Parliament Vote Paves Way for Contentious AI Act Reform

The European Parliament has adopted its negotiating position on the controversial AI Act ‘Omnibus’ proposal by 569 votes to 45, setting the stage for trilogue negotiations that begin today. The proposal aims to simplify AI Act implementation but has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups warning of weakened protections.

Key Changes on the Table

The Parliament’s position introduces several significant modifications to the original AI Act framework. High-risk AI systems would face delayed implementation deadlines - December 2, 2027 for systems in critical areas like biometrics, law enforcement, and employment, and August 2, 2028 for systems covered by existing EU safety legislation.

In a notable addition, MEPs propose banning ‘nudifier’ AI systems that create sexually explicit images of identifiable people without consent - addressing a growing concern around deepfake abuse.

Industry Context: Balancing Innovation and Protection

The European Commission’s ‘Digital Omnibus’ initiative, launched in November 2025, represents a broader push to reduce regulatory burden and boost EU competitiveness in AI. However, Amnesty International argues this approach threatens to undermine what were once considered global benchmark standards for AI governance.

The timing is critical as the AI Act - described as one of the world’s most ambitious AI protection frameworks - has yet to fully come into force.

Practical Implications for Irish and EU Businesses

For Irish companies developing or deploying AI systems, the extended timelines provide breathing room but create ongoing uncertainty. Ireland, like all EU member states, must establish at least one AI regulatory sandbox by August 2026 - a deadline that remains unchanged despite the broader delays.

The maintained registration requirements for high-risk systems, albeit in weakened form, mean compliance planning remains essential even as specific obligations evolve.

Open Questions

With trilogue negotiations beginning immediately and continuing through Easter, the final shape of AI Act amendments remains uncertain. Civil society pushback and apparent resistance from both Parliament and Council suggest the Commission’s most controversial simplification proposals may not survive intact.

The August 2026 deadline for finalizing these changes adds pressure to what promises to be intense negotiations determining the future of EU AI governance.

Source: European Parliament