Just two weeks before the enforcement deadline, the EU AI Act faces massive criticism. Learn how to stay compliant despite regulatory chaos while building competitive advantages.
Check Your AI Act ReadinessJuly 16, 2025 was supposed to be a milestone: the publication of the General Purpose AI Code of Practice. Instead, it triggered a wave of criticism ranging from industry associations to 45+ top executives of European corporations and NGOs. You face an unprecedented regulatory dilemma.
The problem isn't just the rushed timeline , but also fundamental weaknesses of the Code of Practice. Unclear definitions, bureaucratic overload, and threats to European competitiveness are at the center of criticism. As a company, you must develop compliance strategies despite these uncertainties.
The General Purpose AI Code of Practice is divided into three main chapters, each defining specific compliance requirements for you. Understand the structure to develop your compliance strategy.
Boniface de Champris from the Computer and Communications Industry Association warns: "The flaws of the AI Act, particularly the excessively tight timeframe for applying its rules, are already becoming apparent." You must act now, even though the rules aren't final yet.
Criticism of the AI Act comes from all directions, showing you the scale of the crisis. From industry associations to 45+ top executives to NGOs - no one is satisfied with the current status. You must understand why the criticism is so massive.
What exactly is a "high-risk AI system"? Which systems fall under "systemic risks"? You must make decisions even though definitions are vague.
Comprehensive documentation requirements, continuous monitoring, and regular audits strain your resources. Compliance becomes a full-time job.
Bias detection, Explainable AI, and robustness testing require specialized expertise. Not every company has these competencies.
Different regulatory approaches in USA, China, and UK create a patchwork. Global AI strategies become more complex.
European digital associations see critical points in tightened risk identification and comprehensive audit requirements. "The Code of Practice must not become a brake on Europe's AI position."
Mercedes-Benz, Lufthansa, Philips, Celonis, Airbus, AXA, and BNP Paribas demand a two-year delay. They warn of competitive disadvantages and complexity traps.
CEOs Roland Busch and Christian Klein demand a completely new framework. The AI Act is "toxic for digital business models" and endangers innovation.
The Future Society criticizes US influence in closed sessions. Important safety measures were weakened through lobbying.
This broad criticism shows you: The AI Act isn't ready for implementation. Nevertheless, you must prepare, as penalties threaten from August 2, 2025 .
The AI Office is massively understaffed and cannot handle the tasks. These structural problems explain the hasty timelines and insufficient stakeholder consultation that now put you in this difficult situation.
Bans for "unacceptable risks" have been in effect since February 2, 2025, but details remain unspecified. You must act without clear guidelines.
Stakeholders had to work over the Christmas period when the second draft was published on December 19. Quality suffers under time pressure.
If the Code isn't finalized by August, the AI Office must set the rules itself - a democratic deficit that affects you.
Trump effect amplifies US resistance. Anthropic, Apple, and Meta refuse to sign the voluntary AI Pact.
Each industry faces specific challenges from the AI Act. Understand which special requirements you face and how to successfully master them.
Additional regulatory guidelines on AI Act compliance. Special attention for algorithmic decision-making in credit and insurance. Double regulation means double effort.
Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and AI Act compliance must be coordinated. AI-supported diagnostics and therapy recommendations fall under high-risk categories.
Autonomous driving systems fall under high-risk categories. Close coordination with type approval procedures required. European automakers particularly affected.
Predictive maintenance and quality control systems must be documented and validated. Integration into existing quality management systems is complex.
Despite all criticism and uncertainties, you must act. This roadmap shows you how to build compliance step by step while creating competitive advantages.
Inventory all AI systems in your company. Conduct risk assessment according to AI Act categories. Document training data and processes. Implement basic transparency mechanisms.
Build AI governance structures. Train your compliance teams. Integrate AI Act requirements into existing risk management systems. Prepare for audit requirements.
Establish continuous compliance monitoring. Adapt to regulatory updates. Work on international harmonization. Use compliance excellence as competitive advantage.
The future of the AI Act is uncertain. You must prepare for various scenarios and react flexibly. This strategic foresight determines your success.
AI Act implemented as planned with minimal adjustments. You must fully adapt to existing requirements. Compliance becomes mandatory, not optional.
Extension of deadlines and simplification after intensive negotiations. Basic structure remains, but you get more time for implementation.
Comprehensive reform after massive pressure. New approaches to AI regulation emerge. You must completely rethink your strategy.
Prepare for all scenarios. Build flexible compliance systems. Use uncertainty as opportunity for innovation and competitive advantages.
The AI Act is in crisis, but that doesn't mean you should remain inactive. Now is the time to act, build competitive advantages, and prepare for all scenarios.
The AI Act crisis is a historic opportunity . While others wait, you can build competitive advantages. Use uncertainty as a springboard for innovation and market leadership.