Timeline

The EU AI Act deadlines

The EU AI Act does not apply all at once, but in stages. These are the dates you should know.

1 Aug 2024 The EU AI Act enters into force (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689).
2 Feb 2025 Prohibited AI practices are banned — and the AI literacy obligation under Article 4 applies.
2 Aug 2025 Obligations for general-purpose AI models (GPAI) as well as governance and penalty rules take effect.
2 Aug 2026 The majority of the provisions become applicable — in particular for many high-risk AI systems.
2 Aug 2027 The transition period for certain high-risk systems (e.g. AI as a safety component of regulated products) ends.

Already in effect: the AI literacy obligation (Art. 4) has applied since 2 February 2025. So if you use AI, you should not delay training your staff.

Next major deadline — 2 August 2026: From this date, the majority of high-risk provisions and their associated sanctions become applicable. Companies that develop or deploy high-risk AI should be in a position to prove full compliance by then — including documented AI literacy training.

Prepare now What fines apply?

Based on the official application timeline of the regulation; information, not legal advice.