The Future of International and European AI Governance

• Jurisdiction: European Union
• Year: 2025

Speaker

Kai Zenner is Head of Office and Digital Policy Adviser to MEP Axel Voss (European People’s Party) in the European Parliament, where he focuses on artificial intelligence, privacy, and the EU’s digital transition. He plays a central role in the political negotiations on the AI Act, the AI liability directive, the ePrivacy Regulation, and the revision of the GDPR.

In addition to his policy work, Kai actively promotes institutional reform within the European Parliament and advocates for a renewed focus on Better Regulation in EU policymaking.

Kai holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Edinburgh and a Bachelor’s from the University of Bremen, alongside a law degree (State Exam) from the University of Münster. He previously worked as a research associate at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Brussels.

He is a member of the OECD.AI Network of Experts and the AI Governance Alliance of the World Economic Forum, and has advised the UN’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI.

Topic

In this EU-presentation, Kai Zenner explores the future of international and European AI governance, focusing on regulatory, geopolitical, and institutional challenges. As Head of Office and Digital Policy Adviser to MEP Axel Voss, Zenner draws on his experience with key legislative files such as the AI Act, AI Liability Directive, GDPR, and the ePrivacy Regulation.

The presentation provides a comparative overview of AI strategies in the US, China, and the EU, highlighting the EU’s ambition to lead globally through a human-centric and rights-based approach. Zenner critically assesses the AI Act, noting its strengths—like the risk-based model and international alignment—as well as weaknesses such as legal ambiguity and enforcement complexity.

He emphasizes the risks of an “AI gap,” where EU companies lag behind due to regulatory uncertainty, talent shortages, and fragmented governance. Zenner also outlines a roadmap for...