AI Act. Czech Republic Requests More Time
The European Union adopted Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (the Artificial Intelligence Act) in the past year. It is the world’s first comprehensive legal framework for artificial intelligence. The purpose of this regulation is to establish uniform rules for the development, market placement, and use of AI systems within the EU.
The legal framework introduces a risk-based classification of AI systems and sets specific obligations, particularly for so-called high-risk systems, including requirements for transparency, data governance, and human oversight. The AI Act entered into force on August 1, 2024, with phased applicability between 2025 and 2027.
In May 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade was appointed as the new national coordinator for AI (originally under the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs). It is now preparing a national strategy for implementing the AI rules and, together with other authorities (e.g., the Czech Telecommunication Office, the Czech Office for Standards, Metrology and Testing, and the Czech Agency for Standardization), is working on creating a coordination structure and informational support for companies and developers. A key tool is the planned establishment of an “AI sandbox,” a testing environment to verify compliance of systems with the regulation’s requirements.
Although the Czech Republic, alongside several other European countries, is preparing to implement the regulation, it has also pointed out the complexity and scope of the new rules. In June 2025, the Czech Government, through AI Commissioner Jan Kavalírek and former EU Commissioner Věra Jourová, requested a technical postponement of selected obligations by two years, arguing that Czech institutions and businesses are not sufficiently prepared and that the necessary technical standards and methodologies are not yet available. Czech representatives have also called for simplification of some administrative requirements imposed on AI system providers.
The AI Act will impact not only developers and providers of AI technologies but also a wide range of entities that use AI systems in their business operations. It is also important to note that even if the Czech request for a delay is granted, certain parts of the regulation are already applicable, particularly those imposing obligations related to AI literacy. We are here to help ensure you comply with these requirements.
