On July 27, 2026, Regulation (EU) 2026/1744 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 July 2026 amending the Artificial Intelligence Act, the Basic Aviation Regulation, and the Machinery Regulation as regards the simplification of the implementation of harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (Digital Omnibus on AI) entered into force.

The key changes introduced by the Regulation include:

• the postponement of the application of obligations for high-risk AI systems until December 2, 2027 for AI systems listed in Annex III (including AI systems used in biometrics, critical infrastructure, education, employment, law enforcement, healthcare and social benefits, and creditworthiness assessment) and until August 2, 2028 for AI systems covered by Annex I (product high-risk AI systems);
• simplified compliance requirements for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including simplified technical documentation, a streamlined quality management system and a more proportionate approach to administrative fines;
• the introduction of new prohibited AI practices, covering AI systems that generate or manipulate realistic non-consensual intimate material or child sexual abuse material, with these provisions applying from December 2, 2026;
• a narrower definition of “safety component”, excluding systems intended solely to assist users or improve performance, automation or convenience;
• a more proportionate AI literacy obligation, requiring providers and deployers to take measures to promote AI literacy rather than ensuring that individuals achieve a specific level of AI literacy;
• an expanded legal basis for processing special categories of personal data where necessary to identify and mitigate bias in AI systems or AI models; and
• enhanced enforcement powers for the European AI Office, including the authority to conduct investigations and on-site inspections and to impose fines and periodic penalty payments.