Key Developments

The Council of the European Union adopted its negotiating position on 13 March 2026 regarding proposed amendments to the EU Artificial Intelligence Act as part of the “Omnibus VII” simplification package. The Council’s mandate introduces fixed timelines for high-risk AI system compliance: 2 December 2027 for standalone systems and 2 August 2028 for systems embedded in products—potentially extending implementation by up to 16 months.

Significantly, the Council added new prohibitions targeting AI-generated non-consensual sexual and intimate content, as well as child sexual abuse material. The establishment deadline for national AI regulatory sandboxes has also been postponed until 2 December 2027.

Industry Context

These amendments address industry concerns about the practical challenges of implementing high-risk AI system requirements without adequate technical standards and tools. The original timeline proved ambitious given the complexity of developing conformity assessment procedures and harmonised standards across diverse AI applications.

For Ireland, this development comes as the country positions itself as a digital regulatory hub during its upcoming EU Presidency from July to December 2026. Ireland has already designated 15 National Competent Authorities and is establishing the AI Office of Ireland under the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, which must be operational by 1 August 2026.

Practical Implications

AI developers and deployers gain additional time to ensure compliance with high-risk system requirements, but must still prepare for foundation model obligations and general-purpose AI system rules that remain on the original timeline. The extended deadlines provide breathing room for SMEs, which Ireland particularly aims to support in AI adoption.

The new content-related prohibitions signal stronger enforcement against harmful AI applications, requiring immediate attention from developers working with generative AI systems.

Open Questions

Trilogue negotiations between the Council and European Parliament will determine the final amendments. Key uncertainties include whether Parliament will accept the extended timelines and additional prohibitions, and how Ireland’s AI Office will coordinate enforcement across its distributed regulatory model during this transition period.

Source: Council of the European Union