Czech companies struggle to meet upcoming AI Act deadline
- Czechia has proposed a two-year delay for the European AI Act's implementation due to companies' readiness concerns.
- The Czech government faces criticism for lagging in fulfilling AI compliance requirements established by the EU.
- A successful delay could help improve competitiveness and foster innovation among Czech businesses.
On June 11, 2025, it was reported that Czech companies face significant challenges in preparing for the European Union's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act set to take effect in the near future. The Czech Republic proposed to the European Commission to delay the regulation's implementation by two years, emphasizing the need for more time to comply with its requirements. Government representatives, including Jan Kavalírek, the government commissioner for AI, highlighted the absence of essential documents and indicated that full enforcement of the regulation is scheduled for August 2, 2026. The potential delay aims to foster a more competitive environment for Czech businesses engaged in AI development. Kavalírek pointed out that the full effectiveness of the AI Act could be postponed if the European Commission fails to prepare accompanying regulations in a timely manner. The Czech Republic has encountered criticism for lagging in the implementation of the AI Act, with industry experts, such as Milena Jabůrková, Vice President of the Confederation of Industry and Transport, expressing concerns about the country's commitment to the regulation. The planned discussions with the opposition will address these pressing issues and the potential repercussions for innovation in the sector. Despite ongoing plans for the AI Act, companies within Czechia have expressed skepticism about meeting the stringent guidelines and requirements. The intent behind the proposed two-year delay is to allow sufficient time for businesses to understand and prepare for the impending regulations. Additionally, Kavalírek indicated that both he and his colleagues are dedicated to ensuring that the act is structured in a manner that is acceptable to the political representation following the upcoming parliamentary elections. There is an emerging consensus among some European countries—such as France, Poland, Denmark, and Estonia—regarding the need to discuss postponing the effectiveness of particular aspects of the AI Act. The successful navigation of these discussions could play a crucial role in improving competitiveness and sustaining innovation across the region. Therefore, the Czech Republic advocates for a regulatory environment that minimizes additional national requirements while adhering strictly to the published guidelines of the European AI Act.