EU Council Adopts 'Digital Omnibus' for AI Regulation
The Council of the EU has formally adopted the 'Digital Omnibus', completing the legislative process for the EU AI Act, which includes new prohibitions and timelines for high-risk AI.
What happened?
On 29 June 2026, the Council of the EU formally approved the so-called 'Digital Omnibus' for AI. This marks the completion of the legislative process that began with the Commission's proposal last November, followed by a political agreement on 7 May and the Parliament's vote on 16 June. The document will now be sent to the Official Journal for publication and will enter into force three days thereafter, before 2 August 2026.
Key facts
”The Council of the EU gave its final green light on 29 June to the Digital Omnibus on AI, closing the legislative procedure that began with the Commission proposal last November and ran through the 7 May political agreement and Parliament's 16 June plenary vote.”
”The final text locks in the timeline the co-legislators agreed in the spring: obligations for stand-alone high-risk systems under Annex III apply from 2 December 2027, and high-risk AI embedded in regulated products under Annex I follows on 2 August 2028.”
”It also adds the new Article 5 prohibition on AI systems that generate non-consensual intimate imagery or child sexual abuse material, with a transitional period to 2 December 2026, extends SME simplifications to small mid-caps.”
Why it matters
The adoption of the 'Digital Omnibus' is crucial as it establishes the final timelines for the implementation of the AI Act. Specifically, high-risk AI systems under Annex III are affected starting from 2 December 2027, and high-risk AI embedded in regulated products (Annex I) from 2 August 2028. This provides clarity for developers and users regarding when new regulations take effect.
Who is affected?
This primarily affects developers and providers of AI systems within the EU, particularly those working with high-risk AI. Companies using AI in regulated products are also affected. Furthermore, users receive increased protection through the new ban on AI that generates non-consensual intimate images or child pornography.
Impact on the EU
This legislation is central to the entire EU, as it regulates the use and development of AI within the Union. It will apply in all member states.
What else you should know
The adopted text also includes a new prohibition in Article 5 against AI systems that generate non-consensual intimate images or child sexual abuse material, with a transitional period until 2 December 2026. Simplifications for small and medium-sized enterprises are extended to include mid-cap companies.
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