Hugues Dethienne

At the LOLA Conference 2024 in Antwerp, organized by the Linked Organisation of Local Authorities, I had the opportunity to present the Flemish vision on using AI in regional and local government. I shared my thoughts on the 5 biggest challenges we face in achieving trustworthy AI in the public sector and outlined the concrete steps we are taking to address them. https://lnkd.in/epwGbEnA

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Learning more about successful #GovTech solutions at the GovTech Connect Assembly, where the European Commission and the GovTech community explore the potential of the latest technology innovations in the public sector. In the panel "From Vision to Action: Overcoming Implementation Challenges of GenAI in Public Services", Marco Montorio, head of unit in the EU AI office, announces that the European Commission will be launching a call 'GenAI for the public administrations' as part of the Digital Europe Programme, in which pilot projects will be financed that comprise one or more use cases where European GenAI solutions are developed and applied in the public administrations of member states. https://lnkd.in/e3c5ZnNq

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Thanks DIGITALEUROPE for this very clear overview of the timeline of application of the #AI Act!

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The #DC4EU team is working on the #dPKI Trust Framework (using #EBSI) to support #educationalgovernance, including #qualityassurance governance, to support the #eIDAS Trust Model. In parallel, the team is currently developing the project’s interoperability lab to be integrated into the social security domain, focusing on #authenticsources and issuers using the data store and an open #API. Read more on the developments in the DC4EU second newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/dSZZWqhy].

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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: As part of the Social Situation Monitor, our ICF Team, in collaboration with HIVA-KU Leuven, is now organising our 12th research seminar on behalf of DG EMPL. This time, the theme is “Cost of Living Crisis: Purchasing Power and Social (Dis)Satisfaction in the EU”. The seminar, which will take place in person in Brussels and online on September 26, 2024, will tap into a number of key topics: (i) trends in purchasing power of different population groups; (ii) spatial patterns of economic and social dissatisfaction in the EU; (iii) the effects of economic pressures facing households on perceptions on fairness and social (dis)satisfaction; (iv) the impact of social dissatisfaction on trust in institutions (including governments); (v) the impacts of policy interventions to address the cost of living crisis on social (dis)satisfaction; (vi) policy responses and innovative solutions to mitigate the underlying challenges and enhance social cohesion. Through a discussion of these six key topics, the seminar aims to connect two critical areas of research, namely the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and purchasing power on social cohesion, and the impacts of social cohesion on social (dis)satisfaction in the EU and political discontent/trust in institutions. Findings on these topics are not always consistent, and hence the seminar promises to set the stage for discussions on the determinants and conditions for impacts of purchasing power on political trust and discontent, and to provide a platform for ongoing discovery and research into these areas. Our research team welcome original submissions from academic researchers until September 16. Please send abstracts using the following link: https://lnkd.in/ep8jTiT8 Valeria Ansaloni, Koen van Lieshout, Christina Dziewanska-Stringer, Lucian Plaumann, Tamar Biedron #thisisicf #socialpolicy #costoflivingcrisis #politicaltrust #dissatisfaction #socialcohesion

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Transforming Public Sector AI Adoption The latest report by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Competences and Governance Practices for Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector, highlights key strategies for effective AI adoption in government: 1. Develop Comprehensive Skills: Combine technical, managerial, and ethical expertise to drive impactful AI use. 2. Strengthen Governance: Implement robust frameworks for ethical, transparent, and strategic AI deployment. 3. Focus on Responsible Innovation: Align AI initiatives with public trust and equity, The report also emphasizes ethical AI deployment, ensuring tools are fair, inclusive, and responsive to public needs. Strategic use of the EU’s AI Act and interoperability initiatives can serve as a global blueprint. By aligning competences and governance practices, we can create AI ecosystems that enhance efficiency, equity, and citizen trust. Explore practical recommendations and case studies that reveal how AI can enhance efficiency, equity, and citizen trust in the public sector. https://lnkd.in/dbaDn4Q8 #AI #PublicSector #Governance #PolicyInnovation #DigitalTransformation

