Dear President von der Leyen,

Dear Executive Vice-President Virkkunen,

Europe has the talent, vision, and values to lead global AI innovation. Our researchers are world-class, our SMEs and startups are solving real problems, and the AI Act demonstrates our commitment to responsible development. We are ready to build the future of European AI: responsibly, competitively, and in full compliance with the high standards of the AI Act. To make this vision a reality, we call on the European Commission to delay enforcement of high-risk AI obligations until August 2027 at a minimum, and in any case not until six months after all relevant standards, regulatory sandboxes, and related guidance are fully operational—with particular consideration for SMEs who face disproportionate compliance burdens.

Help us achieve Europe’s AI ambitions by ensuring enforcement aligns with readiness. Without this alignment, we risk squandering Europe’s AI potential through a preventable implementation crisis.

On 2 August 2026, the AI Act’s high-risk obligations will start being enforced. Yet the tools companies need to comply do not exist. Of the 45 technical standards mandated by the AI Act, only 15 have been published—with nearly half unlikely to be ready even by the enforcement date. Only one Member State has an operational regulatory sandbox. And only eight of 27 Member States have designated market surveillance authorities. We cannot build Europe’s AI future on a foundation that isn’t there.

For SMEs, harmonised standards represent the only clear path to demonstrating compliance. While large technology companies can absorb regulatory uncertainty through dedicated compliance teams and legal budgets, European SMEs cannot. We face an impossible choice: guess at compliance and risk expensive failures, or freeze innovation while competitors in other regions advance. Neither option serves Europe’s strategic interests. What we need is practical implementation that makes compliance possible, not punitive.

Delaying enforcement for at least six months after implementation tools are operational gives companies time to review published standards, test systems in working sandboxes, consult designated authorities, and implement measures properly. Enforcement must not outpace readiness. This delay strengthens the AI Act by ensuring companies can actually meet its requirements, making sure ambitious legislation is effective in practice.

The world is watching whether Europe can lead with both strong values and competitive innovation. Give European AI builders the foundation they need to succeed, and we will prove that responsible regulation and technological leadership can go hand in hand.

Sincerely,

For any questions, please contact Florian Schuck at f.schuck@digitalsme.eu.