European Parliament Votes to Simplify AI Regulation
Summary
On March 26, 2026, the European Parliament voted to simplify the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) as part of the European Commission’s recently launched EU Digital Omnibus. As discussed in our previous alert, the EU Digital Omnibus proposes ambitious legislative changes to update and simplify EU data, privacy and cybersecurity laws, including the AI Act, in response to growing criticism about the complexity of the EU regulatory landscape.
In Thursday’s vote, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) agreed to delay the application of certain rules relating to high-risk AI systems to ensure there is enough time for guidance and standards to be developed to assist companies. MEPs also introduced fixed application dates, including:
- December 2, 2027, for high-risk AI systems specifically listed in the regulation (including those involving biometrics and those used in critical infrastructure, education, employment, essential services, law enforcement, justice and border management)
- August 2, 2028, for AI systems covered by EU sectoral legislation on safety and market surveillance
MEPs also voted on measures to support small and mid-cap businesses and improve flexibility—for example, by allowing obligations under the AI Act to be less stringent for products already regulated by sector-specific legislation, such as medical devices and radio equipment.
The European Council will now negotiate the final form of the law.
