The EU Justice and Home Affairs Council wants to gain a better understanding of the use and consequences of artificial intelligence in the justice sector.

During the informal meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council on 22 and 23 July 2024 in Budapest, an important part of the discussion focused on the impact and application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the justice sector. A key topic was the careful mapping of high-risk systems. In addition, member states stressed that the use of AI must be done responsibly to ensure fundamental rights, according to the report of the official meeting.

AI within justice

EU Member States have expressed concern about the increasing role of AI in legal processes. Although AI is already being used in support tasks in some Member States, its use in decision-making processes remains sensitive. When implementing the new Artificial Intelligence Regulation, Member States now want to pay particular attention to high-risk systems. The aim is to ensure that these technologies are used in compliance with the rule of law and fundamental rights.

The Hungarian Presidency and the European Commission supported these positions, stressing that while the technology has great potential, new legislation is not currently on the agenda. The focus is now on the effective implementation of existing rules, such as the Artificial Intelligence Regulation and the Council of Europe Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.

Most Member States agreed that AI must be carefully integrated into the justice sector to ensure that the technology serves legal decision-making rather than driving it.