German coalition split emerges over proposed changes to EU AI rules
A letter from Germany’s Social Democrats shows internal disagreement with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s push to ease EU rules on industrial AI.
Germany’s governing coalition is divided over proposed changes to the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, according to a report by Euractiv.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has supported efforts to relax requirements for AI used in industrial sectors, such as machinery and manufacturing. However, his coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has taken a different position.
In a letter sent to German members of the European Parliament ahead of negotiations, SPD lawmakers urged them to oppose changes that would weaken the AI Act’s framework. The letter argued that sector-specific exemptions could create inconsistencies and reduce protections, particularly for consumers.
The disagreement comes at a sensitive moment in EU negotiations, where lawmakers recently failed to reach a deal on adjustments to the AI Act. The debate centres on whether certain industries should follow separate rules instead of the broader framework established by the regulation.
According to the SPD, maintaining a unified approach is important to avoid regulatory gaps and ensure consistent safeguards across sectors.
The internal split highlights differing priorities within Germany on balancing industrial competitiveness with regulatory oversight in AI governance.
