The EU has a clear and strong position in the debate on lethal autonomous weapons systems such as drones, which can be summed up in 4 points:

• International  law, including International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law, applies to all weapons systems;
• Humans must make the decisions with regard to the use of lethal force, exert control over the lethal weapons systems they use, and remain accountable for decisions over life and death.;
• The UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons is the appropriate framework to discuss regulate these kinds of weapons; and
• Given the dual use of emerging technologies, policy measures should not hamper civilian research, including artificial intelligence (AI)

This position was laid out clearly by former EU High Representative Federica Mogherini on 11 September in an address to the European Parliament, and reflected in the Resolution adopted thereafter by the house.

https://twitter.com/eu_eeas/status/1039566506944864256

"We are not afraid of technology. Human ingenuity and technological progress have made our lives easier and more comfortable, said Mogherini. "The point is that scientists and researchers should and must be free to do their job knowing that their discoveries will not be used to harm innocent people."

Emerging technologies, including AI, that are used in weapons systems must be developed and applied according to the principles of responsible innovation and ethical principles, such as accountability and compliance with international law.  Doubts about their legitimacy or respect for human dignity should be addressed in a clear regulatory manner that defines the prohibited aspects of such technology.

The EU has begun to address this issue with a European Commission Communication on Artificial Intelligence.

The United Nations’ Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems has also agreed on a first set of "Possible Guiding Principles".

https://twitter.com/eu_eeas/status/1039819544964030465

Getting the balance right requires an open discussion between a variety of stakeholders, and is a topic addressed by the Global Tech Panel first convened by the former EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in June and set to meet again on the side-lines of the UN General Assembly this month in New York.

"We [governments] do not have all the answers and all the solutions" and the EU has therefore "started a conversation between the tech world and the foreign and security policy community […] on how we can harness the opportunities of the digital era while also addressing the rising threats," Mogherini said. "Among the members of this 'Global Tech Panel”' are some of the experts on artificial intelligence who have been most vocal on the issue of lethal autonomous weapons."

"Together with the experts’ community, we can help find a solution that is both prudent and innovative. We can continue exploring the immense possibilities of artificial intelligence, and at same time guarantee the full respect of human rights and international law," said Mogherini.

Federica Mogherini intends to put this on the agenda of EU Defence Ministers and also to continue to draw on the expertise of the Global Tech Panel in this regard. 

See also

• HRVP Mogherini Speech to European Parliament on Artificial Intelligence and autonomous weapons, 10/09/2018
• European Parliament Resolution on autonomous weapons systems, 12/09/2018
• About the Global Tech Panel
• EU Statement to UN Convention on LAWS, 08/2018
• European Commission Communication on Artificial Intelligence, 04/2018
• UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, 1980
• United Nations’ Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems - "Possible Guiding Principles"