Story perspectives

EU AI Act Talks Collapse, Delays Push Reforms to 2028

4/30/2026

Summary

Belgian Parliament stalls

Belgium's Parliament and Council failed to agree on EU AI Act reforms after 12-hour talks on 28 April, leaving postponements set for 2 Dec 2027 (Annex III) and 2 Aug 2028 (Annex I).
Parliament wants sectoral rules for product AI while Council defends a framework.
MEP Kim van Sparrentak blamed a German EPP-far-right alliance for the chaos.
Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl said the delay could avoid €31 billion in costs, with talks restarting in two weeks as Ireland assumes presidency on 30 June.

Summary

EU Fast-tracks AI

Europe director general Ben Brake called the breakdown a “setback” and urged a quick reconvening.
European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen said talks must conclude “as soon as possible” with a “good text.”
Officials flagged a staffing shortfall in the unit overseeing AI models, drawing expert criticism.
Ten states warned the relaxations could cause deregulation, not simplification.
Draft legislation sparked debate over defining “intimate parts” in an AI nudification ban.

History

Historical Context

The EU adopted the GDPR on 14 April 2016, coming into force 25 May 2018 and prompting over €1 billion in fines by 2021, illustrating the bloc’s strong data-privacy regime. That precedent now fuels the 2024 AI Act stalemate, where MEP Kim van Sparrentak, Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Council President Charles Michel clash over sovereignty versus unified tech oversight.

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Belgian Parliament stalls

Belgium's Parliament and Council failed to agree on EU AI Act reforms after 12-hour talks on 28 April, leaving postponements set for 2 Dec 2027 (Annex III) and 2 Aug 2028 (Annex I).
Parliament wants sectoral rules for product AI while Council defends a framework.
MEP Kim van Sparrentak blamed a German EPP-far-right alliance for the chaos.
Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl said the delay could avoid €31 billion in costs, with talks restarting in two weeks as Ireland assumes presidency on 30 June.

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