Prime Minister Robert Fico calls for strict AI regulation following EU summit in Dublin

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called for strict regulation of artificial intelligence following an informal summit held by European Union leaders in Dublin, Ireland, on Friday, November 13, 2026. During the summit, Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that artificial intelligence is becoming a top priority on the EU agenda. He noted that the European Union is currently considering various applications of the technology in sectors including industry, transport, healthcare, and justice. According to a report by TASR, Prime Minister Robert Fico also identified data centers as a fundamental issue being addressed at the European Union level.

Summit discussions and industry concerns

The summit included a debate on artificial intelligence during the morning session. However, discussions regarding European representation in negotiations on the war in Ukraine overshadowed the artificial intelligence topic. European Council President António Costa invited two prominent figures to the summit: Geoffrey Hinton, a British professor and Nobel Prize winner in physics, and Arthur Mensch, the head of the French company Mistral.

During the proceedings, Arthur Mensch expressed concerns regarding the competitive position of the continent. Arthur Mensch stated that Europe lacks the speed, financing, and coordination needed for the AI race. He further noted that decisions made in the next two years will shape the industry for the next decade. Prime Minister Robert Fico emphasized that artificial intelligence requires very strict regulation, noting that this approach differs from the approach used in the United States.

Regulatory landscape and social media

The discussion on artificial intelligence comes amid broader regulatory efforts by the European Commission. In September, the European Commission introduced a proposal regarding social media access for children under 13 years of age. Following this proposal, the European Commission has requested that EU member states do not adopt additional national measures regarding this specific proposal.

As the European Union moves toward more structured oversight of emerging technologies, the decisions made by leaders in the coming two years are expected to have a significant impact on the industry for the next ten years. The focus on sectors such as healthcare and justice suggests that the regulatory framework will eventually extend into many aspects of daily life and governance across the member states.

Glossary

• European Union — The European Union is an organization that includes member states such as Slovakia. It involves various bodies like the European Parliament and EU leaders who make decisions regarding the euro zone.
• European Commission — The European Commission is a body that provides recommendations to the Council of the European Union. It is involved in regulatory efforts and making proposals.
• European Council — The European Council is an organization that includes a President. It is a body where leaders and diplomats participate in meetings.
• Slovak Prime Minister — The Slovak Prime Minister is a political leader of Slovakia. The role involves making statements on internal and foreign policy.