Leading Tech Firms Call for Delay
A coalition of major technology companies, represented by the lobbying group CCIA Europe—which includes industry giants like Alphabet, Meta, and Apple—has called on European Union leaders to halt the imminent implementation of the region's Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act). According to CCIA Europe, pressing ahead without addressing key outstanding issues could hinder Europe’s ambitions to become a leader in artificial intelligence.
Background on the AI Act
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EU AI Act, widely considered a landmark piece of legislation, officially came into force in June 2024. The law is being implemented gradually, with certain provisions—especially those concerning so-called general purpose AI (GPAI) models—set to become applicable on August 2, 2025. However, important aspects of the GPAI rules, originally scheduled for release on May 2, have been delayed, fueling industry uncertainty.
Industry Concerns and Calls for Clarification
Daniel Friedlaender, Senior Vice President of CCIA Europe, emphasized the importance of taking a measured approach:
"With critical parts of the AI Act still missing just weeks before rules kick in, we need a pause to get the Act right, or risk stalling innovation altogether."
The concerns echo those expressed by some European political leaders. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, for example, recently described the AI rulebook as "confusing" and advocated for a pause, ahead of a high-profile EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels.
Business Readiness Under Scrutiny
A recent survey conducted by Amazon Web Services found that more than two-thirds of European businesses have difficulty understanding their obligations under the complex new legislation. This widespread confusion highlights questions about companies' ability to comply with the impending regulations.
Comparing Global Approaches to AI Regulation
The EU’s comprehensive and highly regulated approach to AI stands in marked contrast to other major jurisdictions:
- The United States pursues a relatively light-touch, voluntary compliance strategy for AI tools like ChatGPT and other large models.
- China’s regulatory environment is focused on ensuring social stability and retaining state control over algorithms and data.
EU's Response: Balance Between Innovation and Control
Despite the industry pushback, EU technology chief Henna Virkkunen maintained the bloc's commitment to implementing the Act. Addressing lawmakers earlier this month, Virkkunen stated:
"We are currently implementing the AI Act... I want to implement it in a very innovation-friendly manner ... the main concern among some stakeholders is that this is hindering innovations."
The conversation underscores the challenge facing policymakers: how to regulate transformative technology without curbing Europe’s competitiveness and innovation.
What Comes Next?
As the August deadline approaches, the debate over the rollout of the AI Act is intensifying. Tech firms and some EU member states are urging a pause to ensure clarity and stakeholder readiness, while EU authorities stress the importance of upholding robust rules without stifling technological advancement.
The evolving situation will shape the landscape for AI development, deployment, and oversight across Europe in the months ahead.
What Comes Next?
What Comes Next?
