Now, more than ever, we need to ask ourselves: What visions for the future should guide our lives today? What role should digital innovation play in these visions? How can we ensure that algorithms, artificial intelligence and other technologies foster inclusion, diversity and cohesion? “The New New” fellowship, a six-month stipend offered by the Bertelsmann Stiftung and Superrr Lab, provides individuals and teams from across Europe the opportunity to explore what visionary, just and inclusive digital futures might look like. Apply now (until January 6^th 2021)!

Since its founding in 1977, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has devoted considerable effort to facilitating German-Israeli relations. This long-term cooperation was built on the close friendship cultivated between Liz and Reinhard Mohn with then-Mayor of Jerusalem, the legendary Teddy Kollek.

The deployment of automated decision-making (ADM) and AI-based systems in Europe has vastly increased over the last two years. Used by public authorities and private companies alike, they affect the lives of millions of citizens. But transparency, oversight and competence are still lacking. There is an urgent need for policy makers at EU and member state level to address this gap, otherwise they risk to jeopardize the potential benefits of such systems. This is the result of the most comprehensive research on the issue conducted in Europe so far, AlgorithmWatch and we compiled for the 2020 edition of the Automating Society report.

As part of a new online format, rising opera singers from all over the world will receive invaluable support helping them on the way to successful careers. From 26 to 30 October, they will work with high-profile opera experts, both individually and in groups, to further develop their skills. Communal activities will play an important role and build on NEUE STIMMEN’s network ethos, even in the digital environment.

According to a Bertelsmann Stiftung survey, Europeans are much more critical toward Israel than is true of the reverse. There is also a lack of agreement on the issue of Europe’s responsibility for Israel.

Technologies such as contact-tracing apps and facial recognition software are raising hopes for improved containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, several algorithmic decision-making systems (ADM) have been rapidly implemented throughout Europe. In this special issue of the Automating Society Report, the Bertelsmann Stiftung and AlgorithmWatch provide an overview of European ADM systems designed to combat the pandemic as well as a classification of the various digital tools in use and the consequences they have for society.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, most of the 17 follow-up projects from 2GETHERLAND 2019 are continuing. The participants of the camp are looking for solutions for fair opportunities for young people in various creative ways.

European thought traditionally imagines Central Asia as a remote and disconnected “hinterland”. It is no less of a cliché, but it would be more useful to think of the region as a Eurasian core. “Great game” metaphors neglect Central Asian agency, but the geographical centrality of the region and competition between great powers do imbue Central Asia with greater relevance. The EU has designated China as an “economic competitor” and a “systemic rival” (as well as a partner). If the new “geopolitical Commission” truly wants to mitigate Beijing’s influence, Central Asia, where actors welcome balancing forces, is a good place to exercise its nascent geopolitical muscle.

We welcome the European Commission’s effort to harmonize AI regulation and create an ecosystem in which algorithmic decision-making systems work for people and become a force for good in society. In this paper we want to share our findings from the “Ethics of Algorithms project” as part of the consultation on the “White Paper on Artificial Intelligence – A European approach to excellence and  trust.”

Aurel Croissant