Key Takeaways:
• The European Commission confirmed the AI Act’s enforcement will move forward as scheduled
• Obligations for general-purpose AI models begin in August 2025
• High-risk AI systems must comply by August 2026
• A voluntary Code of Practice is expected by late 2025 to support early compliance
• Simplified requirements may be introduced for startups and small businesses
The European Commission has dismissed recent lobbying efforts to delay the rollout of the AI Act, signaling that implementation will proceed without interruption. Amid growing concern from industry leaders about regulatory complexity and cost, the Commission reaffirmed that the timeline outlined in the law is legally binding and not subject to political negotiation.
“There is no stop the clock. There is no grace period. There is no pause,” said Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier, emphasizing that the EU remains committed to the phased enforcement of its landmark AI legislation.
The AI Act, passed earlier this year, aims to regulate artificial intelligence systems based on their risk profile. The first major deadline arrives in August 2025, when providers of general-purpose AI models—including those used in search, productivity tools, and code generation—must comply with new rules. These include transparency around training data, documentation of energy consumption, testing for systemic bias, and copyright compliance.
By August 2026, high-risk AI systems—such as those used in biometric surveillance, financial decision-making, or employment screening—must meet additional safety and oversight requirements. These include risk assessments, human oversight guarantees, and regulatory registration.
Major European and American companies had asked for a delay, citing confusion over compliance requirements. Signatories to a formal request included firms across AI, finance, and industrial sectors—among them ASML, Airbus, Mistral, and BNP Paribas. The letter warned that rushed implementation could hurt Europe’s competitiveness and stifle innovation.
While the Commission did not grant a delay, it acknowledged that smaller companies may face disproportionate challenges. It is working on simplifications to reduce regulatory burdens for startups and small-to-medium enterprises. These changes could include streamlined documentation or lower reporting thresholds.
A voluntary Code of Practice to guide early compliance is now expected by the end of 2025. Originally scheduled for May, the code will offer practical instructions on how to meet the AI Act’s general-purpose requirements. Participation in the code will be optional, but those who adopt it may benefit from regulatory goodwill and legal clarity during the early enforcement period.
The Commission also reiterated that the AI Act is designed to support innovation, not suppress it. Officials stressed that the law sets out to build trust in AI by ensuring safe deployment, especially in areas that directly affect citizens’ rights or public safety.
For AI developers and organizations deploying AI across the EU, the message is clear: the rules are coming, and the deadlines are fixed. Companies now have just over a year to adapt to the first wave of obligations, with further requirements arriving the year after. Whether through voluntary frameworks or regulatory guidance, the Commission appears willing to help—but not to wait.
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Rich Tehrani serves as CEO of TMC and chairman of ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW Feb 10-12, 2026 and is CEO of RT Advisors and is a Registered Representative (investment banker) with and offering securities through Four Points Capital Partners LLC (Four Points) (Member FINRA/SIPC). He handles capital/debt raises as well as M&A. RT Advisors is not owned by Four Points.
The above is not an endorsement or recommendation to buy/sell any security or sector mentioned. No companies mentioned above are current or past clients of RT Advisors.
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