AI and Public Administration: Transforming Governance with Caution

The European Union has taken a leading role in setting regulatory standards for artificial intelligence, including its use in public administration. While the principle that public authority should remain human-led remains formally upheld, this article explores how current European practices – from Estonia to Denmark, Poland, and the Czech Republic – already challenge its application. Adopting a comparative perspective, it examines whether the precautionary principle and the concept of a humanity reserve can guide responsible AI governance in public administration. This article explores how generative AI is being tested and deployed across various levels of public administration, with a focus on both international developments and emerging Czech initiatives. Particular attention is given to institutional use cases, potential risks, and the evolving role of AI in decision-making processes.