The European Commission has confirmed it will not halt the implementation of its landmark Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. A senior official stated on Monday that a moratorium is not being considered, despite increasing requests from industry leaders and political figures to pause the rollout of the comprehensive new regulations.
The statement addresses recent calls for a delay, including a notable suggestion from Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who argued for a pause to better assess potential risks associated with the technology. The Commission's focus remains on ensuring the existing rules are effectively put into practice.
Key Takeaways
- The European Commission has officially rejected any pause or "moratorium" on the AI Act's implementation.
- This decision comes despite calls for a delay from figures like Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and various business groups.
- A separate "digital simplification package" planned for December is intended to reduce bureaucracy but will not overhaul the AI Act itself.
- The Commission's priority is to help companies understand and comply with the new regulations as they are rolled out.
Commission Affirms AI Act Schedule
During a hearing at the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), a top official provided a clear message regarding the future of the AI Act. Yvo Volman, the Commission's Director for Data, stated that the implementation will proceed as planned.
"There is not going to be an overall moratorium on the AI Act. That is not on the table. We are focussing on making the rules work in practice," Volman told the committee members on Monday.
This definitive statement puts an end to speculation that the EU executive might reconsider the timeline for the new rules. The AI Act, which officially entered into force in 2024, is designed to be implemented gradually, giving businesses and member states time to adapt to its requirements.
What is the AI Act?
The AI Act is a pioneering piece of legislation that governs the development and use of artificial intelligence in the European Union. It employs a risk-based approach, categorizing AI systems based on the level of risk they pose to society. Systems deemed to have unacceptable risk are banned, while high-risk systems (such as those used in critical infrastructure or employment) are subject to strict requirements for safety, transparency, and oversight.
Pressure Mounts for a Regulatory Pause
The Commission's firm position comes in response to a growing chorus of voices advocating for a temporary halt. Last week, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi publicly suggested that the Commission should consider a pause to fully comprehend the unknown risks tied to rapidly advancing AI technologies.
Beyond political leaders, the business community has also expressed concerns. Several industry groups have been calling for what they term a "two-year clock-stop" on the regulations. Their argument centers on two main points:
- Giving companies a reasonable timeframe to implement the complex new rules.
- Allowing regulators an opportunity to further simplify the rulebook before it becomes fully binding.
These groups worry that a rushed implementation could stifle innovation and place an excessive administrative burden on European companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Timeline of Implementation
The AI Act entered into force in 2024, but its provisions will become applicable in stages. This staggered approach is intended to allow all stakeholders, from developers to national authorities, sufficient time to prepare for full compliance. The full set of rules is expected to be in effect across all member states within the next two years.
Digital Simplification Package Clarified
Adding another layer to the discussion is the Commission's upcoming "digital omnibus" simplification package, which is scheduled for release in December. Some observers feared this package might be used as a vehicle to significantly alter or weaken the AI Act, potentially in response to external pressure.
However, Yvo Volman clarified that the omnibus will not constitute a complete overhaul of the AI Act. Instead, its primary goal is to streamline digital regulations to reduce administrative burdens. According to the Commission, the package is aimed at cutting red tape and, in some cases, abolishing certain transparency requirements to ease the load on businesses.
"The omnibus should help EU companies, we want them to thrive in the world," Volman explained. He emphasized that the immediate goal is practical implementation. "The first priority is to have an optimal implementation of the rules, and to help the industry understand them."
To gather input for this simplification effort, the Commission has launched a public consultation, which will remain open for feedback until mid-October. This allows stakeholders to contribute their views on how to make the digital rulebook more efficient.
Broader Context of Digital Regulation
The debate over the AI Act's timeline is unfolding within a complex landscape of digital governance. The Commission is also working to ensure coherence between its various pieces of digital legislation. Volman noted that a separate report on the Digital Services Act (DSA) and its relationship with other digital rules is also expected in December.
There is also an international dimension to the EU's regulatory approach. Since the U.S. administration led by President Donald Trump took office in January, there has been consistent pressure on the EU to adopt a less stringent stance toward large technology companies. In August, President Trump threatened potential tariffs against countries whose technology regulations were perceived to negatively impact American corporations.
The Commission's decision to move forward with the AI Act without delay signals a commitment to its own regulatory sovereignty and its vision for a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence, despite both internal and external pressures for a more lenient framework.