The Council of the European Union has agreed its position to simplify part of the regulatory framework on artificial intelligence (AI), within the framework of the Omnibus VII legislative package, aimed at reducing the regulatory burden and facilitating the application of digital regulations in Europe.

This initiative is part of the European strategy for legislative simplification and improvement of competitiveness, promoted since 2024, with the aim of creating a clearer and more efficient environment for companies and administrations. The package includes measures to harmonise the enforcement of AI regulations and accelerate the deployment of the future AI Act in all member states.

Among the notable changes, specific dates are introduced for the application of high-risk systems (December 2027 for stand-alone systems and August 2028 for those integrated into products), as well as the obligation to register these systems in specific databases, even in certain exempt cases.

The text also reinforces limitations on the use of AI in sensitive areas, prohibiting practices related to non-consented intimate content or abusive material, and maintains strict criteria in the processing of personal data to avoid bias. In addition, the implementation of regulatory sandboxes, designed to facilitate the testing of new solutions in controlled environments, is delayed until 2027.

With this agreement, the EU seeks to reduce regulatory complexity, provide more legal certainty and facilitate innovation, especially for SMEs and technology companies. In parallel, the European Commission is expected to develop specific guidelines to help companies comply with the requirements of high-risk AI systems.

This step marks a step towards a more accessible and coherent regulatory framework, at a time when artificial intelligence is consolidating itself as a key technology for the transformation of multiple sectors, including construction, where its application is growing in areas such as project management, data analysis or process automation.

In the coming months, the Council will start negotiations with the European Parliament to define the final text, with the aim of consolidating an environment that combines innovation, competitiveness and protection of rights in the use of AI in Europe.