Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez intends to more strictly regulate the development and use of artificial intelligence. Through the IA360 plan, the government, companies, trade unions, and workers are to jointly devise solutions for the societal and economic challenges posed by the technology.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is calling for a broad societal consensus on how to handle artificial intelligence (AI). While presenting the new government plan “IA360” today, Monday, he advocated for a “new social contract” that would involve companies, workers, trade unions, political parties, and public institutions.
The goal is to harness the opportunities offered by the technology while simultaneously better controlling its impact on the economy and society. Sánchez emphasized that the development of AI must not be left solely to major technology companies.
Sánchez speaks out against self-regulation by tech companies
A key point of the speech was the call for binding rules for artificial intelligence. Sánchez argued against leaving the regulation of this technology to the major tech companies themselves.
The head of government stated that the interests of companies developing powerful AI systems did not automatically align with the interests of society as a whole. Therefore, greater public oversight was needed.
Sánchez called for technological development to be guided democratically and for the interests of workers, citizens, and businesses to be taken into account equally.
Four key areas of action in the IA360 plan
With the IA360 plan, the Spanish government aims to advance measures in several areas over the coming twelve months. Key priorities include achieving a societal consensus, fostering dialogue with various industries, expanding technological infrastructure, and adapting education and the world of work.
The social partners are scheduled to meet for talks as early as October. The aim is to develop joint guidelines for dealing with artificial intelligence.
Another component is a permanent monitoring center designed to examine the impact of AI on the labor market. Through this, the government aims to better understand how the technology affects employment and working conditions.
Spain aims to strengthen its technological infrastructure
In addition to regulation, the government is focusing on expanding its own technological capabilities. Spain is set to host one of the European Union’s seven planned AI gigafactories.
These facilities are intended to provide high-performance computing infrastructure for the development and use of artificial intelligence. Through this initiative, Spain aims to strengthen its technological capabilities and reduce its dependence on international providers.
Collaboration with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center is also set to be expanded. Together, they aim to develop new AI models that can be applied in areas such as climate protection, energy, and health.
Strict environmental standards for data centers
Sánchez advocated for data centers to meet high energy and environmental standards. These facilities require vast amounts of energy and technical infrastructure, making it important to consider their environmental impact. The government aims to ensure that the facilities use resources efficiently and also provide benefits to local regions and communities.
In addition, Sánchez emphasized the importance of Spain’s digital sovereignty. The country aims to build its own capabilities in the development and use of artificial intelligence and to strengthen its technological independence.
By 2030, 50 percent of SMEs are expected to use generative AI
The Spanish economy is also expected to benefit more from the technology. The government aims to have half of Spain’s small and medium-sized enterprises using generative artificial intelligence by 2030. This initiative is intended to integrate AI more deeply into everyday business operations. At the same time, the government plans to prepare companies and employees for these changes.
Another focus is on education. Curricula and training programs are to be adapted to the growing importance of artificial intelligence. Young people should acquire both technical skills and the ability to use the technology responsibly.
Cybersecurity and protection against the risks of AI
The IA360 plan also includes measures to strengthen cybersecurity. Sánchez pointed to risks associated with the development of increasingly powerful AI systems, including potential privacy violations, disinformation, and security issues. Consequently, the government aims to bolster defensive cyber capabilities and improve oversight of powerful AI models.
The discussion regarding these risks is not limited to Spain. Internationally, too, there is increasing debate about how the development of artificial intelligence can be controlled and what rules are necessary for it.
Spain seeks a common path for the future of AI
With the IA360 plan, the Spanish government aims to combine economic innovation with social protection. In doing so, Sánchez is focusing on stricter regulation, the expansion of domestic technological infrastructure, and broad dialogue with companies, workers, and political stakeholders.
How the planned measures will be implemented in concrete terms is expected to become clear in the coming months. Initial talks with the social partners are scheduled to begin as early as October.