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ETSI/CEN Workshop on EU Digital Identity Framework Standards 10-12 September 2024 | Sophia Antipolis (France) + online Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 amending Regulation (EU) 910/2014 on electronic identities, authentication and signatures (eIDAS 2) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union this spring 2024. This amendment establishes an ambitious European Digital Identity Framework with digital identity wallets and several new trust services. This will bring about a major transformation of security of the European digital infrastructure facilitating cross-border transactions and supporting seamless access to financial, governmental and commercial services across Europe with a high level of accountability. ETSI and CEN are working together to develop several standards to support this new regulatory framework building on the latest globally recognised standards for website authentication, open identities and mobile-based wallets. The workshop will present the latest status of these standards and aims to include demonstrations from large-scale pilots applying the EU Digital Identity Wallet. #standardization #DigitalIdentity

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Interesting comparison. The recent OECD report on the “G7 Mapping Exercise of Digital Identity Approaches” highlights key steps towards achieving global interoperability in digital identity systems. It identifies commonalities among G7 countries, such as shared definitions, international technical standards, and assurance levels. The mapping exercise seems to aim to support the understanding for interoperability requirements, better digital inclusion and simplify access to services, contributing to social and economic value. As digital identities transform service delivery, this work may help with for future collaboration across borders to build a trustworthy digital ecosystem. They could have included Switzerland and Bhutan NDI. DIDAS #DigitalIdentity #Interoperability #G7 #OECD #DigitalTrust Global Acceptance Network OpenWallet Foundation

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Today, I had the honor of speaking at the ICMA Summit in Hasselt, Flanders, on behalf of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. As the Spokesperson on digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, I shared insights on the crucial role of AI and technological innovations in local governance. 🏛️ Key highlights from my speech: - The importance of using digital and AI tools responsibly to benefit our communities while mitigating potential risks. 💡🤖 - Addressing the digital divide to ensure equitable access to technology for all, especially in remote areas. 🌐📶 - Emphasizing human rights and sustainability in the development of smart cities and regions. 🏙️ - The necessity of protecting privacy and data security in the era of AI. 🔐🛡️ - The recent adoption of the first international treaty on AI by the Council of Europe, establishing principles to align AI development with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. 📜 I look forward to continuing this dialogue and collaborating with experts to advance human-centered AI and technological innovations in local governance. Thank you to the organizers for this invaluable opportunity! 🤝 #ICMASummit #AI #LocalGovernance #HumanRights #Sustainability #DigitalTransformation Peter Agh, PhD Lon Pluckhahn Anca D. G. Yuejiao Liu Jakub Mazur Mathieu Mori https://lnkd.in/eywmR8yA

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The #DC4EU technical and business experts submitted their #BusinessBlueprint for #SocialSecurityCoordination for further review and feedback. The blueprint aims to transform the EU #socialsecurity systems by introducing universally applicable, trustworthy, #digital, and #decentralised frameworks for the issuance, revocation, and authentication of #entitlementdocuments (#ESSPASS) in #SocialSecurityCoordination and (Qualified) #ElectronicAttestationsofAttributes (#QEAA) or #DigitalCredentials. These credentials are issued by or on behalf of public sector bodies using the European Digital Identity (#EUDI) Architecture, including the European Digital Identity Wallet (#EUDIW). #DC4EU, as part of the Large Scale Pilots (#LSPs), is testing this system set to eliminate media breaks, prioritise #privacy, combat #fraud, and guarantee #citizens’right to #freemovement in real-world scenarios to ensure its feasibility and effectiveness. Read more: https://shorturl.at/GpTG2   #SocialSecurity #DigitalInnovation #EUDI #DigitalIdentity #VerifiableCredentials #EUProjects #BusinessBlueprint #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #DC4EU

