Czechia as a key player in EU AI Board and Telco Council meetings: Breakthrough in the digital omnibus and the fight against bureaucracy

AI Board Council meeting, the EU's highest coordination platform for artificial intelligence, took place on Thursday, 4 December. Representatives of all Member States discussed the first assessment of the Digital and AI Omnibus. The Czech Republic was among the main proponents of simplifying bureaucratic procedures within the framework of AI legislation. The most significant achievements include:

• Shifting the obligations of the AI Act and linking to available standards.
• Simplification of requirements for registration, technical documentation and post-market product monitoring.
• Facilitating the designation of notified bodies and the conformity assessment process.

"This first step of the digital omnibus marks a fundamental shift for the Czech Republic towards more effective AI regulation that supports innovation while reducing bureaucracy. Our goal is to ensure that the legislation is practical and truly help the competitiveness of Czech companies" says Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček.

The Czech delegation called for the proposal to be approved as soon as possible by the European Parliament and the Council and stressed the need to continue removing unnecessary bureaucracy that limits the development of AI companies. "We do not see this step as the final one, but as the beginning of a continuous process that will turn digital legislation into a powerful tool for economic growth and the development of artificial intelligence across the EU" says Daniel Všetečka, Acting Senior Director of the Digital and Innovation Section.

Further attention was paid to key topics such as the AI Gigafactory and the use of AI in the field of med tech. Manufacturers of medical devices with AI will be able to use a single notified body for assessment under both the MDR and AIA, which will significantly simplify and speed up the entire process. "The Czech Republic has great potential in the field of AI in med tech and within the AI Gigafactory. Thanks to the unification of assessment processes and support for industrial projects, we can facilitate innovation and faster market entry of companies" says Deputy Minister and Government Commissioner for Artificial Intelligence Jan Kavalírek

On Friday, December 5, EU ministers for the digital agenda at the Telco Council acknowledged the significant contribution of the Czech Republic in the field of digitalization and AI. They also confirmed the importance of approving the Omnibus and launching the Digital Fitness Check - a comprehensive audit of the EU's digital regulations, which will allow for the further removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.

The Czech Republic is thus strengthening its position as a key player in the field of digital economy and artificial intelligence at the EU level. Active support for innovation and digitalization remains our top priority, which is also confirmed by a close cooperation with the European Commission.