EU AI Act: Part 4 - Implementation, Governance & Enforcement

The EU AI Act sets up the framework for governing and supervising AI systems within the European Union. Responsibilities and governance structures are divided between the EU level and the national level of each member state of the European Union.

Governance at the EU Level

European Commission

The European Commission has the overarching responsibility and plays a central role in coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the AI Act across the EU.

AI Office

The AI Office has already been established by the European Commission to enhance the Union's expertise and capabilities in AI. This office will support member states and help ensure compliance with the Act's regulations. It will provide guidance and enforce the regulations where necessary.

The AI Office appoints an Advisory Forum to gather stakeholder input and provide recommendations to the Board. A Scientific Panel of independent experts is also established to offer technical and scientific advice on AI-related issues. Member states can access this pool of experts for guidance and support in implementing and complying with the AI Act.

AI Board

The Board will be established to assist the Commission and member states in implementing the AI Act and will be composed of one representative from the member state for 3 years.

The European AI Board assists the European Commission and Member States in applying the AI Regulation consistently and effectively. It coordinates national authorities, shares expertise, and provides regulatory advice, particularly on general-purpose AI models. The Board issues recommendations promotes AI literacy, and fosters cooperation with other EU bodies and international organisations. It helps develop regulatory sandboxes, offers guidance, and ensures alignment of administrative practices across Member States. Additionally, the Board handles alerts and provides opinions on AI system monitoring and enforcement

Governance at the National Level

Each member state designates at least one market surveillance authority and at least one notifying authority to enforce the AI Act at the national level.

Notifying Authority: These authorities are responsible for assessing and monitoring AI conformity assessment bodies. They ensure that AI systems comply with the necessary standards and regulations before they enter the market.

Market Surveillance Authority: These authorities monitor AI systems once they are on the market, ensuring ongoing compliance and addressing any issues or non-compliance that arise.

Notified Body: Notified bodies are organisations designated by the Notifying authorities to carry out conformity assessments of AI systems. Notified bodies are tasked with verifying the conformity of high-risk AI systems according to the procedures set out in the Act.

Reference:

EU AI Act

EU AI Office

Relevant articles:

EU AI Act: Part 1 - A Brief Overview

EU AI Act: Part 2 - EU AI Act: Part 2 - How are AI systems defined?

EU AI Act: Part 3 - EU AI Act: Part 3 - Risk-based Classification & Compliance of AI System

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as legal advice