Negotiations on the AI Act concluded in Strasbourg without a consensus, with Poland supporting a compromise proposal rejected by the European Parliament.
AI Act Trilogue Ends Without Agreement
The trilogue negotiations regarding revisions to the AI Act concluded without a full agreement. Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs, Dariusz Standerski, described the outcome as a failure.
Discussions lasted until 2 AM in Strasbourg, but parties failed to reach consensus on all changes.
Shifting Regulatory Scope Sparks Dispute
The European Parliament previously proposed moving the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and other regulations into Annex I, a section listing sector-specific regulations excluded from the AI Act. This proposal received strong support from several member states, including Germany.
Initially, the Cypriot presidency suggested a compromise—excluding the regulations themselves from the AI Act annex but adding a provision granting precedence to sector-specific regulations. However, German Chancellor opposed this, signaling further action.
Poland Backs Compromise, Negotiations Stall
Many countries disagreed with Germany’s approach, leading the Cypriot presidency to present the compromise solution during the trilogue. Poland also supported this compromise, but the Parliament rejected it. Despite Cyprus’s efforts to find a solution, the trilogue ended in failure.
Coreper to Discuss, Further Talks Planned
Today, a Coreper meeting will be held where the presidency will provide details and consult with member states. Parties aim to resume negotiations quickly. The regulation is needed by August 2nd to adjust deadlines for the AI Act’s provisions concerning high-risk systems.
Areas of Agreement: Deadlines and ‘Nudifier’ Apps
Parties reached agreement on postponing the entry into force of various parts of the AI Act and on prohibiting the use of AI systems for undressing individuals in images (“nudifier apps”).
Revised Timelines and Potential Reversion
Requirements for high-risk systems would now apply from December 2, 2027. Systems covered by EU sector-specific safety and market surveillance regulations would be subject to the rules from August 2, 2028. If consensus isn’t reached, the original deadlines will remain in effect, meaning AI Act provisions for high-risk systems would take effect on August 2nd.
A new trilogue is scheduled to be convened within two weeks.
European Commission Emphasizes Urgency
Henna Virkkunen, Vice-Chair of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, stressed the importance of finalizing the trilogue as soon as possible. She highlighted the need to simplify regulations for businesses while maintaining transparency.
Polish Legislation on AI Act Advances
The Polish Sejm will hold the first reading of a bill on artificial intelligence systems, providing Poland with tools to enforce compliance with the AI Act.
