CEE Industry and Research Unite on AI: Jan Kavalirek Appointed First Regional Ambassador

Prague, 8 January 2026 – Organisations representing industry, technology companies, and research institutions across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have, for the first time, established a joint position of Ambassador for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies. Jan Kavalírek has been appointed to this role, with a mandate to strengthen the region’s voice in Brussels and advocate for reducing unnecessary bureaucracy in AI regulation.

The initiative was announced at a press conference in Kampus Hybernská by Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, together with partners including Czech National AI Platform (CNAIP), Association for Applied Research in IT (AAVIT), AI Chamber, and with the support of CEE Digital Coalition. This marks the first coordinated regional mandate in the field of artificial intelligence – embodied in a single, jointly appointed ambassador.

In his new role, Jan Kavalírek will represent participating organisations towards EU institutions and help coordinate a unified regional position on key legislative initiatives related to AI and digital regulation.

“If the European Union is to become a leader in artificial intelligence, not only in regulating it, it must be significantly more ambitious. This means investing more in research and development while systematically removing unnecessary bureaucracy that holds back innovation. It was the Czech Republic that first proposed cutting excessive administrative burden in the AI Act – and gained support for it,” says Jan Kavalírek.

“Central and Eastern Europe has a strong industrial base, top-level expertise, and the ability to rapidly deploy innovation. What has been missing is a coordinated and systematic voice in Brussels. In this new role, I aim to build on existing efforts and help ensure that our region’s experience and priorities are reflected in European decision-making.”

Responding to rapid regulatory change

This new role reflects the fast pace of European digital legislation, particularly in areas such as the AI Act and the Data Act, as well as upcoming digital and AI omnibus packages.

Their implementation will have a direct impact on businesses, research institutions, and the public sector. The ambassadorial mandate is therefore built on jointly agreed positions and is designed as a practical tool for coordinating the region’s voice towards EU institutions.

The importance of closer alignment between regulation and real-world practice was emphasised by Milena Jabůrková: “Europe cannot become a technological leader if AI rules are developed without those who bring innovation to market. Policymakers must engage in dialogue with companies, researchers, and academia. The CEE AI Ambassador is a key mechanism to ensure that this dialogue becomes a systematic part of European decision-making,” she stated.

A similar perspective was shared by Lukáš Kačena, representing the Česká národní AI platforma: “The real impact of European regulation is not felt in strategy papers, but in the daily work of researchers and innovators. That is why AI rules must be shaped in close dialogue with those who develop and deploy these technologies.”

Strengthening regional cooperation

AAVIT contributes to the initiative with its long-standing experience in European digital policy and applied research, ensuring that business perspectives remain part of the discussion from the outset.

“The European debate on artificial intelligence is currently at a turning point – between regulation and the ability to translate technology into real competitiveness gains. Experience shows that without strong involvement from businesses, well-intentioned regulation can create unnecessary administrative barriers,” says Jaromír Hanzal, Director of AAVIT and board member of DIGITALEUROPE.

The initiative is also supported by AI Chamber, which sees the new role as an opportunity to deepen regional cooperation and strengthen the collective voice of CEE in Brussels.

“Aligning our positions is essential to prevent policies that could stifle innovation or discourage SMEs and startups, the backbone of our economy, from developing cutting-edge solutions. A coordinated regional approach will ensure sufficient regulatory space for growth and global competitiveness,” adds Tomasz Snażyk.

What comes next

The CEE Ambassador for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies will operate in close cooperation with partner organisations and European platforms, including BusinessEurope, DIGITALEUROPE, and CEE Digital Coalition.

The role is designed as an expert, coordination-focused, and non-political mandate—grounded in shared priorities and open dialogue with both EU institutions and regional stakeholders.