EU updates AI Act with simplification package and new guidelines
The EU has published the Digital Omnibus Regulation for AI in its Official Journal. The changes are intended to simplify the application of the EU AI Act and reduce overlapping regulations.
What happened?
On 27 July 2026, the EU’s so-called Digital Omnibus Regulation (EU Regulation 1744/2026) will become applicable following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The regulation introduces amendments to the EU AI Act aimed at streamlining implementation and reducing overlaps with existing legislation. The European Parliament adopted the package following a vote of 423 in favour, 57 against, and 174 abstentions.
Key facts
| Tillämpningsdatum för omnibusförordningen | 27 juli 2026 |
|---|---|
| Förordningsnummer | EU 1744/2026 |
| Röstsiffror i Europaparlamentet | 423 för, 57 emot, 174 nedlagda |
Why it matters
The purpose of the updates is to streamline compliance and avoid double regulation as the AI Act is implemented alongside existing EU laws. With clearer guidelines on what constitutes high-risk AI or general-purpose AI systems, companies can more easily determine their obligations without being subjected to unnecessary bureaucracy.
Who is affected?
The simplifications affect providers and users of AI systems, as well as supervisory authorities across the EU. Developers of General Purpose AI (GPAI) models and high-risk AI will receive clearer guidelines on how risk classification and transparency requirements should be applied in practice.
Impact on the EU
The Digital Omnibus Regulation regarding the AI Act has now been published in the Official Journal of the EU and will enter into force on 27 July 2026. The measures are designed to harmonise the regulatory framework across the EU and reduce administrative burdens for both European and foreign operators active in the internal market.
What else you should know
In parallel with the omnibus package, the European Commission and the AI Office have published further guidelines to facilitate compliance. On 19 May 2026, a draft of guidelines for risk classification under Article 6 was presented, and on 18 July 2026, guidelines regarding the scope of General Purpose AI (GPAI) systems followed. The European Parliament approved the simplification measures in the package with 423 votes in favour, 57 against, and 174 abstentions.
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