Timeline - Artificial intelligence

The Council agreed its position on the proposal to streamline certain rules regarding AI.

The proposal forms part of the so-called “Omnibus VII” legislative package in the EU’s simplification agenda. The package includes proposals for two regulations aiming to simplify the EU’s digital legislative framework and the implementation of harmonised rules on AI.

• Council agrees position to streamline rules on artificial intelligence (press release, 13 March 2026)

The Council approved the artificial intelligence (AI) act, a ground-breaking law aiming to harmonise rules on artificial intelligence. The flagship legislation follows a ‘risk-based’ approach, which means the higher the risk to cause harm to society, the stricter the rules.

It is the first of its kind in the world and can set a global standard for AI regulation. 

• Artificial intelligence (AI) act: Council gives final green light to the first worldwide rules on AI (press release, 21 May 2024)

Following 3-day 'marathon' talks, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the law on 9 December 2023, after months of negotiations.

The AI act harmonises rules on AI systems ensuring they are safe and respect fundamental rights and EU values.

The final text needs to be formally adopted by both Council and Parliament, as the EU's co-legislators. The AI act should apply from 2026.

• Artificial intelligence act: Council and Parliament strike a deal on the first worldwide rules for AI (press release, 9 December 2023)

The Council adopted its position ('general approach') on the artificial intelligence act. The new proposed regulation aims to ensure that AI systems placed on the EU market and used in the Union are safe and respect existing law on fundamental rights and Union values.

The adoption of the general approach allows the Council to enter negotiations with the European Parliament (‘trilogues’) once the latter adopts its own position with a view to reaching an agreement on the proposed regulation.

• Artificial intelligence act: Council calls for promoting safe AI that respects fundamental rights

The Commission released a proposal for a regulation aiming to harmonise rules on artificial intelligence (AI act) and a coordinated plan which includes a set of joint actions for the Commission and member states.

This package of rules aims to improve trust in artificial intelligence and foster the development and update of AI technology. 

• Proposal for an EU regulation on AI (European Commission)

In October 2020, EU leaders discussed the digital transition. In its conclusions, the European Council invited the Commission to: 

• propose ways to increase European and national public and private investments in artificial intelligence research, innovation and deployment
• ensure better coordination and more networks and synergies between European research centres based on excellence
• provide a clear, objective definition of high-risk artificial intelligence systems

• European Council conclusions, 1-2 October 2020