AESIA Strengthens AI Oversight in Spain and Europe
AESIA enhances its role in AI regulation as new laws take effect in Spain.
Key Points
- • AESIA completes its first year under Ignasi Belda's leadership.
- • Spain engages in 20 EU thematic groups on AI oversight.
- • AESIA initiates market surveillance to ensure compliance with new regulations.
- • Plans to boost public digital literacy on AI are underway.
As of August 2, 2025, the Spanish Agency for AI Oversight (AESIA) has marked a significant milestone, completing its first year under the directorship of Ignasi Belda. The agency is focused on ensuring that artificial intelligence development in Spain aligns with fundamental rights and promotes public trust among citizens and businesses. In the past year, AESIA has expanded its team to nearly 30 professionals and is poised for further growth, responding to the increasing complexities of AI regulation.
Spain is actively participating in various European Union AI working groups, contributing to a total of 20 thematic groups, which is the maximum representation allowed by the EU. This involvement underscores Spain’s commitment to taking a leading role in shaping AI policies and practices across Europe. AESIA has been proactive in its outreach, having conducted over 100 meetings with stakeholders in the AI ecosystem, fostering around 12,000 interactions regarding adaptation to EU regulations.
With new obligations for AI providers now effective, AESIA has commenced market surveillance efforts aimed at ensuring compliance with safety standards. This regulatory push comes alongside the recent approval of a draft law which positions AESIA centrally in monitoring AI practices throughout Spain. Ignasi Belda, who has a robust background in technology law, is well-prepared to guide the agency through these initiatives, which also include plans to enhance digital literacy related to AI among the public and businesses. The overarching goal is to establish Spain as a leader in ethical and transparent AI within Europe.