Brussels, BELGIUM -- The European Commission published today a Communication on “Maximising the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence for Europe”, aimed at boosting Europe’s technology and industrial capacity, preparing for socio-economic changes and ensuring an appropriate ethical and legal framework.

Among many different initiatives, the Commission intends to reinforce the support for research and innovation in AI technologies, to mobilise additional investments in AI and to set up dedicated (re-)training schemes for professional profiles at risk of being automated.

ACCA ( the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) sees artificial intelligence as an opportunity, but warns that creating trust of citizens and businesses, re-skilling of the workforce, and anticipating possible negative effects are vital ingredients to success.

Attempts to simplify asylum procedures and combat abuse across the system will have the opposite effect, warned ECR Finnish MEP Jussi Halla Aho following a vote in the European Parliament today. 

The initial proposals from the European Commission were intended to increase speed and efficiency in processing asylum applications, as well as establish a common procedure for Member States granting and withdrawing international protection. Another of the key aims was to de-incentivise asylum shopping and secondary movement of asylum seekers between Member States.