BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Criticism continues to mount over the appointment of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Siemens as an AI advisor to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In an open letter to the European Commission, four anti-corruption organizations, including Transparency International and Lobbycontrol, are calling for the nomination to be rescinded due to potential conflicts of interest.
The letter, seen by the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, states that the appointment of Danish manager Jim Hagemann Snabe risks undermining public trust in EU decision-making. 'Even with the most stringent safeguards, he would be unable to act impartially, independently, and objectively in the public interest,' reads the letter, which was also signed by the non-profit organizations Corporate Europe Observatory and The Good Lobby.
NGOs flag shareholding in AI firm as a concern
Specifically, the authors cite Hagemann Snabe's position at Siemens. The technology group has recently benefited from high demand related to AI data centers, particularly in the United States.
Furthermore, the letter claims that filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) show that Hagemann Snabe still holds shares worth over 4 million US dollars in an AI company. Felix Duffy of Lobbycontrol stated that anyone who continues to profit from the success of major tech and industrial groups through shareholdings cannot act as an independent architect of European AI policy.
EU Commission cites safeguards
The European Commission announced the appointment of its first Special Envoy for Artificial Intelligence last week. Hagemann Snabe will advise EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Vice-President Henna Virkkunen in this capacity until the end of March next year, according to the Brussels-based executive.
A spokesperson also stated on Friday, in response to inquiries, that specific safeguards would be implemented to prevent conflicts of interest. He did not provide further details, citing data protection reasons.
MEPs also doubt independence
The Vice-President of the EU Parliament, Katarina Barley (SPD), also criticized the nomination. 'The appointment of the Siemens Supervisory Board Chairman as a Special Advisor on AI raises fears that industrial AI policy will in future be made primarily by and for big tech companies, at the expense of climate protection and the public good,' the German politician stated. MEPs from the Left and Green parties have also criticized the European Commission for the appointment./tre/DP/men
