Balancing Security and Regulation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral component within a wide array of weapon systems and critical infrastructure, serving as a fundamental framework for seamless integration with diverse technologies. However, the convergence of technology, military apparatus, and operational efficiency has facilitated the gradual securitization of technology regulation. This trend underscores the increasing portrayal of technology development as a matter of security relevance over recent decades. Facing a complex geopolitical landscape, the European Union's discussions on “strategic autonomy” and “technology sovereignty” encompass considerations of innovative advancements in defense technologies, particularly emphasizing the exploration of AI’s potential for enhancing military security capacities. Meanwhile, regulation stands as a pivotal instrument within technology security policies, given AI's dual-use nature and its implications for geopolitical competition, the EU’s ongoing efforts to establish comprehensive AI regulations are crucial. The regulation of more clandestine military AI applications remains a significant area of exploration for the EU. Consequently, the core research inquiry revolves around the EU’s strategic alignment between security imperatives and regulatory frameworks concerning the military application of AI, aiming to ascertain its capability to strike a balance between fostering developmental capacities and implementing effective risk regulation.