The EPP Group will vote today to postpone and simplify the EU’s new rules on artificial intelligence (AI), so that companies can better prepare and reduce overlapping requirements.
“We want to give businesses more time, simplify AI laws, and support start-ups and scale-ups. Red tape and duplicative rules are bad for people and businesses,” parliamentary negotiator Alba Kokalari said ahead of today’s vote at the joint committee on the internal market and civil liberties.
The proposal also aims to avoid situations where companies have to comply with multiple rules for the same product. Instead, existing industry rules need to be applied, so companies only have to work with one clear framework.
“Our goal is simple: reduce duplicative rules and reduce costs for companies. This is what simplification should look like,” said Axel Voss, a negotiator on the EPP Group’s Freedom Committee.
Under the proposed schedule, key obligations for high-risk AI systems would apply later than originally planned, giving businesses more time to comply.
“If Europe wants to become an AI continent, it must make it easier, not harder, for companies to innovate and invest. Today’s rules may be too strict or not clear enough. This may discourage companies from adding useful AI capabilities, even if they are safe. Low-risk AI should not be treated like high-risk AI, or companies will stop innovating,” Kokalari added.
The EPP Group also supports banning AI tools that generate fake nude images of real people without their consent. Recent cases of AI tools being used online to “undress” individuals in images highlight the need for urgent action. However, such a ban should focus only on abuse. Lawful uses of AI, such as tools used in photo editing, healthcare applications, retail, art, and fashion, should not be impeded.
Negotiations with EU countries are expected to conclude by April and final adoption by August 2026 to ensure that strict rules for high-risk AI do not apply to low-risk applications.
