PeopleofSuperintelligence

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Roberto Viola

Roberto Viola is a European Commission official whose digital policy work includes cooperation on AI safety. He worked on satellite communications at the European Space Agency, held technical and regulatory roles at Italy’s AGCOM, and studied electronic engineering and business administration. At DG CONNECT, he served as Deputy Director-General from 2012 to 2015 and published an article on 5G connectivity in 2020. In July 2024, he initiated an EU-US AI safety dialogue; in November 2025, he was scheduled to speak on regional AI strategy. As of October 2026, he is Director-General of DG CONNECT and a convener of the Apply AI Summit.

Timeline

  1. 1985–1999

    Satellite communications at ESA

    He works at the European Space Agency from 1985 to 1999, including as head of its telecommunication and broadcasting satellite services. He holds a degree in electronic engineering and a master’s degree in business administration.

  2. 1999–2012

    Telecom regulation at AGCOM

    He leads technical and regulatory work at AGCOM from 1999 to 2004, then serves as its Secretary General from 2005 to 2012.

  3. 2012–2015

    Deputy Director-General at DG CONNECT

    He serves as Deputy Director-General of DG CONNECT from 2012 to 2015.

  4. 2020

    5G Connectivity

    In 2020, he publishes “5G Connectivity,” an article on the European Commission’s 5G Action Plan and the networks needed for the Digital Single Market.

  5. July 2024

    EU-US AI safety dialogue

    In July 2024, he and Laurie E. Locascio initiate a technical dialogue between the European AI Office and the U.S. AI Safety Institute.

  6. November 2025

    A regional AI keynote

    In November 2025, he is scheduled as keynote speaker for a Committee of the Regions dialogue on how cities and regions can accelerate AI across manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive.

  7. As of October 2026

    Director-General at DG CONNECT

    In 2026, he is Director-General of DG CONNECT and a convener of the Commission’s Apply AI Summit.

Sources and credits

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  1. Roberto Viola | Shaping Europe’s digital future digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu. Checked 15 October 2026.
  2. 2020 03 - Sommaire Enjeux numériques N°9 - Les fréquences, gestion d’une ressource-clé - LES ANNALES DES MINES annales-des-mines.org. Checked 15 October 2026.
  3. U.S. AI Safety Institute and European AI Office Hold Technical Dialogue | NIST nist.gov. Checked 15 October 2026.
  4. How EU Regions can be the accelerators in shaping the AI revolution | European Committee of the Regions cor.europa.eu. Checked 15 October 2026.
  5. Meet the Speakers of Apply AI Summit | Shaping Europe’s digital future digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu. Checked 15 October 2026.