The European Commission has indicated that a key code of practice intended to support compliance with the EU’s landmark Artificial Intelligence Act may not be ready until the end of 2025. Originally scheduled for release on May 2, the guidance is crucial for companies developing general-purpose AI systems like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.
The potential delay, now stretching beyond six months, has raised concerns among stakeholders across Europe’s technology sector. Leading global and European tech firms, including Alphabet, Meta, Mistral, and ASML—have joined several EU governments in calling for a pause in the AI Act’s implementation, citing the absence of the much-anticipated code.
The document is expected to outline practical steps for aligning large language models (LLMs) with the new risk-based compliance framework introduced by the EU. However, the European AI Board is still in discussions, with no fixed release date in sight.
Although signing the code of practice is voluntary, the Commission has warned that non-signatory companies will forfeit the legal clarity and benefits that come with adherence. Some Big Tech players have already signalled reluctance to opt in, raising further questions about the effectiveness of the current regulatory approach. Nonetheless, the Commission insists its resolve is firm. “Our commitment to harmonised AI rules and safety within the EU market remains unchanged,” a spokesperson said.
The delay adds a layer of complexity as companies scramble to align with evolving regulatory expectations. Industry insiders warn that without clear guidance, compliance efforts could become fragmented across member states, potentially weakening the impact of the AI Act.