Press Release – 15 May 2025 European Movement Ireland and Konrad- Adenauer- Stiftung (KAS) UK and Ireland hosted ‘Artificial Intelligence – How will Europe Innovate?’ The event explored the challenges and opportunities ahead for AI innovation, political leadership and the future development of AI across Europe, as the European Union sets out its ambitious agenda to become a global leader in AI.   

The EU AI act, which forms part of this vision, is the world’s first act to regulate the use of AI globally. In force since 2024, with some exemptions for high-risk AI until 2027, the EU AI Act will be fully applicable from 2026, coinciding with Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council. Given the presence of multinational tech companies, and leading research institutions in the country, Ireland is well positioned to influence how AI is advanced across the bloc into the future.  

Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs, Barry Ward TD said: “As Europe takes bold steps toward responsible AI innovation, today’s discussion underscores the need for political leadership that is both visionary and grounded in our shared values. With Ireland preparing to take on the Presidency of the European Council in 2026, along with our thriving tech sector and academic excellence, we are uniquely placed to help lead this conversation and ensure AI development in Europe is ethical, innovative, and inclusive.” 

Addressing those gathered, Noelle O Connell, CEO European Movement Ireland said; “As the global race continues for leadership in AI, I am delighted to hear the statement from Minister Smyth, welcome Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on EU Affairs Barry Ward TD,  and listen to the insights from the expert panel today on AI innovation, as it increasingly shapes all aspects of our daily lives and influences decision making.  

We are at a pivotal time when trust in institutions is falling, as revealed by EM Ireland’s EU Poll 2025, a majority stated (40%) they do not trust any institution and less than one in three (30%) expressed trust in the EU in Ireland. As the EU seeks to be bold in its vision for AI, it must ensure developments in AI work to serve the public good, and do not erode trust into the future.” 

The Minister for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth TD appeared prior to the discussion with a short video statement. The expert panel was moderated by Noelle O Connell and included Barry Ward TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs, Stephanie Anderson, Public Policy Manager, Meta, Dr. Eamonn Cahill, Principal Officer, AI and Digital Regulation Unit, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Kai Zenner of Office and Digital Policy Adviser for MEP Axel Voss.  

Dr. Canan Atilgan, Director Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) UK & Ireland said; “The EU aims to become a global leader in AI and has unveiled an ambitious Action Plan — a bold strategy designed not merely to compete, but to lead ethically, with a clear, human-centred vision.” 

Artificial Intelligence – How Will Europe Innovate? brought citizens, business, and policymakers together to explore the themes of the future of AI, and the regulation of AI in practice. The hashtag #EMIKAS and the handles @KAS_UKIRL and @emireland were used during the event. 

ENDS 

For further information contact;  

Aisling Brady, Head of Communications, European Movement Ireland  

Ph: +353 86 208 88 86 | Email: aisling@europeanmovement.ie  

About European Movement Ireland: Founded in 1954, European Movement (EM) Ireland is the longest established Irish not-for-profit, independent, membership organisation working on European affairs. EM Ireland works to develop the connection between Ireland and the European Union Our aim is to reach a wide range of audiences throughout Ireland, and our goal is to build positive public movement, ensuring that Ireland continues to contribute to shaping and sustaining a peaceful, progressive, democratic EU. For more information visit europeanmovement.ie. 

About Konrad- Adenauer- Stiftung (KAS) UK and Ireland: As a political foundation, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) closely collaborates with partners in the fields of politics, think tanks, academia, and civil society in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Political dialogue, analysis, and information dissemination are our core tasks. Our goal is to strengthen cross-border cooperation and mutual understanding. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in the UK and Ireland.  

Source : Europeanmovement

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