AI-POWERED COMPLIANCE WITH EU POLICIES Comparative analysis of possible AI impact on EU energy directives' compliance

Abstract

The study investigates the potential influence of Artificial intelligence (AI) on compliance with EU energy directives, focusing on the Clean Energy for all Europeans Package (CEP). It builds upon prior research regarding compliance mechanisms, institutional and administrative capacities, the effectiveness of agencies, as well as cost considerations related to EU directives. The study extends on previous research of compliance capacity frameworks, adding AI as a new set of resources for compliance, focusing on three hypotheses: H1 expects AI to boost compliance by enhancing administrative capacity, H2 predicts AI will improve alignment with EU policies, and H3 contends that AI lowers compliance-related costs. The central research question driving this analysis is: “How can AI influence compliance with EU energy directives?" This inquiry is situated within the European context, specifically examining how AI technologies can enhance policy compliance efforts within the EU framework. Using qualitative comparative case analysis in its approach, the study aims to provide a structured framework for understanding the potential integration of AI within EU policy compliance. Results indicate that AI affects EU energy directive compliance differently, with Directive 2019/944 most amenable to AI integration. Findings back H1 and H3, affirm AI's capability to strengthen administrative functions and cut compliance costs. Nonetheless, H2, on the alignment between domestic and EU policy goals, lacks sufficient proof. By addressing these hypotheses and RQ, the study contributes to advancing the understanding of how AI influences compliance with EU directives.