Representatives from politics, business, administration and science will discuss the challenges and opportunities of a European AI strategy on Tuesday, May 20, from 6 p.m. in the Coronation Hall of Aachen City Hall. The panel discussion entitled ""AI made in Europe" - and what does that mean for our region?" will focus in particular on the potential of the Aachen region. The event is part of the official supporting program for the presentation of the International Charlemagne Prize.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly changing our society, economy and working world - but the technological foundations have so far mainly come from the USA. How can Europe provide its own impetus in this crucial future field and strengthen its digital sovereignty? What role does Aachen play as a center of innovation? These and other questions are the focus of the discussion.

Participants in the discussion will include Thomas Hissel, Aachen City Councillor for Housing, Social Affairs and Economy, and Björn Franken, Member of the NRW State Parliament and Chairman of the AI Study Commission of the State of NRW. Also taking part are Prof. Dr. Holger Hoos, Director of the AI Center at RWTH Aachen University, Daniel Freund, Member of the European Parliament, Dr. Jörg Herbers, CEO of INFORM GmbH and Fee Damm, Managing Director of Bäckerei Moss GmbH. Ralf Raspe (WDR) will moderate the event. Dr. Jürgen Linden will open the evening as Chairman of the Charlemagne Prize Board of Directors. As part of the event, the portraits of "Oecher KI-People" will also be brought to life in an augmented reality exhibition.

The event is open to the public and admission is free.

Further information on the Charlemagne Prize program can be found at: https://www.karlspreis.de/de/aktuelles/karlspreis-2025