As the digital age accelerates, the European Union pioneers new territory with the AI Act, a seminal piece of legislation set to transform global AI standards. This article presents a thorough exploration of the timeline of the Artificial Intelligence Act’s development—from its initial conception to its forthcoming implementation. Stay informed on every milestone with our detailed articles, providing everything you need to know about this critical regulation.

Initiating Discussions and Proposals (2021)
  • April 21, 2021: The European Commission introduces a proposal to regulate artificial intelligence, induced by the rapid technological advancements.
  • July 20, 2021: The Slovenian Presidency of the EU Council hosts a virtual conference on AI regulation, ethics, and fundamental rights.
Strengthening the Framework (2022)
  • January 25, 2022: Joint committee discussions commence, with significant exchanges on the AI Act’s scope and applications.
  • February 2, 2022: The Commission unveils a new Standardisation Strategy to align with the proposed AI Act.
  • March 2, 2022: Amendments to the AI Act are published by the JURI and ITRE committees, highlighting differing focuses on legal and technical aspects.
  • June 15, 2022: The French Presidency of the Council concludes its leadership with a final compromise text.
  • September 5, 2022: JURI adopts their final opinion, marking the last committee review within the Parliament.
Moving Towards Agreement (2023)
  • June 14, 2023: The European Parliament adopts its negotiating stance with significant majority support.
  • December 9, 2023: A provisional agreement is reached between the Parliament and the Council, signifying unanimous support from the member states.
Final Steps and Implementation (2024)
  • February 21, 2024: The establishment of the European Artificial Intelligence Office marks a crucial step in supporting the Act’s implementation.
  • May 21, 2024: The European Council formally adopts the AI Act.
  • June-July 2024: Publication in the Official Journal of the EU is anticipated, triggering the countdown to the Act’s enforcement.
Post-Publication

The Act enters into force 20 days post-publication, with subsequent chapters becoming effective over the next 36 months.

The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act is more than just legislation; it is a blueprint for the future of digital governance in a world where AI plays a major role in our lives. As the AI Act transitions from text to practice, understanding its timeline and milestones is essential for all stakeholders in the AI ecosystem.

Read more on the official page of the AI Act: Artificial Intelligence Act

Want to know more about the AI Act and how it compares to US legislation? Read here.