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📢 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 #TechnologyInfrastructures (#TIs) 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞🌍 The European Commission EU Science, Research and Innovation has just released a 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 report on the 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 #TIs 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞                                                       🔍 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: 1️⃣ A thorough overview of public and private funding streams and policies at regional, national, and EU levels supporting #TechnologyInfrastructures 2️⃣ Insights into the 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚 #ERAAction 12, which aims to foster a more coordinated approach to #TIs across Europe 3️⃣ Comparative analysis of 27 EU Member States, as well as key countries like the 𝐔𝐒, 𝐔𝐊, 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚, 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝. 4️⃣ 12 case studies highlighting #bestpractices and #successstories  🗝 Recommendations: 1️⃣ 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧-𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 to support #TIs and multi-level coordination & alignment between policies, strategies and road-mapping exercises 2️⃣ 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 for the creation and upgrade of #TIs and the navigability of the funding landscape, also fostering combinations of funds 3️⃣ 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 between funding instruments and schemes supporting the use of #TIs to ensure the coherence of the funding landscape The report outlines how a more strategic & coordinated approach to #TIs can ensure Europe remains a leader in innovation, research and technology                                  📖 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 ➡ https://shorturl.at/J2FL7  #TechnologyInfrastructures #TIs #Innovation #EuropeanResearchArea   𝐄𝐂 @𝐉𝐑𝐂-@𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐔 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐨𝐧 #𝐓𝐈𝐬: 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 ➡ https://shorturl.at/85H4n & 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 @𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 2024-2029 (𝐧𝐨 4️⃣ : 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐧-𝐄𝐔 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 #𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞): 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 ➡ https://shorturl.at/iFzgL   ✊ "𝐍𝐎 #𝐓𝐈𝐬 𝐍𝐎 #𝐄𝐔𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬" ✊Maria Cristina Russo Dominik Sobczak

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📦🌍 **Sustainability in the European Postal Sector** _**Postal Services & Parcels**_ On **August 9, 2024**, PostEurop published responses to an **ERGP questionnaire** on environmental sustainability within the postal regulatory framework, following a meeting held on **July 3, 2024**. 🔸 **Legislation on Environmental Sustainability** - No specific changes have been made to the **EU regulatory framework** for the postal sector. - The **Postal Services Directive** already considers environmental protection as an **essential requirement**. - However, several new horizontal legislations apply to postal operators, such as the **Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive** (CSRD), the **Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive** (CSDDD), and the **Directive on empowering consumers for the green transition**. 🔸 **Data Collection and Monitoring** - All **PostEurop members** will be subject to the requirements of the **CSRD** for environmental reporting. - Few postal operators (<25%) in individual countries are affected, but they represent a significant share of their domestic markets. 🔸 **Efforts and Challenges for Sustainability** - Investments in **green initiatives** can bring financial benefits, but the **perceived demand** from consumers for sustainability remains low. - **Main challenges**: lack of economic incentives, low willingness of customers to pay for more sustainable services, and high investments. 🔸 **PostEurop's Position** - PostEurop believes that the role of incentivizing sustainability lies with **governments** and not with **national regulatory authorities** (NRAs). - The association supports the **flexibility** of operators in terms of sustainability, without the need to codify specific incentives in **postal legislation**. - For PostEurop, **reliability** should take precedence over **speed** in evaluating service quality. 🔸 **Training and Skills** - An increasing need for **training** and **skill development** is identified, linked to sustainability requirements. PostEurop, which represents European postal operators, unites **2 million employees** serving **800 million customers** through more than **175,000 offices**. 📄 For more info: [PostEurop - Report on Environmental Sustainability](https://lnkd.in/esGEukXt) #EnvironmentalSustainability #PostalServices #PostEurop #Sustainability #GreenEconomy

