Source: Diritto Bancario

Diritto Bancario offers a detailed analysis of the delicate balance between the regulation of artificial intelligence and the maintenance of European economic competitiveness. The article argues that while the EU AI Act provides a necessary ethical framework to protect fundamental rights, it also risks creating a heavy administrative burden that could hinder the growth of domestic tech companies. The core of the debate is whether strict regulation can coexist with the rapid innovation required to compete with the more permissive environments of the United States and China.

The author emphasizes that for Europe to remain a global player, the implementation of the AI Act must be flexible enough to support research and development. There is a concern that if compliance costs are too high, European startups may migrate to other jurisdictions, leading to "brain drain" and a loss of technological sovereignty. To mitigate this risk, the article suggests that the EU must invest heavily in digital infrastructure and simplify the regulatory processes for small and medium-sized enterprises. The goal is to create a "Brussels Effect" where European standards become the global norm without stifling local ingenuity.

Furthermore, the contribution discusses the role of financial institutions in this new landscape. As banking and finance become increasingly automated, the AI Act’s requirements for high-risk systems will have a profound impact on how these companies operate. The article concludes that the success of the European model depends on its ability to prove that ethics and safety are not obstacles to progress, but rather the foundation for sustainable and trustworthy growth. The upcoming years will be decisive in determining if the EU can turn regulatory leadership into a competitive advantage.