The European Union has called for a shared international commitment to governing artificial intelligence based on independent scientific evidence and multistakeholder cooperation, at the first UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance held in Geneva on 6-7 July 2026. Speaking on behalf of the EU and its member states, Roberto Viola, Director-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology at the European Commission, stressed that the fast evolution of AI brings both transformative opportunities and considerable societal risks, and that governance must be informed by facts rather than competitive pressure or advocacy.
Viola highlighted the EU's own approach of responsible and trustworthy AI innovation, grounded in a risk-based regulatory framework that only intervenes where risks are too high or unacceptable, protecting health, safety and fundamental rights. He noted that the EU has adopted uniform AI rules across its single market and is investing in AI infrastructure, including the upgrade of its public supercomputer network into AI Factories and AI Gigafactories, as well as the recent Cloud and AI Development Act aimed at building a sovereign AI ecosystem with energy-efficient data centres. The EU promotes an AI-first approach to drive competitiveness and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, in line with the Global Digital Compact.
At the same time, Viola warned of risks including harm to children's safety and development, weaponisation of AI to probe critical infrastructure, high energy and water consumption, financial risks from the AI economy, and threats to cultural creators and journalists whose work underpins generative AI without adequate remuneration. He emphasised the importance of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, whose preliminary findings have already contributed to the Dialogue, and called for the Panel to work fully independently, free from external pressure. The EU also stressed the need for timely information-sharing and cross-border preparedness in light of recent frontier AI developments.
The EU's statement comes as the Global Dialogue marks the first time all UN members have gathered specifically to discuss AI governance, with active involvement of stakeholders. Viola concluded by acknowledging that the EU does not have all the answers and that evidence, multistakeholder dialogue and multilateralism are essential to ensure AI serves all of humanity and the planet, leaving no one behind.