”AI was made for humans, not humans for AI” - CROCEU takes part into Art. 17 Dialogue Seminars on Artificial Intelligence at the European Commission and the European Parliament
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Members of the Committee of the Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU) took part in two dialogue seminars held at the European Commission and the European Parliament under the framework of Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The two meetings brought together policymakers, academics, experts in artificial intelligence, and representatives of faith communities throughout Europe, to reflect on some of the most pressing ethical and social questions raised by the rapid development of AI.
Artificial Intelligence and the Human Person
Artificial Intelligence and the Human PersonThe first seminar, hosted by the European Commission, was dedicated to “The Ethical and Social Impact of Artificial Intelligence.” Participants explored the opportunities and risks associated with AI technologies, with particular attention to their impact on democracy, education, work, social cohesion, and human dignity.
In his opening remarks, European Commissioner Magnus BRUNNER stressed the need for a human-centred approach to artificial intelligence, underlining that while robust legal frameworks are necessary, legislation alone cannot answer all ethical questions. Education, research and sustained dialogue remain essential in addressing the profound transformations brought about by AI.
Participants were briefed on the implementation of the EU's AI Act, emphasising the Union’s commitment to combining innovation with safeguards designed to protect vulnerable persons, ensure accountability, and maintain meaningful human oversight in high-risk sectors.
Throughout the discussions, speakers repeatedly highlighted that the challenges posed by AI are not merely technological; but fundamentally cultural and anthropological. Questions concerning human agency, responsibility, creativity, and social participation featured prominently in the exchanges.
Among the contributors was Professor Florian Pop, Head of the Doctoral School of Automatic Control and Computers at the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA, in Bucharest. Speaking on behalf of CROCEU, Prof. POP argued for the preservation of an anthropocentric vision in the development and deployment of AI technologies. He stressed that technological innovation must remain at the service of the human person, respecting human freedom and dignity. From a Christian perspective, he noted, human dignity is inseparable from the sacramental dimension of life and from the spiritual vocation of the human being.
Participants also addressed longer-term concerns related to military applications of AI, the cognitive effects of AI-assisted learning among younger generations, and the broader implications of human enhancement technologies, which increasingly challenge traditional understandings of what it means to be human.
Health, Well-being, and Digital Risks
The second seminar, hosted by the European Parliament, focused on “Health and Well-being in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Communities Tackling Isolation and Digital Risks.”
Discussions centred on the impact of AI-driven technologies on mental health, interpersonal relationships, and social cohesion. Particular attention was given to the growing role of AI companions, the risks of digital isolation, and the increasing influence of algorithmic systems in shaping human behaviour, especially among children and young people.
Among the contributors, on behalf of CROCEU, Ms. Anna POULIOU , chairwoman of the Data Protection Commission at CERN, Switzerland, highlighted the profound impact that AI technologies are having on human relationships and social development. She warned that increasingly intimate interactions with AI systems are often governed by algorithms designed to maximise engagement, rather than promote genuine human flourishing. Particular concern was expressed regarding the growing use of AI companions by children and young people, who may turn to such systems for validation and emotional support. Prolonged reliance on these technologies, she argued, can contribute to social isolation and other forms of psychological harm. While acknowledging the significant benefits of AI in areas such as healthcare, she stressed the need for clear accountability mechanisms and for maintaining meaningful human responsibility whenever AI systems influence important aspects of personal and social life.
A recurring theme throughout the seminar was the need to ensure that technological development serves human flourishing rather than merely economic efficiency or commercial interests.
The full VIDEO recording of the event is available here:
The Contribution of the Orthodox Churches
Reflecting on the significance of the two seminars, Rev. Fr. George VALCU, General Secretary of CROCEU, underlined that artificial intelligence is no longer a matter for the future but a reality already shaping everyday life. "The discussions highlighted the importance of cultivating a balanced approach to AI, avoiding both uncritical enthusiasm and undue alarmism. While recognising the considerable benefits offered by these technologies, we should not naively turn a blind eye to the substantial risks they entail. For the Orthodox Church, the key challenge is to ensure that the human person remains at the centre of technological development," he noted.
Rev. VALCU further emphasised that the specific contribution of the Churches to these debates lies in their insistence on the dignity and uniqueness of every human person, as well as on the inseparable connection between freedom and moral responsibility. Beyond questions of efficiency and technological performance, he argued, societies must continue to ask whether new technologies genuinely contribute to the integral development of the human person and to the common good.
The two seminars once again demonstrated the value of Article 17 TFEU as a framework for meaningful dialogue between European institutions and faith communities on issues of profound importance for the present and future of European society. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the social landscape, such exchanges remain essential for ensuring that technological innovation is guided by ethical reflection and a genuine concern for human dignity.
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