Italian town appoints AI-generated councilor to government in European first

A small Italian town has made history by appointing an AI-generated member to its government council, igniting debate over the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in politics.

Local officials in the ancient spa town of Acqui Terme said it is the first in Europe to give a seat at the council table to an AI system.

"We did some research and this is the first time in a European city that artificial intelligence has been inserted inside the governing body, because Eva sits alongside the Mayor and councilors when we make decisions," said Danilo Rapetti Sardo Martini, mayor of Acqui Terme.

The AI council member, named Eva Statiella, is responsible for portfolios ranging from digital transition to AI itself, and even the "humanization" of local government. Unlike her human peers, Eva never goes home, can analyze data or compose reports in seconds, and aims to make the work of "real-life" councilors more efficient.

"Eva is an extraordinary innovation because she provides valuable information and insights that broaden our knowledge," said councilor Michele Gallizzi.

Locals have expressed mixed reactions to the appointment, ranging from cautious optimism to outright dismissal.

"Technology is moving forward and the council is trying to adapt," said a resident.

"It's a step towards the future, but it must be used with caution," said another.

"In my opinion, it is a complete joke. It serves no purpose at all," said a third resident.

With some critics questioning AI's place in local decision-making, the mayor argues residents' data is protected.

"The first safeguard is that no sensitive data relating to residents can be disclosed. That's guaranteed because Eva operates on an independent server," Mayor Martini said.

As supporters and skeptics watch, Eva's seat at the table is becoming a test for how AI could shape public life in Europe.

Italian town appoints AI-generated councilor to government in European first

The United States has warned its allies that deliveries of key weapons could be delayed by up to five years due to depleted ammunition stocks, Bloomberg reported on Saturday.

The report says that Germany has asked the U.S. to expedite deliveries of Tomahawk cruise missiles and Typhon missile systems, but U.S. stocks of these weapons have been depleted, and manufacturers are unlikely to fulfill the relevant orders within the next five years.

It cited U.S. officials as saying that following the U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran in February of this year, U.S. weapons deliveries to some Eastern European countries had already been delayed. The Pentagon did not respond to media requests for comment.

The report noted that it is estimated the U.S. used more than half of its Patriot missiles, a third of its Tomahawk missiles and nearly half of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors during the conflict with Iran.

The U.S. Congressional Budget Office released a report this month stating that since June 2025, the U.S. stockpile of interceptor missiles has been depleted by a half to two thirds and even with increased production, it would take at least five years to replenish the stockpile, according to Bloomberg.

US warns allies of weapons delivery delay: report