Events Calendar

Euractiv organises policy events in Brussels and other European capitals.

Euractiv Events

Neurotechnology's rapid evolution – What consequences for the EU regulatory landscape?

29-10-2024

Neurotechnology's rapid evolution – What consequences for the EU regulatory landscape?

watch the recording



Neurotechnology, where neuroscience meets technology, includes all the tools and methods that are used to improve our understanding of how the human brain functions as well as what can be done to improve or repair the brain’s capacities. These advancements are opening new possibilities across various aspects of life, from healthcare to daily activities.

However, the rapid development of neurotechnology raises important questions regarding its societal impact and regulatory requirements. As neurotechnologies intersect with various EU legislative and policy initiatives, a comprehensive and integrated approach will be necessary for the EU to establish a legal framework governing these technologies.

Moreover, certain applications of neurotechnology could pose challenges related to fundamental rights, such as concerns about mental surveillance or consent to collection and processing of brain data. The EU will need to identify potential gaps in existing fundamental rights’ protections and address them to ensure neurotechnology advances responsibly. A key element of the EU's approach will be engaging stakeholders and ensuring inclusiveness in discussions on the regulation and application of neurotechnology.

Join this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss neurotechnology's rapid evolution and its legal implications in the EU policy-landscape. Questions to be discussed include:

-With the evolution of other technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the effects of neurotechnologies become even more elusive. How can we anticipate their long-term consequences?
-Do neurotechnologies fit into existing fundamental rights’ protections or do we need new human rights frameworks and rights for the brain?
-How can we ensure equal access to these technologies and address the risk of exacerbated or even new types of inequalities?
-How do we prepare a legislative framework for neurotechnology, with a focus on inclusive and participatory discussions?

Supported by:

CFG

Location

Hybrid
Brussels Network Office - International Press Centre
1 Bd Charlemagne // 2nd floor

Panellists

Antonia Mochan
Deputy Head of the EU Policy Lab, JRC, European Commission

Guilherme Maia de Oliveira Wood
Professor of Neuropsychology at the University of Graz, Co-author of ‘The protection of mental privacy in the area of neuroscience - Societal, legal and ethical challenges’

Javier Castillo
Head of Quality and Regulatory, INBRAIN Neuroelectronics

Ricardo Chavarriaga
Member Task force EU Charter for the Responsible Development of Neurotechnologies, European Brain Coucil

Arleen Salles
Senior Researcher, Institute of Neuroethics

Virginia Mahieu
Neurotechnology Director, ICFG

Moderator

Jennifer Baker
Euractiv

Schedule

12:00 - 12:30 Registration of participants
12:30 - 12:35 Welcome
12:35 - 12:50 Panellist statements
12:50 - 13:50 Discussion and Q&A
13:50 - 14:00 Closing statements

Followed by a light networking lunch.

Contact

Sébastien de Decker
sebastien.dedecker@euractiv.com

Related article

EU must advance brain science technology while ensuring citizens’ safety, say experts [Advocacy Lab Content]

EU must advance brain science technology while ensuring citizens’ safety, say experts [Advocacy Lab Content]

Egnite, a Graphene-based electrode material embedded in a thin film, is already being used as a brain mapping electrode in tumour resection surgeries. But do ‘brain rights’ sit within citizens’ fundamental rights; or do we need a rethink?