Topic — Artificial Intelligence

EU Considers Delaying Key AI Act Rules Amid Pressure from Trump and Big Tech

Published November 10, 2025

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The decision could represent a significant shift in the EU’s approach to overseeing AI, as the EU was long considered a global leader in strict AI regulation.

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The European Commission may force supporters of the Artificial Intelligence Act to slow their roll, as it weighs plans to delay and soften parts of its landmark act, following sustained pressure from major technology companies and the Trump administration.

The decision, still under internal discussion, could represent a significant shift in the EU’s approach to AI oversight, as the EU has long been considered a global leader in AI regulation.

Extra grace periods and postponed penalties

According to The Guardian, the AI Act took effect in August 2024 and was designed to regulate AI systems according to their potential risk to health, safety, and fundamental rights. However, many of its most consequential provisions are not due to apply until 2026 or later.

This is significant, as Brussels is reportedly considering giving companies additional time to comply, including a one-year “grace period” for firms using high-risk or generative AI systems already on the market.

According to internal documents confirmed by the European Commission, the grace period would allow developers to “adapt their practices within a reasonable time without disrupting the market.” The Commission is also studying a proposal to delay fines for violations of the AI Act’s transparency rules until August 2027, to give companies “sufficient time for adaptation.”

These adjustments are just a part of the Commission’s “simplification agenda,” an initiative to reduce red tape and create a more favorable business environment for those operating within the EU.

Transatlantic pressure…

The proposed delays come amid growing pressure from across the pond, as President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs on countries that impose regulations he claims “discriminate against American technology.” Furthermore, his administration has lobbied Brussels to relax digital oversight.

The European Commission confirmed it has had “constant contacts” with Washington but insisted that legislative sovereignty “is not for a third country to decide.”

…And industry pushback

Tech giants like Meta and Alphabet have been among the most outspoken critics of the EU’s AI regime. Meta’s global affairs chief, Joel Kaplan, called the current framework overly restrictive, stating that it creates “legal uncertainties” for model developers.

On the other hand, some European industrial leaders, including Airbus, Lufthansa, and Mercedes-Benz, have urged a two-year pause to ensure “reasonable implementation” of the law.

Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said no final decision has been made at the time, stating that the EU “remains fully behind the AI Act and its objectives.” The revised proposals are expected to be unveiled on November 19, before being debated by EU member states and the European Parliament.

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Madeline Clarke

Madeline is a content writer specializing in copywriting and content creation. After studying Art and earning her BFA in Creative Writing at Salisbury University she applied her knowledge of writing and design to develop creative and influential copy. She has since formed her business, Clarke Content, LLC, through which she produces entertaining, informational content and represents companies with professionalism and taste.