

Beyond the Myth: How Regulation Fuels Smarter Innovation in an AI World
In July, the European Union unveiled new rules to regulate artificial intelligence as part of its landmark 2024 AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive AI law. The rules are aimed at promoting safety and transparency and protecting copyright holders, among other things.
The Trump administration released its own AI Action Plan in July, taking more of a hands-off approach. In August, President Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on countries with technology regulations he deems “discriminatory” to U.S. companies. The European Commission responded by defending the “sovereign right” of the EU to impose and enforce its own tech rules.
The tension has been summed up as “U.S. innovates, Europe regulates.” Still, there is far from consensus within Europe or the United States about how to approach AI. Could well-crafted rules actually help innovators by fostering trust, enabling market access, and driving responsible growth? In this panel discussion, presented in partnership with hub.brussels, we’ll hear from regulators and other experts about striking the right balance between creating effective AI guardrails and fostering the growth of the industry.
Presented in partnership with hub.brussels
Photos courtesy the speakers.
Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California
110 The Embarcadero
Taube Family Auditorium
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States

Gerard de Graaf
Head of the European Union Office in San Francisco

Marijke Schroos
General Manager, Microsoft Belgium & Luxembourg

Jane Murphy
Founder and Chair, EDPO

Jennifer Huddleston
Senior Fellow, Technology Policy, Cato Institute

Moderator: Shirin Ghaffary
Reporter Covering AI, Bloomberg