Italy and Hungary Fail to Meet EU AI Act Authority Appointment Deadline

The European Union’s AI Act requires all 27 member states to designate public authorities responsible for safeguarding fundamental rights in the deployment of artificial intelligence systems. The deadline for this obligation was set for 2 November 2024. According to data from the European Commission, Italy and Hungary have not yet complied with this legal requirement, failing to appoint the necessary bodies and make the list publicly accessible.

The Commission has stated that it is actively engaging with these member states to support their progress toward compliance. The number and type of authorities designated vary widely among member states, reflecting differences in national legal frameworks and the scope assigned to regulatory bodies. For example, Bulgaria has identified nine relevant authorities, including the national Ombudsman and the Data Protection Authority, while Portugal has designated 14 and Spain 22. Slovakia, by contrast, has listed only two.

The AI Act, which entered into force in August 2024, is being implemented in stages. By August 2025, member states must also appoint a market surveillance authority to enforce the Act’s provisions. The Commission has not yet published a comprehensive list of which countries have officially notified their watchdog authorities.

Consistent and effective designation of these public bodies is considered crucial for the uniform application of the AI Act across the EU. The Commission continues to work with national governments to clarify which authorities should be appointed and to facilitate cooperation between rights protection bodies and future market surveillance authorities.