European Union: European Commission's implementing regulation on establishment of a scientific panel of independent experts in the field of AI enters into force

On 30 March 2025, the European Commission’s implementing regulation on the establishment of a scientific panel of independent experts in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) enters into force. The panel is established under Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (EU AI Act). The panel’s tasks include issuing qualified alerts and requesting assistance from the AI Office, focusing on the impacts and enforcement of the AI Act’s obligations. Experts are selected through a call for interest, ensuring a diverse, impartial, and independent group, with a maximum of 60 members. The panel elects a Chair and Vice-Chair to lead its activities, supported by a Secretariat provided by the AI Office and the Joint Research Centre. The Secretariat manages conflicts of interest, monitors compliance, and processes requests for expertise from market surveillance authorities. Experts’ tasks are appointed by the Commission, considering their availability and expertise, and they may be asked to conduct thematic hearings or provide assessments. The regulation also outlines the procedures for issuing and handling qualified alerts, ensuring the secure transmission of information and evaluation by the AI Office. These alerts can lead to further regulatory actions, if necessary, with specific timelines for processing requests and decisions.