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In Brussels and beyond, many people are concerned about the slow build-up of the #AIOffice. On 11 April and according to Rule 138 (https://lnkd.in/eYBBBKD3), Axel Voss, Svenja Hahn, and Kim van Sparrentak submitted #priority #questions to the European Commission, asking for more #transparency with regard to the selection procedure for as well as the profile of the – to be designated - director of the #AIOffice (https://lnkd.in/eGVRNAg3). Yet, even two weeks after the deadline (9 May) has passed, the parliamentarians have still not received a reply.   To fill this void and to trigger a public discussion, I teamed up with two leading AI governance experts: Philipp Hacker and Sebastian Hallensleben. Together, we consulted civil society, academics and companies and put on paper a vision for the #AIOffice with concrete actions that we would recommend for the European Commission to consider. We believe that the #AIOffice has huge potential and could - over time - even develop into a powerful & independent 'Digital Implementation & Enforcement Agency'. Becoming an EU success story will however require that the usual modus operandi of the #EU’s executive arm is changed significantly.   In our piece, we single out in particular the following four areas: 1️⃣ strong leadership combined with a comprehensive structure, 2️⃣ a hiring process that targets the best AI talents, 3️⃣ the introduction of agile work methods, and 4️⃣ more transparency and accessibility.   Have a look at our Euractiv op-ed and tell us what you think is needed for an effective governance and enforcement of the #AIAct 👇 https://lnkd.in/e_iuHxrr

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When it comes to factual consideration as here below by my colleague Frédéric Suche, as a SME, you understand that IPRs are pivotal for a long-term strategic development

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Get ready for the Wallets. Now it is official from the vote we had on the 21th of Nov. Commission adopts technical standards for cross-border European Digital Identity Wallets Today, the Commission adopted rules for the core functionalities and certification of the European Digital Identity (eID) Wallets under the European Digital Identity Framework. This is a major step towards Member States building their own wallets and releasing them by the end of 2026. Four implementing regulations set out uniform standards, specifications, and procedures for the technical functionalities of the wallets, such as data formats required for the cross-border use of digital documents and measures to ensure the reliability and security of the wallets. Setting uniform standards and specifications will allow each Member State to develop wallets in a way that is interoperable and accepted across the EU, while protecting personal data and privacy. Data is stored locally on the wallet, with users have control over what information they share, with zero tracking or profiling in the design of wallets. A privacy dashboard will also be built in, giving complete transparency on how and with whom information from the wallet is shared. The fifth implementing regulation establishes specifications and procedures to build a robust framework for the certification of the eID wallets, ensuring they are secure and protect users' privacy and personal data. European Digital Identity Wallets will offer private users and businesses a universal, trustworthy and secure way to identify themselves when accessing public and private services across borders. Examples of how digital wallets can be used include opening a bank account, proving one's age, renewing medical prescriptions, renting a car, or displaying their flight tickets. The implementing regulations will be published in the Official Journal in due course and enter into force 20 days thereafter.

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Recently in Brussels, DTSP and Global Network Initiative held the "European Rights & Risks: Stakeholder Engagement Forum." At the event, companies, civil society & academics convened to discuss systemic risk assessments as some companies conduct their second round of assessments under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The two co-hosts are publishing a high-level summary of key learnings and takeaways where topics of assessment methodologies, DSA enforcement and AI were discussed. Read the summary here: https://lnkd.in/eahiWi5w

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You have a few minutes to help us boost EU competitiveness ❓ If you a user of Technology Infrastructures (TIs), or interested in the services and would prefer easier access to them, then we need your opinion! TIs are crucial role in boosting EU competitiveness and strategic autonomy. We have put together a survey to gather insights into the needs of TI users. Your answers will help us: -       Understand industry needs better, -       Shape the future support required. 📅 Answer this survey until 20 October: https://europa.eu/!6vKvQJ

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Financing of horizontal policy priorities in the EU budget How the Commission tracks and reports on what is spent on specific policies and on horizontal priorities ("mainstreaming") through the EU budget programmes. https://lnkd.in/dzjcfXyA Green budgeting Climate mainstreaming Biodiversity mainstreaming Clean-air tracking Gender equality mainstreaming Digital tracking The EU budget and the sustainable development goals

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🔍🧐 Are you curious to know what it's like to be part of the citizen's panel of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024 ? Members will show you around! 🤖 The citizen's panel on AI is a unique opportunity to gather valuable insights and perspectives on the impact of AI on society from citizens. 🇧🇪🇪🇺 On may 25 the panel's conclusions will be presented and discussed with a large number of Belgian and European political leaders and stakeholders. 👉 Read more about this exciting project of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024 and the significant work of our citizen's panel on AI : https://lnkd.in/dhTSKWQX #EU2024BE #CitizenPanel #AI

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