Contradictions of Twin Transitions: The Environmental Impact of AI Systems from the European Union Perspective

The paper examines the environmental impact of AI systems from the perspective of the European Union, placing the issue within the broader context of the twin transitions, namely the green transition and digital transition, promoted by European institutions through various initiatives, policies and legislative acts. As an introduction, some data on the environmental impact of AI systems will be presented, followed by an analysis of the relevant European legal framework, and concluding with a discussion of the opportunities offered by the digital transition, specifically through AI, in order to identify potential solutions to the challenges outlined.