AI Can Enrich European Lives — If We Choose Wisely

The benefits of artificial intelligence will only be realised if Europe puts people, rights and shared prosperity at the centre. AI should be a tool for people, not a threat to their freedoms. If we get this right, technological progress and human dignity can go hand in hand.

The opportunity described in this fictional column is a form of AI that helps people navigate complex services without deciding their rights for them. An assistant might explain a form in simpler language or help a worker locate a relevant rule, while a responsible person remains available for contested cases.

Realising that opportunity requires attention to language, accessibility and the data on which a system relies. People should be able to understand when automation is involved and how to seek a review. Europe’s choices would shape whether convenience widens participation or introduces another barrier to essential services.

Illustrated inaugural edition · Fictional editorial copy