Macron and Merz are calling for a 12-month delay of the EU AI Act’s high-risk provisions

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a joint Franco-German call to delay the provisions of the European Union’s AI Act provisions regulating high-risk artificial intelligence systems by one year during the European Digital Sovereignty summit in Berlin. 

He added that the time should be used to accelerate innovation. The summit was attended by leading tech figures, including representatives from SAP SE and the French AI startup Mistral. It was focused on advancing European digital sovereignty and reducing dependence on dominant U.S. technology companies.

France and Germany push for postponement of the EU’s AI Act

The European Commission plans to present a “digital omnibus” draft law designed to simplify both data protection regulations and the AI Act itself. Some provisions of the AI Act are already in effect, but requirements directly tied to high-risk AI systems remain hotly contested. France and Germany’s push to delay implementation is evidence of the complexities involved.

High-risk AI systems encompass AI technologies that could impact health and safety. These systems are subject to stringent regulatory requirements aimed at mitigating risks, and companies have till August next year to fully comply.

During a speech at the EU digital sovereignty summit in Berlin, Macron said, “On the AI Act, we ask for a 12-month postponement of compliance for high-risk AI systems. It’s necessary, as well, to use this time in order to accelerate our innovation agenda.” 

This statement came amid concerns from European industry leaders and policymakers about the practical challenges of complying with the AI Act as currently designed. 

Anne Le Hénanff, French minister for AI and digital affairs, also supports the postponement, saying, “The AI Act now comes with too many uncertainties. These uncertainties are slowing our own ability to innovate.” 

She added that the U.S. and China are leading the AI race and Europe cannot afford to restrict its own companies’ ability to innovate, especially at a time when Europe is trying to reduce dependency on American technology. German minister for Digitalization and Government Modernization, Karsten Wildberger, also echoed this sentiment, adding that “it’s important to continue this conversation because the world is moving so fast that we have to continuously rework the rules.”

Parliament’s reaction to the proposed postponement 

France and Germany’s proposal reflects pressure from technology companies and industry groups lobbying the European Commission to delay enforcement until clear technical standards and codes of practice are established. 

Countries like Brussels and Denmark support the postponement of the Act. Brussels wants to hold off fines for violations until August 2027, while Denmark pushed for an extension, arguing that smaller firms simply aren’t ready for some of the tougher rules.

Industry leaders argue that rushing enforcement without finalized standards risks stifling innovation. “We do not rule out ex ante all the risks. Let’s first build the products, and then take very seriously how these products work,  that they are safe, that we have the right processes in place”, Wildberger added.

The European Parliament is split over the Franco-German push to postpone the enforcement of the AI Act, with some MEPs warning that a delay would weaken Parliament’s credibility on digital rule-making and invite further industry lobbying, while others argue limited flexibility is needed to avoid hampering European businesses from innovating. 

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