- 2024
- 2025
- 2026
Entry into force of the AI Act
After a three-year legislative procedure, the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), a set of new rules to regulate Artificial Intelligence, was published in the Official Journal and entered into force on 1 August 2024. This marks the start of the implementation period, with some exceptions, with all rules becoming fully applicable only in 2026.
Application of rules on prohibited AI systems
The first batch of rules under the AI Act that become applicable are the prohibitions of certain AI systems, including those used for subliminal manipulation and for categorisation according to political opinions. Guidelines have also been published to clarify the prohibitions with examples of what should and shouldn’t be included under the banned applications.
Finalisation of the Code of Conduct on General Purpose AI (GPAI) models
Under the Artificial Intelligence Act, a voluntary Code of Conduct has been shaped to clarify and complement the rules on General Purpose AI. The work within the General Purpose AI Working Group took place from autumn 2024 until spring 2025.
Publication of guidelines on high-risk AI systems by the European Commission
The rules for high-risk AI systems are at the core of the Artificial Intelligence Act, with applications such as AI systems used to influence elections to undergo risk assessments before being put on the market. To clarify and complement such rules, the European Commission will have to issue guidelines by February 2026.
Full application of all AI Act rules (except the ones for high-risk AI applications)
The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act becomes fully applicable as of October 2025, with the exception of the rules for high-risk AI applications that will only apply in 2027.
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