Press Release No: 04/26
9 June 2026
Brussels

The Conference of European Churches (CEC) contributed to the European Commission’s Article 17 dialogue seminar “The ethical and social impact of artificial intelligence” held in Brussels.

The seminar brought together representatives of churches, religious and philosophical organisations, EU institutions, and experts to address the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI). Discussions focused on ensuring that AI remains human-centred, respects fundamental rights, and serves the common good.

Representing CEC, Prof. Thomas Ploug, Director of the Centre for AI Ethics, Law, and Policy at Aalborg University, Denmark, contributed to discussions on legal and regulatory tools for living with AI. Prof. Ploug, who comes from the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Denmark, explored how human dignity must remain central in the development and regulation of AI.

He underlined the need to strengthen individual rights in the AI era, noting that regulation must not only address risks but also empower people affected by AI systems.

“Actionable rights empower individuals to protect themselves and to shape where and how AI is deployed,” said Prof. Ploug.

CEC’s participation highlighted the role of churches in bringing ethical reflection, human dignity, and a deeper understanding of the human person into European policy discussions, especially at a time when emerging technologies are reshaping societies.

The seminar also reflected on a key question in the AI debate: while AI must remain human-centred, societies must continue asking what understanding of the human person stands at the centre of these technologies.

Discussions addressed education, democracy, fundamental rights, equality, disinformation, ethical safeguards, and the implementation of the EU AI Act, as part of wider efforts to promote trustworthy and responsible AI.

Through its ongoing engagement with EU institutions under Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, CEC continues to promote dialogue on issues affecting churches and societies across Europe.

Learn more about churches' dialogue with European political institutions

For more information or an interview, please contact:

Naveen Qayyum
Communications Coordinator
Conference of European Churches
Rue Joseph II, 174 B-1000 Brussels
Tel. +32 486 75 82 36
E-mail: naveen@cec-kek.be
Website: www.ceceurope.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceceurope
Twitter: @ceceurope
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