Siemens Chair Named EU AI Adviser After Lobbying Against Rules

Controversial Appointment Follows Regulatory Rollback

The European Commission has named Jim Hagemann Snabe, chair of Siemens and former SAP CEO, as an adviser on industrial AI strategy—a decision drawing immediate criticism from lawmakers who note the German engineering giant recently lobbied successfully to weaken EU artificial intelligence regulations.

Snabe will advise Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and technology commissioner Henna Virkkunen on accelerating AI adoption across European industry. The appointment was announced Wednesday, just weeks after Siemens helped secure changes to the EU's AI rules that reduced regulatory requirements for the company.

Why It Matters

This appointment highlights the persistent tension between Europe's ambition to lead in AI governance and its reliance on major industrial players to shape that strategy. When companies that actively lobby against regulation are then given advisory roles on the same technology, it raises fundamental questions about whose interests drive EU policy—particularly as Europe attempts to balance innovation with oversight in the global AI race.

Lawmakers Question Timing and Conflicts

Kim van Sparrentak, a Dutch member of the European Parliament who led AI policy work for the Greens, expressed sharp concern about the selection. "My first reaction was just: Wow," van Sparrentak said, according to reporting by AI Watch. "They fought hard against AI rules for themselves, they lobby against technological sovereignty, and now they get to decide how we are going to integrate AI."

The criticism centers on what lawmakers view as a conflict of interest: a company that worked to limit its own regulatory burden now holds influence over how the EU approaches industrial AI deployment more broadly.

Siemens Role in Regulatory Changes

Siemens was among the industrial companies that pushed for modifications to the EU's comprehensive AI Act before its final passage. The company argued that certain provisions would hamper innovation and competitiveness for European manufacturers. Those lobbying efforts contributed to adjustments in the final legislation that reduced compliance requirements for some industrial applications.

The timing of Snabe's appointment—coming so soon after those regulatory victories—has intensified scrutiny of the Commission's approach to industry consultation. Critics argue the move undermines the credibility of EU efforts to develop AI policy that balances corporate interests with broader societal concerns.

Advisory Role and Scope

As an adviser, Snabe will help shape the Commission's strategy for integrating AI technologies across European manufacturing and industrial sectors. The role involves providing guidance on competitiveness, investment priorities, and implementation approaches as the EU seeks to close the gap with the United States and China in AI deployment.

The appointment reflects the Commission's view that experienced industry leaders are essential to crafting practical AI policies. However, the selection process and potential conflicts have become a flashpoint in ongoing debates about regulatory capture and corporate influence in Brussels.

These details were first reported by AI Watch.