In the context of a high-level conference on artificial intelligence (AI) held in Helsinki on 21 November 2019, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) insisted that AI should be inclusive and generate benefits for all individuals, including vulnerable groups. EESC members underlined the fact that people must remain at the core of new technological developments, including in the field of AI. According to Ariane Rodert, president of the EESC Section for the Single Market, Production and Consumption (INT), 'AI must be developed in a safe, unbiased way and, above all, must be in keeping with the values of the EU. We need to ensure that artificial intelligence and its applications promote people's wellbeing and empowerment, with due respect for fundamental rights.' The conference explored the opportunities and challenges associated with developments in the field of digitalisation and AI.