The European Commission is open to postponing certain provisions of the EU’s artificial intelligence rulebook if required standards and guidelines are not completed on time, according to Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen.
The European Commission’s top digital official indicated on Friday that implementation of some sections of the EU’s artificial intelligence (AI) legislation could be delayed. Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen stated in Luxembourg, “If we see that the standards and guidelines ... are not ready in time, we should not rule out postponing some parts of the AI Act.”
The EU’s AI Act, described as the first of its kind globally, was agreed in late 2023 and is scheduled to be phased in over the next 18 months. The legislation includes bans on certain uses of AI and introduces requirements to limit potential harm. Initial restrictions began in February, with the next significant deadlines set for August 2025 and 2026.
Amid ongoing lobbying, including from the US administration after Donald Trump’s election, companies are awaiting further technical standards and guidance to help them comply with the new rules. While those providing the most advanced AI models must meet new obligations from August 2, a key code of practice is still pending.
In response, industry groups have called for a “stop-the-clock” mechanism, which would allow for the postponement of application dates if necessary guidance is not ready. Some EU ministers expressed openness to this idea during the Luxembourg meeting.
Dariusz Standerski, Poland’s junior digital minister, described the industry’s request as “reasonable.” However, he emphasized that simply delaying deadlines is not sufficient, stating, “First, we need to have a plan: what we want to do within those additional months.” He added that postponing enforcement without action “would be in vain.”
The EU is also considering broader efforts to simplify requirements for businesses. Standerski noted that simplification discussions led by Poland highlighted the importance of proper impact assessments, managing implementation costs, and using technology to facilitate compliance, rather than solely reducing regulations.
