The Secretary for Digital Policy of the Government of Catalonia, Gina Tost i Faus, will be taking part tomorrow in Stuttgart (Germany) in the round table with other political representatives of the interregional cooperation association Four Motors for Europe (4ME) to discuss the EU AI Act, the first regulation on artificial intelligence (AI) in the world, and its compatibility with the competitiveness of European regions. Tost, who travelled to Stuttgart accompanied by representatives of the Catalan AI ecosystem, shared with 4ME members the objectives and main areas of action of Catalonia.AI, the multisectoral, cross-cutting strategic plan focused on people, driven by the Government of Catalonia to promote the development, use, and adoption of reliable, responsible, and sustainable AI that contributes to improving the competitiveness of businesses and the well-being of citizens.

Under the title AI Act: Competitiveness vs. Regulation in Europe: contradiction or compatibility?, the 4ME round table aims to debate the opportunities and risks for research and business in the regions posed by the legislation on artificial intelligence planned for Europe. In this debate, each of the 4ME regions will share the measures taken in their respective regions to promote the use of AI, as well as their vision on how to address the major future challenges posed by the emergence of artificial intelligence and its impact on the economy and society. They will also discuss what the 4ME network could do in this area in order to adopt a joint position, if necessary.

Prior to participating in this round table, Secretary Tost will take part in the Committee on Europe and International Affairs of the Baden-Württemberg Regional Parliament together with the other political representatives of the 4ME.

The Four Motors for Europe

The 'Four Motors for Europe' (4ME) is an interregional cooperation association established in 1988 between the territories of Catalonia, Baden-Württemberg, Lombardy and Rhône-Alpes (currently, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes). At that time, the objectives of collaboration were mainly related to economics and research, but also to art and culture. Over the following decades, the areas and level of cooperation increased considerably and now also include the internationalisation of the four regions and their businesses, as well as active participation in the construction of Europe, mainly through joint positions.