In June 2025, leading technology firms—members of CCIA Europe (Computer & Communications Industry Association), including Google (Alphabet), Meta, Apple, and other digital giants—appealed to European Union leadership to pause the implementation of key provisions of the AI Act, set to take effect in August.
This initiative represents a clear example of strategic and coordinated government relations (GR) aimed at adjusting the regulatory framework in line with industry needs.
What’s at Stake:
- The AI Act, formally adopted in June 2024, is set to fully enter into force on August 2, 2025, particularly the provisions regulating general-purpose AI models (GPAI).
- CCIA Europe argues that the sector is unprepared for full compliance and warns that rushed implementation may hinder innovation and competitiveness.
- Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also raised concerns, calling parts of the AI Act “excessively complex to implement.”
Why This Matters for GR Professionals:
- Corporate GR strategies are evolving to influence not only policy development but also the implementation phase, ensuring realistic and effective regulations.
- The European case demonstrates how business can actively shape policy environments while balancing public oversight with innovation.
- For Ukrainian tech firms and AI developers, this is a clear signal: it is time to define a proactive GR stance, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s path toward EU integration.
🔗 Source: Reuters, June 25, 2025
