EU AI Act Delayed: AI Standardization Becomes the Top Priority Through 2027

Brussels — The European Commission has formally presented its digital simplification package today Wednesday (19/11), which offers a decision to postpone enforcement of obligations under the AI Act with respect to high-risk systems to the end of 2027. The delay is intended to ensure that key supporting tools such as technical standards, specifications, and implementation guidelines are available before full implementation of the rules.

European Commission Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen highlighted the fact that such a delay should not be seen as less ambition by the EU for regulation, but as a strategic step to prevent compliance burdens prematurely.

“This is not about rolling back the rules. It’s about ensuring that standards, specifications, and guidelines are available before high-risk obligations apply”, Virkkunen said in a press conference in Brussels.

Part of the “Digital Omnibus” Package to Streamline Regulations

The delay forms part of the so-called “Digital Omnibus”, a broad regulatory package aimed at streamlining the European Union’s increasingly complex digital rulebook. The measure harmonizes and modifies multiple digital statutes, driving down duplicative demands to ease the burden on business.

The proposal still needs to be approved by the EU member states and the European Parliament. If adopted, the Digital Omnibus would be one of the most important regulatory simplifications in the recent past.

AI Act: Strict Rules for High-Risk AI Systems

The world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence was adopted earlier this year in the form of the EU AI Act. It creates severe obligations for AI systems operating in sensitive sectors, including:

• Critical infrastructure
• Employment and recruitment
• Education and evaluation
• Public services
• Law enforcement and security

With the revised timeline, high-risk requirements will be in full force by the end of 2027, or about a year later than previously planned.

Industry Pressure & International Concerns

Since the passage of the AI Act, various leading US and European technology companies have reportedly urged Brussels to reduce implementation timelines on the grounds that stringent requirements may stifle innovation. The US government has also voiced apprehensions on the effect of this regulation on cross-border collaboration in AI and model training.

Conclusion The delay demonstrates the EU’s balancing act between user protection, innovation needs, and technical preparedness in light of rapid developments within the area of artificial intelligence. For its part, the European Union wants to facilitate a smooth and efficient implementation of the AI Act by ensuring beforehand that standards and implementation guidance are developed. This is done to make the AI ecosystem safer, more transparent, and consistent with European values.