The European governance model under the Artificial Intelligence Regulation

The implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 is based on a multi-level governance architecture that combines European coordination, technical and scientific support, and national supervision. This ensures the consistent application of the Regulation across the European Union.

At the European level, the European AI Office, which is part of the European Commission, is responsible for supervising and coordinating the implementation of the AI Act. Its responsibilities include monitoring general-purpose AI models, supporting the enforcement of the rules, and promoting international cooperation.

The European Artificial Intelligence Board (AI Board) brings together representatives of the Member States and plays a central role in coordinating national authorities, promoting consistency in the application of the Regulation, and contributing to the development of common guidance.

The model is further complemented by the independent Scientific Panel, which provides the AI Office and the AI Board with technical and scientific support, particularly in assessing systemic risks associated with advanced AI models.

At an operational level, the AI Board can be organised into standing and thematic subgroups, enabling a more specialised response to specific areas of the Regulation.

At a national level, the competent authorities of the Member States are responsible for supervising and enforcing the AI Act within their territories. In the context of conformity assessment, the notifying authorities are responsible for designating and supervising the notified bodies — independent entities that assess the conformity of AI systems before they are placed on the market.

Additional and Thematic Subgroups — National Representation:

• AI Innovation Ecosystem
  Portuguese representative: National Innovation Agency
• Law enforcement and security
  Portuguese representative: Polícia Judiciária
• AI in financial services
  Portuguese representative: Banco de Portugal
• Transparency
  Portuguese representative: ANACOM — National Communications Authority
• Market Surveillance Authorities
  Portuguese representative: ANACOM — National Communications Authority
• Network of Communicators (Ad hoc subgroup)
  Portuguese representative: ARTE — Agency for Technological Reform of the State
• Review of the Rules Procedure (Ad hoc subgroup)
  Portuguese representative: ARTE — Agency for Technological Reform of the State