EUVC VC | E532 | Eoghan O’Neill, Senior Policy Officer at the European Commission AI Office
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Jul 26, 2025 Eoghan O’Neill, Senior Policy Officer at the European Commission’s AI Office, delves into the intricate world of the EU AI Act. He emphasizes how this legislation serves not merely as red tape but as a framework fostering innovation. O’Neill discusses the journey from startups to supercomputers, highlighting regulatory clarity as an asset for investors. He also explores high-risk AI classification and draws lessons from GDPR to balance safety and growth, while positioning Europe as a frontrunner in global AI dynamics.
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Unique Career From Pet Food To AI
- Eoghan O'Neill transitioned from designing pet food gravy systems to AI policy over 20 years within the European Commission.
- His non-linear career path highlights diverse expertise feeding into AI regulation.
AI Act As Product Safety Regulation
- The EU AI Act is a product safety regulation, similar to those for escalators or medical devices.
- It aims to build trust in AI by regulating capabilities where risk to society exists.
Startups Should Assess AI Risk
- Startups should first check if their AI system is prohibited or falls under high-risk categories.
- If high-risk, comply with obligations; if not, transparency requirements still apply.