Untangling the EU Artificial Intelligence Act: AI Literacy and Governance

28.02.2025 14:00 - 17:30

The Department of Innovation and Digitalization in Law of the University of Vienna invites you to the event "Untangling the EU Artificial Intelligence Act: AI Literacy and Governance".

Key infos:

  • Date: Friday, 28. February 2025, 14.00-17:30 
  • Location: Top floor of the Juridicum, University of Vienna, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
  • Registration: Attendance is free of charge but registration is required. Please register here.

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems into various aspects of our daily lives continue raising concerns about their potential adverse effects on society, democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law. In response, various governance frameworks have emerged across different jurisdictions to address the challenges posed by AI. Notably, the European Union's AI Act, which entered into force on 1 August 2024, stands out as the first legislation of its kind to introduce comprehensive rules governing the development and deployment of AI systems in the EU. However, understanding the complexities and nuances of this legislation remains a significant challenge.

The Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law of the University of Vienna is therefore delighted to invite you to the first event in a series of three dedicated to exploring the implications, opportunities, and challenges presented by the AI Act. The event series is organised on the occasion of the launch of the books "EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act: A Commentary" and "AI Governance and Liability in Europe: A Primer" by Wolters Kluwer, edited by Ceyhun Necati Pehlivan, Nikolaus Forgó and Peggy Valcke. The first event of the series in Vienna will bring together leading experts, academics and policymakers in the field to discuss AI literacy measures and the governance structure under the AI Act. The next two events in Brussels and Madrid will be further dedicated to different aspects of the AI Act, providing a comprehensive overview of and encouraging diverse dialogue on the new regulatory framework for AI in the EU.

Keynotes and the first part of each panel discussion (without interaction with the audience) will be streamed, whereas the second part of the debate (including audience interventions) will be in site only, following Chatham house rules.

Programme

  • 14:00: Welcome/Opening remarks by

    Univ.-Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Forgó
    Head of the Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law of the University of Vienna

  • 14:15-15:30: Part I - AI Governance

    Keynote by

    Dr. Klaus Steinmaurer
    Executive Director at the Telecommunications and Postal Services at Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH, Vienna

    followed by a panel, moderated by

    Clara Saillant, LL.M.
    Research Associate
    Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law of the University of Vienna

    with contributions from

    Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christiane Wendehorst, LL.M. (Cantab.)
    Professor of Civil Law, Deputy Head of the Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law of the University of Vienna
    Scientific Director of the European Law Institute

    MMag. Elisabeth Wagner
    Deputy Commissioner of the Austrian Data Protection Authority

    Prof. Dr. Peggy Valcke
    Co-Director of Centre for IT & IP Law at KU Leuven,
    Executive Board Member at theBelgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications

    followed by

    Discussion and Q&A

  • 15:30-15:45: Coffee break

  • 15:45-17:15: Part II - AI Literacy

    Keynote by

    Dr. Elora Fernandez (remote)
    Postdoctoral Researcher at Centre for IT & IP Law at KU Leuven

    followed by a panel, moderated by

    Univ.-Ass. Mag. Adriana Winkelmeier
    Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law of the University of Vienna

    with contributions from

    Ceyhun Necati Pehlivan, LL.M.
    Counsel and Head of Technology, Media Telecommunications and Intellectual Property Group at Linklaters, Madrid
    Editor-in-chief of Global Privacy Law Review at Wolters Kluwer

    Dr. Jeanette Gorzala
    Vice Chair, AI Board of the Austrian Government
    Founder, ACT AI NOW

    Dr. Lukas Feiler
    Partner at Baker McKenzie, Vienna

    Dr. Sonja Dürager, LL.M.
    Partner at bpv Hügel, Salzburg

    followed by

    Discussion and Q&A

  • 17:15: Closing remarks
  • 17:30: End of event - Reception
Location:
Top floor of the Juridicum, University of Vienna, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna