Weekly AI Policy Pulse – 2025-W44 (Oct 27

TL;DR

The EU issued statements on elections in Tanzania and Belarus' actions at its border.
The UK government is funding a significant obesity study in Scotland's poorest areas.
The OECD released a working paper on AI compute infrastructure geography.

[1] The EU issued statements regarding elections in Tanzania and Belarus' actions at the EU border.
[4] The European Commission emphasized the importance of a free press on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
[5] An upcoming EU-CELAC summit is scheduled for November 9-10, 2025.
[34] The Council renewed sanctions against ISIL/Daesh and Al-Qaeda for another year.

The EU's statements reflect a commitment to democratic values and human rights, influencing international relations.
Renewed sanctions against ISIL/Daesh and Al-Qaeda indicate a proactive approach to counter-terrorism and regional stability.

Policymakers should leverage EU statements to strengthen diplomatic ties with countries committed to democracy.
Continued sanctions may require assessment of their effectiveness and potential adjustments to enhance impact.

[3] The UK government is funding a landmark obesity study targeting patients in Scotland's poorest areas.
[9] The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 received Royal Assent, with supporting documents released.
[20] A £55 billion funding boost for R&D aims to drive breakthroughs in health and clean energy.

The obesity study reflects a targeted approach to public health, addressing health disparities in vulnerable populations.
The Data (Use and Access) Act enhances data privacy while promoting innovation, balancing regulatory needs with economic growth.

Policymakers should monitor the obesity study's outcomes to inform future health initiatives and funding allocations.
The Data Act's implementation will require ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to ensure effective data governance and innovation.

[27] OECD released a working paper on the geography of AI compute infrastructure.
[30] The EDPS issued guidance on Generative AI to strengthen data protection.
[23] The UK is seeking views on the AI Growth Lab to inform government policy.

Mapping AI compute infrastructure is crucial for understanding national competitiveness in the global AI landscape.
Guidance on Generative AI indicates a proactive stance on data protection amid rapid technological advancements.

Policymakers should prioritize investment in AI infrastructure to enhance national capabilities and competitiveness.
Engaging stakeholders in the AI Growth Lab consultation can help shape effective and inclusive AI policies.

[1] Council of the EU — Tanzania: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the elections in Tanzania (https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/11/02/tanzania-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-elections-in-tanzania/)
[3] Office for Artificial Intelligence — Thousands of patients from Scotland’s poorest areas to benefit from landmark UK government-funded obesity study (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thousands-of-patients-from-scotlands-poorest-areas-to-benefit-from-landmark-uk-government-funded-obesity-study)
[27] OECD AI Policy Observatory — The geography of AI compute: Mapping what is available and where (https://wp.oecd.ai/the-geopgraphy-of-ai-compute-mapping-what-is-available-and-where/)