The Artificial Intelligence Act or AIA is the first legislation of its kind with global impact establishing horizontal rules for the development, market placement and use of AI systems. 13 March 2024 is a landmark day for artificial intelligence, as it marks the formal adoption of the AIA.
In a previous Eubelius Legal Eubdate, we informed you about the political agreement reached on the AIA on 8 December 2023. A schematic overview of the most important changes brought by the AIA can be found here.
Since then, the AIA has undergone several more European legislative steps. The most recent developments in this process include the signing of the AIA by the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) on 2 February 2024, and its endorsement by the European Parliament’s Committees on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) on 13 February 2024. Finally, on 13 March 2024, the European Parliament formally adopted the AIA during its plenary vote.
While the AIA will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (May 2024), the applicability of its provisions will unfold in distinct phases. Most provisions, such as the enforcement of obligations for high-risk AI systems in Annex III of the AIA, will become applicable two years after its entry into force (mid - 2026). However, there are several exceptions: for example, the prohibitions on certain AI practices will apply after six months (December 2024), and the obligations on providers of general-purpose AI models will apply after twelve months (mid - 2025). Considering the EU’s proactive stance in advancing responsible innovation and deployment of AI, the European Commission is initiating the AI Pact, seeking the voluntary commitment of industry to anticipate the AIA and begin implementing its requirements ahead of the legal deadline.
Would you like to delve deeper into the significance of the formally adopted AIA and the resulting obligations for your organisation? Our team is ready to assist you with a multidisciplinary approach. We can provide advice and guidance on conducting necessary assessments and drafting documentation.
