AI Act Timeline Faces Possible Delay Amid Standards Uncertainty
The implementation of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, the first comprehensive legislation aimed at mitigating AI-related risks, faces potential delays as the European Commission considers industry concerns regarding the readiness of key technical standards and guidance. Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen indicated at a meeting in Luxembourg that postponing certain provisions of the Act should not be excluded if necessary guidance is not finalized on schedule. The phased enforcement of the AI Act began in February, with the next significant compliance dates set for August 2025 and 2026, targeting providers of high-impact AI models.
Industry stakeholders, supported by some EU digital ministers, have advocated for a “stop-the-clock” mechanism, which would pause the application of new obligations until essential standards and codes of practice are available. This approach has gained traction amid lobbying efforts, particularly following recent political developments in the United States. However, Polish junior digital minister Dariusz Standerski emphasized that any delay must be accompanied by a concrete plan to use the additional time effectively, rather than simply postponing enforcement without substantive progress.
The ongoing debate also intersects with broader EU discussions on regulatory simplification. Standerski highlighted that simplification should not be limited to deregulation, but should also address the practical challenges of compliance, including the cost of implementation and the need for robust impact assessments. Leveraging technology to ease compliance burdens is seen as a critical component of these efforts.
As the EU navigates the balance between innovation and risk mitigation, the outcome of these deliberations will have significant implications for businesses and legal practitioners. The evolving regulatory landscape underscores the importance of proactive engagement with emerging standards and close monitoring of legislative developments.
