Von der Leyen coalition fractures over AI liability rules

Key facts

• Centrist parties clashed in the European Parliament over AI liability rules.
• Socialist and Green lawmakers urged a new AI Liability Act.
• Center-right lawmakers advocated for simplification to boost European AI competitiveness.
• EU withdrew proposed AI liability rules in 2023 due to a lack of agreement.

Centrist parties within the European Parliament clashed over the need for new liability rules for artificial intelligence companies. The debate highlighted deep divisions within the coalition backing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. While center-left lawmakers pushed for legislation to hold AI firms accountable for harm, similar to traditional manufacturers, center-right members argued for simplification to foster competitiveness and avoid falling behind globally. The European Commission had previously considered specific AI liability rules but withdrew them last year due to a lack of agreement among EU countries and lawmakers. Some lawmakers expressed concern that the EU was delaying necessary regulations, while others argued that existing frameworks were sufficient and that more bureaucracy would hinder innovation.