MFF | AI White Paper | Digital Solutions

EU leaders will meet in Brussels this Thursday upon invitation from Council President Charles Michel, who has called for an emergency summit in an attempt to avoid further sleepless nights this year and to solve the 2021-2027 budget dilemma. Prepared by the General Affairs Council today, the meeting aims to give Member States a chance to find a much-needed compromise on budget contributions and where to allocate the money.

Meanwhile, the European Commission wants to make Europe 'Fit for the Digital Age', an area that appears to bear numerous challenges and opportunities. While the EU is trying to come up with a 'European Data Strategy' that would support the European economy, the week will also see the release of a brand-new White Paper on artificial intelligence, laying out the options for a legislative framework that can increase trust in AI while respecting Europe’s fundamental rights and values. 

Just down the road from the Berlaymont, MEPs in their respective committees will also be looking at digital strategies and AI. Moreover, with the involvement of both the Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs and on Employment and Social Affairs, the European Parliament and the Croatian Presidency are organising the European Parliamentary Week 2020.

European Parliament

MEPs are back to Brussels and busy in their respective committees this week. The Committees on Internal Market and Consumer Protection and on Industry will meet with Commissioner Thierry Breton to debate the Commission's new digital initiatives which include an EU 'Strategy for Europe Fit for the Digital Age', a White Paper on Artificial Intelligence and the European Data Strategy. Meanwhile, EP President Sassoli will address the extraordinary European Council summit, setting out Parliament’s position on the ongoing negotiations on the EU budget for 2021-2027. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the European Parliamentary Week will bring together Parliamentarians from EU Member States, candidate and observer countries to discuss economic, budgetary and social matters. 

European Commission

This week, Commissioners will discuss the EU's digital agenda, including the Commission's plans for a new European Data Strategy and a White Paper on Artificial Intelligence that is waiting in the pipeline. While the European Data Strategy will focus on making the most of the vast amounts of non-personal data, as an asset in the digital economy, the White Paper on Artificial Intelligence intends to support its development while making sure European ethics and fundamental rights are fully respected.

Special European Council

Bringing parts of the European capital to a familiar halt this Thursday, EU heads of state or government will meet in Brussels for a much-needed discussion on the EU’s long-term budget for 2021-2027. While the Commission has long put forward its suggestions for a post-2020 multi-annual financial framework, the Council and the European Parliament have yet to come to an agreement, while Member States are struggling to find a compromise on the level of the contributions and where to allocate the money. With the clock ticking and the loss of the U.K.'s contribution presenting additional challenges, the idea of introducing new own resources has become increasingly popular. Meanwhile, the Parliament has underlined it will not vote in favour of an MFF deal that does not entail an agreement on the reform of the EU own resources system.