"The AI ​​Office aims to support the development, deployment and future use of AI in a way that promotes innovation and economic and social benefits, while minimizing risks," AFP quoted the European Commission's statement on May 29.

The 140-member AI office will be set up within the commission, the EU's executive branch, and will also act as the union's technology regulator.

“The office will promote a European AI ecosystem that is innovative, competitive and respectful of EU rules and values,” said EU Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton.

The EU this year passed the world's first law governing AI, especially powerful systems like ChatGPT from OpenAI, after lengthy and tense negotiations.

The EU's "AI Act" sets stricter rules for general AI systems like ChatGPT and takes a risk-based approach to the technology. For example, the higher the risk to the rights or health of Europeans, the greater the system's obligation to protect individuals.

“Together with developers and the scientific community, the office will evaluate and test general AI to ensure that AI serves us as humans and upholds our European values,” said European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager.

Companies will have to comply with EU law by 2026, but regulations governing AI models like ChatGPT will apply 12 months after the law comes into force.

The EU’s announcement comes on the same day that the EU’s auditor general criticized the European Commission for not investing enough in AI to achieve the bloc’s ambitions. However, the European Commission said it is investing more than €1 billion a year in AI research projects under various programs.