European Ethics Experts Call for Infrastructure-First Approach to Neuro-AI Governance
The EGE releases landmark statement on governing neuro-AI, shifting focus from individual devices to systemic infrastructure impacts and fundamental rights.
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EGE Releases Landmark Statement on Neuro-AI Governance
On 8 September 2026, the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) released its Statement titled ‘Governing Neuro-AI: Towards an Infrastructure Approach’. The EGE is an independent, multi-disciplinary body of experts providing ethical advice to the European Commission, with its secretariat within the EC. As part of the Ethics Advice Mechanism (EthAM), it provides the European Commission with independent advice on EU legislation and policies where ethical, societal and fundamental rights issues intersect with the development of science and new technologies.
A Systemic Shift in Governance Approach
The EGE Statement calls for a systemic and anticipatory approach to governing neuro-AI, shifting focus from individual devices and neurodata privacy to the wider impacts of the infrastructures through which neurodata are collected, processed and reused. Neuro-AI Infrastructures are defined as interconnected systems through which neurodata are collected, processed and reused to create, deploy and manage AI-powered neurotechnology applications.
The convergence of neurotechnology and AI raises questions for fundamental rights, democratic accountability and the public interest, according to the EGE. The Statement also addresses questions of European technological sovereignty and public-interest infrastructures in the context of neuro-AI.
Key EGE Recommendations
The EGE has made five principal recommendations:
Data Protection and Definition: The EGE recommends that neurodata and neurodata-derived inferences be defined and their protections reinforced under EU data protection law.
Responsible AI Development: The EGE recommends ensuring the responsible development of Brain Foundation Models and related neuro-AI infrastructures.
Individual Rights Protection: The EGE recommends that individuals be protected against disproportionate control where neurodata or neurodata-derived data inferences are used in consequential contexts.
Governance Capacity: The EGE recommends building European public-interest governance capacity for neuro-AI infrastructures.
Regulatory Assessment: The EGE recommends conducting a targeted regulatory assessment of the EU framework governing neuro-AI systems.
Source: European Commission – Directorate-General for Research and Innovation