The AI Act's GPAI chapter becomes applicable & Code is approved!

From tomorrow onwards, the EU’s rules for the most advanced AI models officially apply. This day is a pivotal moment: not just for the AI Act but for the EU’s overall AI strategy.

From tomorrow onwards, the EU’s rules for the most advanced AI models officially apply. This day is a pivotal moment: not just for the AI Act but for the EU’s overall AI strategy. Some info and a few remarks from my side:

1️⃣ Scope of rules: With their GPAI guidelines, the European Commission has brought some much-needed clarity, choosing thereby a rather targeted approach. This is good! However, a key issue remains: the FLOP threshold in the AI Act. If there’s really an intention to raise it ("currently under review"), we expect this to be based on solid evidence (i.e. expert consultation and real-world data). Any recalibration must ensure that the largest and most capable GPAI providers remain fully in scope. Adjustments should benefit only those innovators whose GPAI models clearly pose no systemic risk.

2️⃣ Endorsed Code: The GPAI Code of Practice now serves as the Commission’s and Member States’ endorsed (today!) blueprint for demonstrating compliance; just in time for the rules to kick in. This gives AI firms a reliable foundation to work with. Those who have already signed the Code sent a strong signal: they want to play by the rules. The expectations are high: having endorsed the full text means there is no room for selective compliance or backroom renegotiation. Meanwhile, nonsignatories should expect extra scrutiny. They have chosen not to follow a transparency and safety framework that was developed through months of expert input. That choice speaks volumes and TBH, I am unsure how those firms want to prove their compliance.

3️⃣ Template: For those who missed it, the AI Office has recently also published the template for the Public Summary of Training Content for GPAI models. My first reaction? Improvable … (LINK)

4️⃣ Scientific Panel: Here, only one thing matters! We need to get the best minds on GPAI and at least some of them with - additionally - a sound understanding of institutional procedures in Brussels. In my opinion, this means that at least some Code Chairs should become members of the ScientificPanel.

5️⃣ Capacities & enforcement: Enforcing the GPAI rules will require serious capacity at the AI Office. Talent for assessing the most advanced models is scarce, and the European Parliament has long called for an AIO of at least 200 people, including top-tier technical, legal, and policy experts. While a few engineers have reportedly been hired, Axel Voss and I are still waiting for updates on the legal and policy recruitments launched months ago. One thing is clear: even if formal powers only apply from August 2026, the AI Office must already now scrutinize compliance by the largest providers. We will be watching closely.

More information here.