Introduction
The European Commission has taken a pivotal step in the global regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) by initiating a call for applications to join the AI Act Advisory Forum. This forum is designed to bring together diverse stakeholders to contribute to the responsible implementation of AI regulation, complementing the work of the Scientific Panel on general-purpose AI.
Description
The European Commission has initiated a call for applications to join the AI Act Advisory Forum [1] [2], a significant step in the global regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) [2]. This forum invites stakeholders from civil society [1], academia [1] [2] [4], industry [1] [2] [4], small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and start-ups to contribute to the responsible implementation of AI regulation [1]. It will serve as an advisory body to the Commission [1], complementing the work of the Scientific Panel, which focuses on general-purpose AI [1] [3]. The forum aims to facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue on AI governance [2], ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in the regulatory process while providing independent technical expertise on standardization and implementation challenges.
In conjunction with this initiative, the Commission has released the final version of its General-Purpose AI Code of Practice [3] [4], a voluntary framework developed by 13 independent experts with input from over 1,000 stakeholders [3] [4], including model providers [4], SMEs [1] [4], academics [1] [2] [4], AI safety experts [4], rightsholders [4], and civil society organizations [4]. This Code is designed to assist enterprises in complying with the AI Act’s regulations concerning general-purpose AI [4], which will take effect on 2 August 2025 [4]. A key feature of the Code is a model documentation form included in the transparency chapter, outlining the information required for mandatory reporting [3]. The enforcement of these regulations will begin one year later for new models and two years later for existing models [4], ensuring that general-purpose AI models available in the European market are safe and transparent [4].
To ensure balanced representation [1], the forum will include permanent members from key EU agencies such as the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) and the EU cybersecurity agency ENISA [1], as well as standardization bodies like CEN [1], CENELEC [1], and ETSI [1]. The forum is committed to promoting regional diversity and gender equality among its members.
Members will serve a renewable two-year term and are expected to actively participate in meetings [1], subgroups [1], and written contributions [1], without financial compensation for their involvement. Applications are open until 14 September 2025 for experts from organizations with a proven track record in AI-related fields [1]. The implications of the AI Act and the Advisory Forum extend internationally [2], encouraging other nations to enhance their AI regulatory frameworks [2]. By emphasizing ethical AI development and robust risk assessments [2], the Act serves as a potential model for global regulatory standards [2], with the forum playing a crucial role in shaping these governance standards as the AI landscape evolves.
Conclusion
The establishment of the AI Act Advisory Forum by the European Commission marks a significant advancement in AI regulation, fostering international collaboration and setting a precedent for global standards. By integrating diverse perspectives and expertise, the forum is poised to influence the ethical development and governance of AI, potentially guiding other nations in refining their regulatory approaches. This initiative underscores the importance of balanced representation and interdisciplinary dialogue in shaping the future of AI governance.
References
[1] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/european-commission-launches-call-applications-join-ai-act-advisory-forum
[2] https://opentools.ai/news/eu-opens-doors-for-ai-experts-to-join-ai-act-advisory-forum
[3] https://www.cfodive.com/news/EU-AI-Act-general-purpose-code-conduct/753032/
[4] https://futurium.ec.europa.eu/en/european-ai-alliance/blog/general-purpose-ai-code-practice-now-available
