Belgium: The five universities in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern region of Belgium, have been tasked with developing a framework on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, at the request of Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir, Belga news agency reported on Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Flemish government will allocate £10 million (around $11 million) to the project as part of its wider AI strategy. Demir highlighted that AI tools are already extensively used in schools, with about a quarter of primary teachers and nearly half of secondary teachers in Flanders employing them. She emphasized the need for a clear framework to ensure the safe and responsible adoption of the technology.

The universities will collaborate with applied sciences institutions, research centers, and private partners to design the guidelines, concentrating on the safe and critical use of AI in classrooms and its role in supporting teachers. The plan will also address reducing administrative workload, enhancing feedback, and identifying learning gaps.

Authorities have stated that AI systems must function in secure environments and protect user data. Schools will retain 'full autonomy' over how AI is used in teaching, Demir mentioned. This initiative is part of the Flemish government's broader "Flanders AI-Ready, Everyone Included" strategy, which also includes plans for a High AI Council to advise on AI policy.