EU Council approves AI Act

European Council today officially approved the Artificial Intelligence Act, which aims to regulate the deployment and use of artificial intelligence systems within the European Union. The Council’s approval is one step closer to the AI Act coming into force.

Next steps will be the signing of the legislative act by the presidents of the European Parliament and the Council. The Act will then be published in the EU’s Official Journal, entering into force twenty days after publication. The regulation will apply two years after its entry into force, with certain exceptions for specific provisions. This timeline allows stakeholders to prepare for compliance while ensuring a smooth transition to the new regulatory framework.

To ensure effective enforcement, the Act establishes several governing bodies: an AI Office within the European Commission, a scientific panel of independent experts, an AI Board with representatives from member states, and an advisory forum for stakeholders. These bodies will work collaboratively to support the consistent and effective application of the AI Act across the EU.