Top business leaders from across Europe are calling for a delay to key parts of the EU’s AI Act. More than 40 CEOs from major companies like ASML, Philips, Siemens and French start-up Mistral have signed a joint letter urging a two-year pause on obligations for general-purpose AI.
The letter, sent to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlights industry concerns over the short timeline for companies to comply. The CEOs argue the delay would give companies enough time to prepare for the new rules and allow further simplification of the Act.
The AI Act, which regulates artificial intelligence systems based on risk levels, officially took effect in August 2024. Its main rules will gradually apply over the next few years, with full enforcement expected in 2027.
The companies specifically ask to delay obligations for general-purpose AI models, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, currently set for August 2025, and for high-risk systems due in August 2026.
The EU’s Code of Practice on GPAI, a voluntary set of rules to help providers comply, has not yet been released. Despite this, the European Commission insists it will publish the code before the August 2025 deadline.
Meanwhile, some tech firms, including Google, have also asked for a grace period to adapt.
The Commission’s digital spokesperson confirmed that discussions are ongoing, with 2025 being considered as the implementation timeline for the code.
Concerns remain among experts, publishers, and tech giants, who say the rules may harm innovation and clash with copyright law.
