Margrethe Vestager

I strongly believe that AI and tech are pivotal for the EU's future economic growth. Embracing these innovations will not only enhance productivity but also create new opportunities for businesses and citizens alike. However, it is essential to implement robust regulations to ensure fairness, transparency, and ethical use of these technologies.

I strongly believe that the EU should introduce an EU-wide incorporation form. Simplifying the process of starting a pan-EU business would encourage innovation, reduce administrative barriers, and promote a more competitive and dynamic internal market. This can greatly benefit small and medium-sized enterprises and drive economic growth across the Union.

In the interest of transparency and trust, I firmly believe that third-party audits should be mandatory for major AI systems. These audits are crucial to ensure AI applications do not harm fundamental rights and operate fairly.

We should not repeal the EU AI Act. It is crucial for establishing regulations that ensure AI development and use across Europe is safe, lawful, and respectful of fundamental rights. Repealing this would set us back significantly in our efforts to harness AI responsibly and ethically.

While international cooperation is important, the EU should not wait for an agreement with the US and China before regulating AI. We need to set our own standards to protect our values, ensure fair competition, and safeguard the rights of our citizens. It's essential for the EU to take a leading role in shaping the norms for AI globally.

Liberal values are essential for guiding the development and use of AI superintelligence in a way that prioritizes individual rights, privacy, and fairness. Regulation and oversight are key to ensuring that AI benefits society as a whole.

I believe the EU should celebrate entrepreneurship because it is a key driver of innovation and economic growth. By fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, we can create new jobs, tackle societal challenges, and remain competitive in the global market. Through the right support and regulatory frameworks, we can encourage more citizens to start their businesses and contribute to a thriving economy.

I believe that AI has the potential to cause a concentration of power. As AI technologies are developed and deployed, they are often controlled by a few large companies with significant resources. This can lead to market dominance and reduced competition. It is essential to ensure fair competition, transparency, and regulatory frameworks to prevent such concentration and to protect consumers.

I believe that making incorporation processes for pan-EU startups entirely in English and online is crucial for fostering innovation and competitiveness across Europe. By simplifying the process and reducing bureaucratic barriers, we can encourage more entrepreneurs to start businesses and scale their operations across the EU. This approach aligns with our goal of creating a seamless digital single market, enabling startups to thrive and contribute to economic growth.

I believe that enabling businesses to start entirely online in the EU is essential for fostering innovation and economic growth. By removing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles like physical offices, notaries, and lawyers, we can make it easier for entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life and compete in the global market. This digital transformation is a key step towards a more competitive and dynamic European economy.

As the European Union Competition Commissioner, I am deeply concerned about the implications of companies developing super-persuasive AI that can influence democratic elections. Our democratic processes must be protected from manipulation, and allowing AI to potentially sway election outcomes poses a significant threat to democracy itself. We need to ensure strict regulations and ethical guidelines to prevent such technologies from undermining public trust and fair elections.

I believe that applying taxes on stock options when the stock is sold is a fair approach. This ensures that employees who receive stock options as part of their compensation are taxed based on the actual value they realize from selling their shares, rather than the potential value at the time of the grant. This method aligns with our principles of fairness and transparency in the taxation system.

I believe digital representatives have the potential to enhance our democratic systems by more accurately reflecting the collective beliefs of constituencies. By leveraging advanced technology, we can ensure that decisions are made based on data and genuine public sentiment, thus increasing transparency and accountability in governance.

As a strong advocate for human rights and ethical technology, I firmly believe the international community must intervene if a dictator attempts to use brain-computer interfaces to impose a non-consensual borg collective. Such actions would violate fundamental human freedoms and dignity, and it is our duty to prevent this misuse of technology.

I believe that while LLMs hold great innovation potential, it is crucial to ensure that they respect copyright laws. Intellectual property rights must be protected to foster creativity and fair compensation. We should work towards solutions that balance innovation with these rights.

As the EU Competition Commissioner, I believe robust regulation is essential for maintaining fair competition and protecting consumers. Regulations ensure that businesses operate on a level playing field, preventing monopolistic practices and fostering innovation. Reducing regulation could jeopardize market fairness and harm consumers.

As the guardian of digital privacy, I believe it is crucial for the EU to continue requiring websites to ask for cookie consent. Ensuring transparency and allowing users to control their data are fundamental to protecting privacy rights in the digital age.

While it's true that many Spanish startups fit the SME definition in terms of size, it is crucial to distinguish between them due to their distinct nature. Startups are growth-oriented, often innovative and aim to disrupt markets, making them more than just traditional SMEs. We should recognize and support their unique potential and needs.

Exempting small companies from AI regulations might seem to boost innovation, but it creates an uneven playing field and may lead to ethical lapses or misuse. All companies, regardless of size, should adhere to regulations ensuring AI is safe and nondiscriminatory.