Image - the speakers
Past Event

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.

Notes

Presented in partnership with hub.brussels

Photos courtesy the speakers.

October 6, 2025

Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California
110 The Embarcadero
Taube Family Auditorium
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States

Speakers
Image - Gerard de Graaf

Gerard de Graaf

Head of the European Union Office in San Francisco 

Image - Marijke Schroos

Marijke Schroos

General Manager, Microsoft Belgium & Luxembourg

Image - Jane Murphy

Jane Murphy

Founder and Chair, EDPO 

Image - Jennifer Huddleston

Jennifer Huddleston

Senior Fellow, Technology Policy, Cato Institute

Image - Shirin Ghaffary

Moderator: Shirin Ghaffary

Reporter Covering AI, Bloomberg