Meeting on Tuesday 23 July in Budapest (Hungary) for an informal ministerial meeting, the European Union’s justice ministers and their representatives examined the growing impact of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of justice.
Focusing on the rapid development of technologies, the meeting examined how AI could improve the accessibility and efficiency of justice by reducing the procedural burden on legal professionals.
The delegations agreed to restrict the use of AI to specific tasks, such as translation, research, case management and automated document analysis. These tools could transform the allocation of resources and the prioritisation of cases, freeing up time for judges and lawyers. However, there is a consensus that judicial decisions should remain the prerogative of human experts. The discussions also highlighted the ethical and legal challenges of using AI, in particular the impartiality of algorithms and the protection of personal data. The transparency of AI systems and the rectification of errors were considered essential.
According to a working document consulted by Agence Europe, the meeting discussed the European e-Justice Strategy 2024-2028, which aims to improve the digital transformation of the justice system. This strategy provides for the development of guidelines by the European AI Office to ensure the safe and effective use of AI in the judicial field.
The Member States have agreed to strike a balance between innovation and respect for fundamental rights, to ensure that AI serves to make justice fairer and more accessible, according to the Hungarian Justice Minister, Bence Tuzson. Cooperation and the sharing of best practice at European level are considered essential in this respect.
At the end of the day, Bence Tuzson spoke to the press about a project to use AI to supplement the Hungarian legislative database, making it easier for lawyers and citizens to find their way around the law.
Discussions will continue with the aim of creating a clear legislative framework accessible to all. According to a source close to the matter, it is no longer a question of legislating so much as thinking about the implementation of AI uses, based on existing legislation (see EUROPE 13413/37), the common thread running through these 2 days of informal discussions being to reduce the administrative and legislative burden. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)