European and American Companies Call for AI Act Postponement
On July 4, 2025, a significant number of European and American companies raised their voices in unison, urging the European Union (EU) to delay the implementation of the AI Act for a minimum of two years. This collective plea stems from concerns that the proposed legislation could potentially stifle the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within the EU.
The Collective Appeal
This call to action was encapsulated in a letter addressed to Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. A total of 45 organizations, including notable players like ASML Holding NV, Airbus SE, and Mistral AI—the French counterpart to OpenAI—signed the document. Additionally, groups representing tech giants Google and Meta echoed similar sentiments, citing comparable concerns regarding the AI Act.
Implications of the AI Act
The European Commission has previously stated that regulations governing general-purpose AI (GPAI) models are slated to take effect on August 2, with enforcement expected to commence in 2026. Companies advocating for the postponement are advocating for a more innovation-friendly regulatory approach concerning rules that govern general-purpose AI models and high-risk AI systems.
The Urgency of the Situation
The letter emphasizes the growing uncertainty surrounding the AI Act and its implications for the tech industry. “To address the uncertainty this situation is creating, we urge the Commission to propose a two-year ‘clock-stop’ on the AI Act before key obligations enter into force,” the letter articulates.
Testing and Compliance Requirements
Under the current provisions of the AI Act, all companies are mandated to undertake rigorous testing of their AI models for aspects such as bias, toxicity, and robustness prior to public release. Furthermore, developers are expected to supply the European Commission with comprehensive technical documentation, adhere to EU copyright laws, and maintain transparency regarding the content utilized for training their algorithms.
Reporting Obligations
Additionally, AI firms must submit periodic reports detailing their energy efficiency and any serious incidents related to their AI systems to the European Commission. The letter concludes by stating, “This postponement, coupled with a commitment to prioritize regulatory quality over speed, would send innovators and investors around the world a strong signal that Europe is serious about its simplification and competitiveness agenda.”
