BERLIN, Germany: Reuters reported that France, Germany, and Italy have reached an agreement on artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, which is expected to accelerate negotiations at the European Union (EU) level.

While they oppose "un-tested norms," the three countries support "mandatory self-regulation through codes of conduct" for "AI foundation models," developed to produce a broad range of outputs.

"Together we underline that the AI Act regulates the application of AI and not the technology as such. The inherent risks lie in the application of AI systems rather than in the technology itself," the agreement stated.

The European Commission, the European Parliament and the EU Council are negotiating the EU's position on the issue.

"An AI governance body could help to develop guidelines and could check the application of model cards," the joint agreement said, adding that no sanctions should be imposed initially.

However, if violations of the relevant code of conduct are identified after a certain period, a system of sanctions could be established, it added.

In an interview with Reuters, Germany's Digital Affairs Minister Volker Wissing expressed his happiness that France and Germany had reached an agreement to limit only the use of AI.

"We need to regulate the applications and not the technology if we want to play in the top AI league worldwide," Wissing said.

State Secretary for Economic Affairs Franziska Brantner also told Reuters that the agreement was vital to taking advantage of opportunities and limiting risks.

"We have developed a proposal that can ensure a balance between both objectives in a technological and legal terrain that has not yet been defined," Brantner said.

Beginning this week, the German government is hosting a digital summit in Jena, Thuringia, bringing together representatives from politics, business, and science.