From Siemens management to Brussels? EU Ombudsman investigates Von der Leyen's envoy appointment for AI

The European Ombudsman opened an investigation into the European Commission's decision to appoint Jim Hagemann Snabe as a special envoy for industrial artificial intelligence. The appointment raises questions about a potential conflict of interest, given that Hagemann Snabe is currently chairman of the Siemens board. The investigation aims to analyze whether the appointment process was transparent and whether the required ethical standards were met for this type of designation. The Ombudsman will examine the circumstances that led to the selection of Hagemann Snabe for this position within the European Commission.