The European Commission wants to invest in the development of key technologies for next-generation conventional warfare, especially involving artificial intelligence in autonomous and unmanned systems, according to an internal draft document, seen by Euractiv.
EU defence ministers discussed artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons – also called “killer robots” –, hybrid threats and conflicts stemming from climate change, EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini told the press after an informal Council meeting in Helsinki on Thursday (29 August).
Amazon, Microsoft and Intel are among leading tech companies putting the world at risk through killer robot development, according to a report that surveyed major players from the sector about their stance on lethal autonomous weapons.
EU institutions reached a partial political agreement on the European Defence Fund (EDF) this week but decisions on the two major issues - budget and funding eligibility - had to be postponed as the file remains plagued by controversy.
The European Union took a stance against "killer robots" on Wednesday when the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for an international ban on the development, production and use of weapons that kill without a human deciding to fire.
Should a computer be allowed to take decisions over life and death? As artificial intelligence is playing an increasing role, many issues still need to be discussed in parliament and by the general public, Ulrike Franke told EURACTIV about the ongoing autonomous weapons debate and the future of warfare.
UN talks continue this week to try and turn the screw on lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) or what has been termed "killer robots".
