EU AI Act Negotiations Stall, Delaying Digital Omnibus Compliance Reforms
Trilogue talks on the EU AI Act's Digital Omnibus amendment collapsed, leaving compliance deadlines unchanged.
Why it matters: The stalled negotiations extend regulatory uncertainty for European legal tech companies and law firms working to align AI systems with the upcoming rules. Without new deadlines, high-risk AI deployments face a fast-approaching compliance cutoff amid confusion over sectoral exemptions.
- Trilogue talks broke down after 12 hours on 28 April 2026 over exemptions for sectoral regulations.
- The original 2 August 2026 compliance deadline for high-risk AI systems remains in force.
- The Digital Omnibus proposal aimed to extend deadlines but now remains in limbo.
- Next negotiation attempt is set for around 13 May 2026.
On 28 April 2026, negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union over the Digital Omnibus for AI broke down after a marathon 12-hour session. The deadlock centers on whether industries already governed by product-safety regulations should be exempt from aspects of the AI Act's obligations.
Until an agreement emerges, the original compliance deadline of 2 August 2026 for high-risk AI systems under Annex III stands, leaving companies potentially scrambling to meet rigorous requirements. The proposal, introduced by the European Commission on 19 November 2025, sought to delay these obligations, setting new deadlines of 2 December 2027 for high-risk (Annex III) and 2 August 2028 for Annex I systems. Those plans are now stalled.
A Cypriot official, as Cyprus chairs the Council, commented: "It was not possible to reach an agreement with the European Parliament." Kim van Sparrentak, a Dutch MEP, noted the practical fallout: "Big Tech is probably popping champagne. While European companies that care about safety and did their homework now face regulatory chaos."
The Council adopted its negotiating mandate on 13 March 2026. The European Parliament’s key committees—IMCO and LIBE—agreed on a joint report by 18 March 2026. Despite these preparations, consensus remains elusive.
A follow-up trilogue session is scheduled for approximately 13 May 2026, as stakeholders await clarity on AI compliance obligations across the EU.
By the numbers:
- 12 hours — length of failed trilogue negotiations on 28 April 2026
- 2 August 2026 — current compliance deadline for high-risk AI systems
- 19 November 2025 — Digital Omnibus proposal introduced
What's next: A follow-up trilogue negotiation is scheduled for approximately 13 May 2026 to attempt a resolution.