EU AI Act — The Big Picture

The EU AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) is the world's first comprehensive law regulating Artificial Intelligence. In effect since August 2024, it unfolds step by step — and by 2026, it actively affects most companies.

What Is the EU AI Act?

The AI Act is an EU Regulation — meaning it applies directly in all 27 EU member states without national implementation laws. It regulates:

• Providers: Those who develop or place AI systems on the market
• Deployers: Those who use AI systems
• Importers and Distributors: Those who bring AI systems into the EU

Timeline: When Does What Apply?

Who Is Affected?

Every company using AI — not just AI developers:

• Directly affected: Companies that develop, offer, or deploy AI systems
• Indirectly affected: Companies using AI-based products (e.g., AI-powered CRM, automated screening)
• Also outside the EU: If an AI system is deployed in the EU or affects EU citizens

Risk-Based Approach

The AI Act categorizes AI systems into four risk levels:

1. 🚫 Unacceptable Risk — Prohibited
2. ⚠️ High Risk — Strict requirements
3. ⚡ Limited Risk — Transparency obligations
4. ✅ Minimal Risk — No special obligations

What Does This Mean for Your Company?

The three most important immediate actions:

1. Create an AI inventory: Which AI systems do you use? Which do you develop?
2. Perform risk classification: Into which category do your systems fall?
3. Clarify responsibilities: Who is internally responsible for AI compliance?

Important: The EU AI Act also affects companies that "just use" AI — not only developers. If you deploy an AI-powered recruiting tool, you are responsible as a deployer.