MEPs support postponement of certain rules on artificial intelligence 

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•  Set clear date for activation of certain rules on high-risk AI systems 
• Stimulate take-up of AI by EU companies by introducing flexibility 
• Clarify interaction with other EU laws 

MEPs agree on proposals to simplify artificial intelligence rules and propose bans on AI “nudifier” systems and clear application dates for high-risk system requirements.

On Wednesday, the Internal Market and Civil Liberties committees adopted their joint position on a simplification (“omnibus”) proposal amending the Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), by 101 votes in favour, 9 against, and with 8 abstentions.

The proposal supports postponing the activation of certain rules on high-risk artificial intelligence (AI) systems, given that key standards may not be finalised by the current deadline of 2 August 2026. In their amendments, the MEPs introduce fixed dates for application to ensure predictability and legal certainty.

– For high-risk AI systems specifically listed in the regulation (including those involving biometrics, and used in critical infrastructure, education, employment, essential services, law enforcement, justice or border management), the MEPs propose 2 December 2027.
– For AI systems that are covered (or used as safety components in products that are covered) by EU sectorial legislation on safety and market surveillance, the MEPs propose 2 August 2028.

The MEPs are also in favour of giving providers more time to comply with rules on watermarking AI-created audio, image, video or text content to indicate its origin. However, they suggest a shorter extension, until 2 November 2026 (instead of 2 February 2027 as proposed by the Commission).

Ban on nudifier apps

In their position, the MEPs want to introduce a new ban on so-called “nudifier” systems that use AI to create or manipulate images that are sexually explicit or intimate and resemble an identifiable real person without that person’s consent.

The ban would not apply to AI systems with effective safety measures preventing users from creating such images.

Measures to increase flexibility and support small mid-cap enterprises

The MEPs are in favour of allowing service providers to process personal data to detect and correct biases in AI systems but they introduced safeguards to ensure this is done only when strictly necessary.

To help EU companies scale up as they outgrow SME status (where they enjoy certain support measures), the MEPs backed the proposed extension of these measures to small mid-cap enterprises (SMCs).

To prevent overlapping application of sector-specific EU product safety rules and the AI Act, the MEPs argue that obligations under the AI Act can be less stringent for products already regulated under sectoral laws (e.g. medical devices, radio equipment, toy safety, and others). The Commission should address possible gaps by updating those rules accordingly.

Quotes

Co-rapporteur for the Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee Arba Kokalari (EPP, SE) said: “We want predictable, stop-the-clock, simplified rules that remove overlaps with sectoral legislation and reduce fragmentation between Member States. Companies now need clarity on whether they are high risk or not. If Europe wants to be competitive, we must increase investment and make it easier to use AI, not punish companies who introduce innovative AI features in safe products.”

Co-rapporteur for the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committee Michael McNamara (Renew, IE) said: “I’m glad that it was possible to achieve a compromise acceptable to the majority of the Parliament and at least the centrist parties. And that that compromise included a proposal to ban so-called nudification apps which I believe is something that our citizens expect of the co-legislators.”

Next steps

Once Parliament’s mandate is approved in plenary (vote expected on 26 March), negotiations with Council can begin.

Background

The legislation voted today is part of the seventh omnibus package on simplification proposed by the European Commission on 19 November 2025 (“the digital omnibus”). Parliament is also currently working on the other proposals in the package: the digital omnibus on amending laws on data use and data protection, and the proposal establishing European business wallets.