EU's von der Leyen backs AI slowdown, to invite frontier labs for talks

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Von der Leyen seeks to pace frontier AI models and engage labs on safety

   European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is calling for a slower pace in the development of frontier AI models to better manage safety risks. As part of this strategy, the Commission plans to invite leaders from frontier AI labs for talks on technology pacing and risk mitigation. To facilitate this cooperation, the EU is considering relaxing antitrust laws that would otherwise prevent AI firms from coordinating on safety measures. These priorities were highlighted in von der Leyen's State of the Union address, emphasizing curbs on frontier AI and restrictions on children's social media use.

   Why it matters

   This move signals a divergence from the position of Donald Trump, who has described AI safety warnings as a hoax. While the EU pushes for caution, Germany has stated that halting AI development is not a viable option for Europe. The tension reflects a broader struggle to balance technological competitiveness with regulatory safety.

   What is confirmed

   • Ursula von der Leyen has called for pacing the development of frontier AI models.
   • The European Commission will invite frontier AI labs and leaders for talks regarding safety and technology pacing.
   • The EU is weighing the possibility of relaxing antitrust laws to enable AI firms to coordinate on safety.
   • Frontier AI curbs were a priority in von der Leyen's State of the Union address.
   • EU countries scheduled a meeting in Brussels on Thursday to discuss AI rules.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Germany believes halting AI development is not an option for Europe.
   • Donald Trump has called AI safety warnings a hoax.
   • Europe needs to do more to provide real artificial intelligence reassurance.

   What to watch next

   • Outcome of the Brussels meeting regarding AI rules
   • Confirmation of which AI labs are invited to the Commission's talks
   • Official policy changes to antitrust laws for AI safety cooperation
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. politico.eu — EU countries to discuss AI rules as Trump calls safety warnings a ‘hoax’
   2. Euronews.com — EU's von der Leyen calls for pacing frontier AI models
   3. Reuters — EU's von der Leyen to invite frontier labs for talks on tackling AI risks
   4. Technology Org — Germany Says Halting AI Development Is Not an Option for Europe
   5. Bruegel — Europe still needs to do more to provide real artificial intelligence reassurance
   6. marketscreener.com — European Commission to Invite AI Leaders for Talks on Technology Pacing, Safety
   7. yahoo.com — EU's Von der Leyen highlights AI risks, diverging from Trump
   8. politico.eu — EU would consider relaxing antitrust laws for AI firms to coordinate on safety
   9. IAPP — Frontier AI curbs, children's social media restrictions among priorities in EU State of the Union address
   10. PYMNTS.com — CPI | EU Weighs Antitrust Flexibility for AI Safety Cooperation
   11. Tech Policy Press — What Von der Leyen’s State of the Union Means for Europe’s Tech Ambitions
   12. Euronews.com — Is curtailing AI an illusion for the EU, despite von der Leyen's pledge?
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