European Parliament Approves Landmark AI Act With Overwhelming Majority
The European Parliament votes to pass the AI Act, establishing the world's first comprehensive legal framework for artificial intelligence based on use-case risk levels.
The European Parliament votes overwhelmingly to adopt the AI Act, with 523 votes in favor and only 46 against. This landmark legislation establishes a risk-based framework that applies different rules depending on the specific use-case of the artificial intelligence software. Lawmakers celebrate this move as a major step that positions Europe as a global standard-setter in AI regulation.
The law is on track to take effect shortly after its publication in the EU Official Journal, although full implementation follows a phased schedule over the next three years. Prohibited AI use-cases become enforceable after six months, while other provisions take effect at 12, 24, and 36-month intervals. This means complete enforcement of the AI Act is not expected until mid-2027.
Companies face severe financial penalties if they fail to comply with the new rules, with fines reaching up to 7% of global annual turnover or 35 million euros for violating bans on prohibited AI uses. Breaches of other system provisions carry penalties of up to 3% or 15 million euros, while refusing to cooperate with oversight bodies risks a 1% fine. Co-rapporteur Dragoș Tudorache emphasizes that this legislation permanently attaches fundamental societal values to artificial intelligence, ensuring a human-centric future where people remain in control of the technology.