these emerging threats.
Her comments come amid growing international concern following recent incidents involving OpenAI and Anthropic. The EU maintains that its AI Act provides a framework for assessing risks, monitoring powerful models and holding companies accountable as the technology develops.
Adopted in 2024, the EU’s AI Act sets rules based on the risk level of different AI applications. The legislation is widely regarded as one of the world’s most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence.
Virkkunen rejected criticism from some technology companies that the rules are already outdated. She argued that lawmakers had anticipated the need to assess emerging risks, involve external experts, and continue monitoring AI models after their initial evaluations.
Under this approach, regulators will guide companies on how to evaluate their systems and determine how long safety assessments will take. Recommendations from a scientific panel of 60 experts from universities and other institutions will also inform the process.
The European Commission sent information requests to more than 30 AI companies in late August, seeking details on their safety and security measures. Follow-up questions covered transparency and copyright obligations.
The Commission has not identified the companies involved. However, Virkkunen confirmed that Chinese AI startups had also received requests, noting that some of the most capable models currently available come from the United States and China.
The requests could lead to formal investigations. Companies found to have violated applicable rules could face fines of up to 7% of their global annual turnover. Virkkunen said the Commission is currently assessing the responses it has received.
The EU’s position reflects a wider debate over how governments should manage advanced AI without unnecessarily restricting innovation. As AI capabilities expand, concerns about security, transparency and human oversight are becoming increasingly important.
For European regulators, the challenge will be keeping existing rules effective as new risks emerge. The outcome of the Commission’s assessments could help determine whether its current framework is sufficient or requires further measures.
Also Read: EU AI Rules Begin: Deepfakes, Chatbots Face New Labels
Virkkunen also addressed proposals for a digital levy that would primarily affect major US technology companies. She said EU governments will decide, as they discuss new revenue sources for the bloc’s 2028-2034 budget. The debate highlights how Europe is balancing AI oversight, technology policy, and funding priorities as it seeks greater control over its digital future.