Towards trustworthy AI in the EU public administration: The EDPS Compass for its new role under the AI Act

AI Analysis

On 17 March 2026, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) published a strategic document titled "The EDPS Compass." This outlines the supervisory authority's intended approach and priorities for its new role as the competent authority for AI Act compliance within all EU institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies (EUIs). The Compass details how the EDPS will guide and enforce the development and use of trustworthy AI specifically in the EU public administration sector.

The guidance directly affects all EU institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies that develop, deploy, or use AI systems. It also provides an important reference point for national public administrations and private entities interacting with EUIs, as it clarifies the EDPS's enforcement expectations.

Compliance teams within EUIs must immediately align their AI governance frameworks with the EDPS Compass. They should conduct a gap analysis against its principles, integrate AI Act requirements into existing data protection management systems, and establish clear lines of communication with the EDPS office. Proactive engagement with this guidance is essential for ensuring conformity.