The implementation of the EU AI Act is facing significant challenges. While the Act defines what must be done to bring compliant AI systems to the European market, it is the accompanying standards that determine how those requirements must be met. These standards are typically developed in parallel by CEN and Cenelec, as well as by international ISO/IEC working groups, such as JTC 21 and SC 42, which are responsible for most of the harmonized standards requested by the European Commission.
As industry insiders are aware, developing standards requires time and relies on consensus. The first standards were initially expected to be completed by April 30, 2025. However, the latest planning from JTC21 indicates substantial delays, with most standards unlikely to be completed before the second half of 2026, much to the Commission’s frustration.
In response, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has deviated from the usual consensus-based approach and released the draft prEN 18286: Artificial Intelligence — Quality Management System for EU AI Act Regulatory Purposes for public consultation. Although this shortcut was intended to accelerate development, it may have the opposite effect: ISO and IEC have rejected parallel development of AI Act–related standards alongside their European counterparts. This further complicates and potentially slows down the overall standardization process.
Adding to the uncertainty is the Commission’s proposed “digital omnibus” package, which would amend key elements of the GDPR, the ePrivacy framework, and the AI Act. Parts of this proposal have now been leaked. According to the Financial Times, which claims to have reviewed the draft, providers of high-risk AI systems may receive a one-year grace period. However, the details may still change before the package’s adoption on November 19, followed by approval from the member states.
In short, the regulatory landscape around the implementation of the AI Act is undergoing rapid shifts. The coming months will be crucial to monitor as the situation continues to evolve.
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