The European Commission has established the AI Act Advisory Forum to support the implementation and enforcement of the EU AI Act. Comprising 174 members selected from over 700 applicants, the forum brings together experts from academia, civil society, and industry to provide technical advice on standardization and regulatory challenges.
What is the AI Act Advisory Forum?
The Advisory Forum serves as a general advisory body for the European Commission and the AI Board, according to the European Commission. Created under Article 67 of the AI Act, its primary purpose is to assist in the practical application of the legislation. Members serve two-year, renewable terms and are tasked with participating in plenary meetings and thematic subgroups to offer recommendations and written contributions.
The forum is designed to work alongside the Scientific Panel of independent experts, which provides specialized advice on General-Purpose AI (GPAI) to the Commission and national market surveillance authorities.
Who makes up the Advisory Forum?
The 174 members represent a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. In addition to these individual members, the forum includes permanent representatives from several key European organizations:
- Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA)
- EU cybersecurity agency (ENISA)
- European Committee for Standardisation (CEN)
- European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC)
- European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)
The members elect their own co-chairs and are responsible for voting on and adopting their internal rules of procedure. The AI Office retains the authority to invite additional stakeholders to participate as observers.
How does the forum function?
The forum operates as a collaborative platform, focusing on the technical and operational nuances of the AI Act. Its work is dictated by requests from the AI Board or the Commission, ensuring that the regulatory framework remains grounded in current industry and academic expertise.
This body is part of a broader push for digital resilience in Europe. For instance, as of June 8, 2026, the European Commission has also aligned with the G7 Cybersecurity Working Group Declaration, emphasizing a collective effort to strengthen global digital defenses against emerging threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were the members of the Advisory Forum selected?
Members were selected through an application process that saw over 700 submissions from across various sectors, resulting in the final selection of 174 representatives.
What is the duration of a term in the Advisory Forum?
Each member serves a two-year term, which is renewable exactly once.
Does the Advisory Forum work alone?
No, it complements the Scientific Panel of independent experts. While the Advisory Forum provides broad technical and implementation advice, the Scientific Panel focuses on providing expertise regarding General-Purpose AI.
Can the Advisory Forum accept new observers?
Yes, the AI Office may invite relevant stakeholders to join the forum as observers, expanding the range of voices contributing to the implementation process.