EU AI Act Timeline: When Does It Go Into Effect?
Complete overview of all EU AI Act implementation dates from 2024 to 2030, with simple explanations, detailed requirements, and startup impact guidance.
EU AI Act Implementation Milestones and Deadlines
Published in Official Journal
“Where it began”
The EU AI Act was published in the Official Journal (Reg.2024/1689)
Start asset mapping; inventory of every AI feature begins.
Enters into force across EU
“When it became law”
The Act enters into force across EU Member States
Legal obligations activate — set up governance, assign compliance roles.
Member States designate competent authorities
“Pick your regulator”
Member States designate competent authorities
Contact points identified—crucial sandbox and guidance routes.
Prohibited AI and AI literacy obligations start
“Remove bad features & teach staff”
Prohibited AI and AI literacy obligations start
Disable banned features; train & document your compliance readiness.
Codes of Practice for GPAI due
“Best practice blueprints drop”
Code of Practice for GPAI due
Official templates guide your compliance risk assessment docs.
Governance/GPAI notified bodies penalties apply
“Time to get serious”
Governance/GPAI notified bodies penalties apply
Compliance frameworks, transparency, governance boards required. Audit budget needed.
Commission to publish post-market monitoring guidelines
“Set up live systems”
Commission to publish post-market monitoring guidelines
Need live logs, incident tracking dashboards—real-time oversight.
Full Act applies (non-high-risk) + national sandboxes live
“Sandbox time!”
Full Act applies (non-high-risk) + national sandboxes live
Opportunity to pilot in sanctioned environments; all lighter rules active.
AI literacy enforcement begins — authorities can issue penalties
“Enough with the training—evidence time”
AI literacy enforcement begins — authorities can issue penalties
If not trained/documented by now, risk inspection/fines.
High-risk AI ART-EU obligations + GPAI pre-2025 compliance deadline
“Big-league inspections begin”
High-risk AI ART-EU obligations + GPAI pre-2025 compliance deadline
Mandatory conformity assessments for high-risk AI systems.
Legacy systems (Annex-IV) must comply
“Old systems must get modern”
Legacy systems (Annex-IV) must comply
Multi-year roadmap for legacy public-system updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the EU AI Act officially go into effect?
The EU AI Act entered into force on August 1, 2024, but different provisions apply at different times. Prohibited AI systems must be phased out by February 2, 2025, while high-risk AI obligations begin August 2, 2027.
What happens if I miss a compliance deadline?
Penalties start applying from August 2, 2025, for governance and GPAI obligations. Fines can reach up to €35 million or 7% of global annual turnover, whichever is higher.
Do these deadlines apply to startups outside the EU?
Yes, if you offer AI services to EU users or your AI systems are used in the EU, you must comply with the EU AI Act regardless of where your company is located.
Official Sources
EU AI Act Official Text
Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 - Complete legislative text
European Commission AI Strategy
Official policy page with latest updates and guidance
Note: This timeline is based on the official EU AI Act text and may be updated as implementation guidance evolves. Always consult the official sources for the most current information.