Poland aims to craft EU-wide AI strategy during Its presidency

Poland is set to push for the creation of a unified European strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) during its upcoming presidency of the European Union, Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Dariusz Standerski announced yesterday. The Polish government is also expected to introduce a domestic bill on AI within the week, further solidifying its stance on the digital sector.

“Poland’s position in the digital landscape is clear: we are not seeking new legal frameworks. What we need is a comprehensive AI strategy. There is currently no coherent digital law across the EU,” Standerski said at the Banking & Insurance Forum in Warsaw.

He emphasized Poland’s goal to bring forth specific strategic policies and investment proposals during its EU presidency. The priority, he said, is to achieve consensus on common AI procedures across member states. “The biggest success of our presidency will be if we can establish a unified approach to AI within the EU,” Standerski added.

Standerski noted that the lack of a coordinated European strategy is hindering the development of AI, as each member state currently has its own regulations and investment plans. “There’s no European coordination that could expand our opportunities for collaboration,” he said, calling for stronger cooperation across the bloc.

This week, Poland is set to unveil a new bill on AI, which will be open for consultation. The Deputy Minister also announced a broader debate on financing the digital sector, which has so far been largely dependent on the telecommunications industry. “We need to discuss whether mid-sized cities in Poland can host computational centers, which are essential for AI development,” Standerski said.

He identified three key challenges for Poland’s digital transformation: education, workforce development, and energy infrastructure. The first challenge, education, will be addressed through new training programs as part of Poland’s National Reconstruction Plan (KPO). The second challenge is increasing the share of ICT sector employees, where Poland currently lags behind other EU countries. Solutions, according to Standerski, include better education and a more effective migration policy to attract skilled workers. Lastly, he highlighted the energy demands of AI technologies, stressing the need for robust infrastructure to prevent power shortages as AI adoption grows.

“We need digital skills, a capable workforce, and the right infrastructure to support widespread AI use without risking blackouts,” Standerski concluded.

Last week, Standerski confirmed that the Ministry of Digital Affairs would soon release the first draft law on AI, which will focus on its application in critical areas such as healthcare, justice, and transport.

Source: ISBnews
Photo: Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Dariusz Standerski