The European Union's Artificial Intelligence (AI) legislation, which came into effect in August 2024, is facing calls for delays in its implementation. Major European companies are urging the EU to postpone the enforcement of certain aspects of the law, citing concerns that overly hasty measures could stifle innovation.
The full implementation of the AI law is phased, with specific obligations coming into effect in August 2025 and August 2026. Bosch CEO Stefan Hartung warned in June 2025 that excessive regulations could hinder AI development in Europe. He highlighted that bureaucratic hurdles and vague legislative requirements make Europe less attractive for AI development.
In response to these concerns, the European Commission indicated it might consider temporary solutions to help companies comply with the AI legislation. This would be in case of delays in the preparation of technical standards necessary for compliance. These developments underscore the challenges Europe faces in balancing AI regulation and supporting technological innovation.