Source: POLITICO

POLITICO reports on the growing legal uncertainty and potential regulatory chaos surrounding the implementation of the EU AI Act as of December 2025. Following pressure from the tech industry and reports highlighting Europe's stagnating competitiveness, the European Commission has agreed to pause and potentially delay key provisions of the Act, particularly those targeting high-risk AI systems scheduled to apply in August 2026. This decision has created a "legal mess" as the legislative fix required to formalize this delay needs to pass through the European Parliament and Council, a process that may not be completed before the original deadlines expire.

Experts and industry representatives warn of a "regulatory cliff" where the original, complex rules might briefly come into force before being amended, or where companies are left without clear guidance on how to prepare for compliance. The article highlights that while the Commission aims to simplify the rules to foster innovation, the lack of immediate legal certainty is causing confusion among businesses already investing in compliance programs. The situation underscores the tension between the EU's ambition to be a global regulatory superpower and the practical realities of enforcing complex legislation in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.