The AI Action Summit in Paris marks the third major global meeting focused on artificial intelligence, bringing together key world leaders to discuss the technology's future. Co-chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit promises to be a significant event. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and China's Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang are also expected to attend, underscoring the international importance of this gathering. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will represent Canada, spending most of his European trip in Paris to engage with other heads of state at the summit.
The summit will explore crucial themes such as AI and public interest, the future of work, innovation and culture, and trust in global governance of AI technology. These discussions follow previous international gatherings in the U.K. and South Korea, highlighting the ongoing global dialogue on artificial intelligence.
Rowan Wilkinson, an AI expert, notes that despite the significance of this summit, "specific agreements on the direction and rules for AI seem further and further out of reach." This indicates potential challenges in reaching consensus on AI regulation among global powers. However, Wilkinson acknowledges the importance of China's anticipated attendance, stating it "would signal a maintained and serious dialogue between these two pivotal players."
In addition to addressing AI issues, Trudeau's visit aims to bolster Canada-EU relations. The summit provides an opportunity to reinforce Canada's leadership in AI regulation and explore ways to enhance Canada-EU trade. The two entities share a friendly relationship, anchored by the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and a strategic partnership agreement. These agreements align them on global issues and offer a platform for further collaboration.
Achim Hurrelmann, a trade analyst, highlights the significance of this partnership, especially in light of recent trade tensions involving American tariffs. "Canada gained this short reprieve and the EU has been threatened with the American tariffs as well, so it makes sense for Canada and the EU to co-ordinate responses," Hurrelmann explains. He adds that "the whole tariff saga has sort of reinvigorated Canada’s perennial debate about diversifying trade, and Europe has always been one region where there’s the perception … trade could increase."
Trudeau's agenda also includes discussions on transatlantic security and support for Ukraine. The Prime Minister’s Office emphasizes the importance of these dialogues:
“discuss ways to advance our collective efforts to strengthen transatlantic security, protect the rules-based international order, continue supporting Ukraine, and create opportunities for our peoples, building on the success.”
Moreover, Trudeau will meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels to further these discussions.
The EU's new artificial intelligence legislation poses another topic of interest at the summit. It could become a "major future area of conflict" between Europe and the U.S., highlighting the need for coordinated international efforts in AI governance. As Hurrelmann points out, both Canada and the EU are "signalling to each other that we will co-ordinate, and signalling the same thing to the outside world and also to the Americans."
