Civil society calls for urgent action on AI Act implementation
Civil society groups are warning that the EU’s landmark AI Act risks becoming an empty promise unless Member States urgently implement it at national level. In an open letter, 31 organisations called on the European Commission and governments to pass laws, appoint oversight authorities, and ensure adequate resources, stressing that without immediate action, people’s rights will not be protected from harmful uses of artificial intelligence.
A coalition of 31 civil society organisations has issued an open letter urging the European Commission and EU member states to speed up the national implementation of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. The groups warn that unless governments act quickly, the rights guaranteed under the new law risk remaining “hollow promises.”
The AI Act, adopted earlier this year, is the world’s first comprehensive regulation on AI. It sets rules to ensure that AI systems in Europe respect fundamental rights, safety, and transparency. However, member states were required to pass national legislation and appoint responsible authorities by a set deadline, which most have already missed.
According to the organisations, the lack of national implementation is especially concerning because the European Commission is simultaneously preparing a ‘digital omnibus’ package that could delay or even weaken enforcement of the AI Act. They argue that rather than celebrating adoption, the Commission should use its oversight powers to pressure member states into passing laws, designating competent authorities, and ensuring those authorities are properly funded.
Civil society stresses that enforcement structures must not only be well-resourced but also include meaningful participation from NGOs and community groups. Without such engagement, they argue, there is a risk that oversight will be ineffective and that ordinary people will not see their rights adequately protected.
The call ends with a blunt warning: unless urgent action is taken at both EU and national levels, the AI Act will fail to deliver on its promises of protecting people from harmful uses of AI.
