Basics

The EU AI Act at a glance

The EU's AI Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) is the world's first comprehensive law for artificial intelligence. It does not regulate AI across the board, but according to the risk of its use.

What is it about?

The EU AI Act entered into force on 1 August 2024 and applies directly in all EU member states. Its goal is a trustworthy, safe and rights-respecting use of AI in the European single market. The obligations take effect in stages — see our deadlines page.

The risk-based approach: four classes

Unacceptable risk

Prohibited practices — e.g. social scoring by authorities. Banned since 2 February 2025.

High risk

AI in sensitive areas (e.g. recruitment, credit scoring). Strict requirements for risk management and oversight.

Limited risk

Transparency obligations — users must know, e.g., that they are talking to a chatbot.

Minimal risk

The majority of today's applications (e.g. spam filters). No special obligations.

Regardless of the risk class, the AI literacy obligation under Article 4 applies to almost all companies that use AI — already since 2 February 2025. More on the page Art. 4 — AI literacy.

Who is affected?

The EU AI Act primarily addresses providers (who develop or place AI systems on the market) and deployers (companies and organisations that use AI in the course of their activities). Even those who "only" use AI are obliged — particularly regarding the AI literacy of staff.

What does this mean in practice?

Get an overview of where AI is used in your company.
Ensure that employees have sufficient AI literacy under Article 4.
Run an EU AI Act training course and document it verifiably — as proof towards the authorities.
Watch the EU AI Act deadlines — in particular 2 August 2026, when rules for many high-risk AI systems take effect.

Train your team now View the fines

Note: this overview is for information and does not constitute legal advice.