IAPP op-ed on "Don't abandon our values: Why the EU must stay the course on AI regulation"

As momentum grows behind proposals to delay the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act - citing technical complexity, industry resistance, and pressure from the U.S. - our op-ed warns that halting progress now would signal a loss of ambition at a critical time. Together with Sebastian Hallensleben, I argue that the AI Act represents more than regulation - it’s a declaration of Europe’s commitment to trustworthy, human-centric AI aligned with its fundamental values.

Calls to delay the EU’s AI Act are growing louder - often framed as pragmatic responses to technical complexity or global competition. But behind these demands lies a deeper question: does Europe still believe in its own digital path?

In a recent op-ed for the IAPP, Sebastian Hallensleben and I argue that the AI Act is not just another regulation - it’s a statement of principles. Trust, transparency, and legal certainty must remain at the heart of Europe’s digital transformation. While implementation will be challenging, the answer is not to abandon the law, but to support those working to make it a success.

Delaying or renegotiating key provisions sends the wrong signal: that hard-fought political compromises can be undone by short-term lobbying pressure. This creates legal uncertainty for businesses and undermines Europe’s credibility as a rule-setter in global tech governance. A slight delay to better prepare for the high-risk obligations may be justified - but must not come at the expense of long-term clarity and ambition.

Now is the time for clear political leadership. The EU must show that it stands by its democratic choices and that it has the resolve to implement them. Only then can we ensure a future where AI innovation and fundamental rights go hand in hand.

Read the full article here.