Assessing AI: Ensuring Fundamental Rights and Data Protection Compliance in Practice

  • Workshop
  • Music Room
  • Thursday 22.05 — 08:45 - 10:00

Organising Institution

European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA)

Netherlands

Our core mission is to provide a mix of deep insights and practical knowledge about EU policies, to all professionals related to EU public affairs, with the key objective of further improving their skills and capabilities for efficient management of the policies. We are supported by the EU Member States and the European Commission. We serve officials in national and regional public administrations in Member States, in the European Commission itself, and in other EU institutions. As such, we have developed a vast and strong network across the Member States and various EU institutions, bodies, and agencies. It is the combination of this network and the experience of our experts that enables us to provide cross-national and cross-institutional comparative, analytical perspectives on EU policies, which, along with our problem-solving approach, makes us one of the longest-standing experts in EU public affairs.
With AI systems facing growing regulatory and public scrutiny, understanding and applying AI impact assessments is key to ensuring compliance with fundamental rights and data protection laws. This hands-on workshop introduces participants to existing AI risk assessments and their role in enhancing transparency, accountability, and enforcement. Participants will work in small groups to critically assess the scope, purpose, and practicality of AI impact assessments, such as UNESCO’s Ethical Impact Assessment, the European Council’s HUDERIA, and national frameworks, like the Dutch Fundamental Rights and Algorithms Impact Assessment and the Catalan methodology for fundamental rights impact assessment. Using a structured evaluation method provided by the facilitators, groups will analyse these frameworks in relation to a real-world AI case study, identifying their strengths, limitations, and applicability. Participants will gain awareness of existing tools and develop a comparative understanding of how different frameworks address fundamental rights risks in AI.

Host

Michaela Sullivan-Paul

The European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) - Netherlands

Michaela is a researcher and policy expert specialising in AI governance, digital transformation, and public sector innovation. In 2024, Michaela joined the European Institute of Public Administration where she develops training programmes and resources to strengthen AI literacy among public officials, ensuring that AI adoption in government is sustainable, human-centred, and evidence-based. Her work supports policymakers, regulators, and practitioners in navigating the evolving AI landscape while addressing key challenges such as digital and AI literacy,

Host

Florina Pop

The European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) - Netherlands

Florina Pop joined EIPA Maastricht in 2021 as a Data Protection Expert. Florina, originally a lawyer, specialises in data protection: implementation of privacy policies and GDPR measures, as well as conducting training on the topic. She also has extensive experience in providing legal support and consulting for international commercial and technology matters. Before joining EIPA, Florina was a Legal Officer at the European Commission for DG ECHO (European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations), and a European Legal Team Leader and Data Protection Adviser at Advantech.