Sweden calls for pause on EU AI Act over lack of technical standards

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has called for a pause in the implementation of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, citing confusion and a lack of unified technical standards. This marks the first time a head of government has openly advocated for halting the rollout, a move that has gained some support among officials in countries such as the Czech Republic and Poland. Kristersson’s concerns were voiced ahead of a European Council meeting, where he plans to raise the issue with other EU leaders.

Kristersson criticized the current approach, noting that the AI Act is set to take effect before common standards are established. He warned that this could result in Europe falling behind in technological development or certain AI applications being unavailable within the EU market. The gradual rollout of the AI Act over the next 18 months requires clear technical standards to ensure compliance, particularly regarding cybersecurity and human oversight.

Support for Kristersson’s position has come from Swedish MEP Arba Kokalari, a member of the European People’s Party, who argued that if standards are not finalized in time, specific provisions of the AI Act should be delayed. Kokalari also suggested integrating the AI Act into the Commission’s upcoming digital simplification package, expected by the end of 2025.

The European Commission has acknowledged the possibility of a pause if necessary guidance is not ready. As the AI Act became law last year, its future implementation will depend on the timely development of technical standards and the willingness of EU institutions to adapt the timeline to industry needs.