BRUSSELS: The European Commission is reportedly considering delaying key parts of the European Union’s groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, following persistent lobbying from major tech companies and growing pressure from the Trump administration, according to recent media reports.
The Commission confirmed that “reflections are still ongoing” regarding possible postponements, after The Financial Times revealed that Brussels is evaluating potential changes aimed at easing compliance burdens for large technology firms.
The AI Act, which became law in August 2024 as the world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, has yet to fully take effect. Most of its stricter rules for “high risk” AI systems those posing threats to health, safety, or fundamental rights are scheduled to begin in August 2026, but may now be delayed by up to a year.
According to The Financial Times, the Commission is weighing a one-year “grace period” for companies that breach the toughest AI regulations. An internal document reportedly suggests that providers of generative AI models already available on the market could receive a one-year extension to adjust their systems “within a reasonable timeframe without disrupting the market.”
The same report adds that Brussels may also delay penalties for violating AI transparency rules until August 2027, giving companies and developers more time to comply.
Meanwhile, MLex News reported that EU officials are exploring less prescriptive and more flexible monitoring requirements for developers of high-risk AI systems. The proposals, expected to be unveiled on November 19, may still undergo revisions before final approval by EU member states and the European Parliament.
The move comes as the Trump administration continues to pressure Brussels to relax its digital regulations, with President Trump warning of possible tariffs on countries whose rules “discriminate against American technology.”
Meta the parent company of Facebook and Instagram has already refused to sign the Commission’s voluntary code of practice for general-purpose AI, arguing that Europe is “heading down the wrong path on AI.” Meta executive Joel Kaplan stated that the current framework creates “legal uncertainty” and exceeds the intended scope of the AI Act.
In addition, dozens of European corporations have urged the Commission to pause the AI Act’s implementation for two years, citing the need for “simplification and reasonable implementation.”
In an open letter, CEOs from 46 major companies including Airbus, Lufthansa, and Mercedes Benz stressed that a delay would demonstrate Europe’s commitment to “competitiveness and practical regulation” in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
