In episode #121, I catch up with my longtime friend Alex Moltzau, now serving as a Policy Officer – Seconded National Expert at the European Commission.
We had a wide-ranging conversation on the future of artificial intelligence, regulation, and global cooperation.
Topics include:
Alex’s background and journey - From social entrepreneurship to shaping AI policy at the European level — including his work on the AI Pact and regulatory sandboxes.
Reflections since 2020 - Revisiting lessons from the past few years and the idea of “500 days of AI and critical thinking.”
The EU AI Act
Why it was created and what problems it's designed to solve
Key provisions and goals
The balance between regulation and innovation in the European context
The AI Pact
How it came together
What companies are committing to
Its role in the broader regulatory landscape
U.S. vs. Europe: Two regulatory paths
Key differences and similarities in approach
How regulatory environments affect innovation
Implications for global competition in AI
Opportunities for collaboration despite diverging strategies
The future of AI and global governance
The need for international cooperation and the role of institutions like the UN
Ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI
The evolving role and vision of the European AI Office
Alex’s personal hopes, concerns, and advice for future leaders in AI policy
This is episode #121 and Alex Moltzau!