Macron and Merz are calling for a 12-month delay of the EU AI Act’s high-risk provisions
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French President Emmanuel Macron announced a joint Franco-German call to delay the provisions of the European Union’s AI Act provisions regulating high-risk artificial intelligence systems by one year during the European Digital Sovereignty summit in Berlin. He added that the time should be used to accelerate innovation. The summit was attended by leading tech figures, including representatives from SAP SE and the French AI startup Mistral. It was focused on advancing European digital sovereignty and reducing dependence on dominant U.S. technology companies. France and Germany push for postponement of the EU’s AI Act The European Commission plans to present a “digital omnibus” draft law designed to simplify both data protection regulations and the AI Act itself. Some provisions of the AI Act are already in effect, but requirements directly tied to high-risk AI systems remain hotly contested. France and Germany’s push to delay implementation is evidence of the complexities involved. High-risk AI systems encompass AI technologies that could impact health and safety. These systems are subject to stringent regulatory requirements aimed at mitigating risks, and companies have till August next year to fully comply. During a speech at the EU digital sovereignty summit in Berlin, Macron said, “On the AI Act, we ask for a 12-month postponement of compliance for high-risk AI systems. It’s necessary, as well, to use this time in order to accelerate our innovation agenda.” This statement came amid concerns from European industry leaders and policymakers about the practical challenges of complying with the AI Act as currently designed. Anne Le Hénanff, French minister for AI and digital affairs, also supports the postponement, saying, “The AI Act now comes with too many uncertainties. These uncertainties are slowing our own ability to innovate.” She added that the U.S. and China are leading the AI race and Europe cannot…
Filed under: News - @ November 18, 2025 11:27 pm