EU Commission Rebuts Calls to Pause AI Act
The European Commission has firmly stated that it will not consider a so-called “stop the clock” or pause in the implementation of the AI Act, despite increasing calls for such a measure from various stakeholders. A Commission official communicated this position to EU lawmakers during a hearing, emphasizing that the focus remains on making the rules effective in practice.
Yvo Volman, the director for data at the Commission, clarified during the hearing with the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) that “there is not going to be an overall moratorium on the AI Act. That is not on the table.”
Political Backdrop
Recent discussions surrounding the AI Act have been intensified by comments from Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who suggested that a pause should be considered due to the unknown risks associated with AI technologies. His remarks have added to a broader discourse among businesses advocating for a “two-year clock-stop” on the legislation. Such a pause, they argue, would allow for reasonable implementation and further simplification of the new rules.
The AI Act, which regulates AI tools based on the risks they pose to society, officially came into force in 2024 and will be implemented gradually.
Digital Omnibus Package
In addition to the AI Act, the Commission is set to release a digital simplification package in December. However, Volman has indicated that this package will not involve a complete overhaul of the AI Act. The Commission had previously announced plans for a digital fitness check, which aims to produce an “omnibus” simplification package. This effort is intended to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and eliminate certain transparency requirements.
Concerns have arisen regarding potential external pressures, particularly from the United States. Since the administration under President Donald Trump took office, there has been ongoing pressure on the EU to relax its regulatory stance towards large technology companies. In an aggressive move, Trump threatened tariffs on nations whose technology regulations adversely affect American companies.
Volman stressed that the primary goal of the omnibus is to facilitate the success of EU companies, stating, “We want them to thrive in the world.” He reiterated that the first priority is to ensure optimal implementation of the AI Act and to assist the industry in understanding the rules.
Public Consultation and Future Reports
As part of its efforts to refine the digital simplification package, the Commission has initiated a public consultation that will remain open until mid-October. This initiative invites feedback from stakeholders, which will inform the final structure of the simplification measures.
Furthermore, Volman mentioned that the Commission is expected to release a report in December detailing the interactions between the AI Act and other digital legislation, including the Digital Services Act (DSA).
