TLDR: Denmark has initiated a request to fellow EU member states for their ‘wish-lists’ on simplifying the Artificial Intelligence Act. This move comes amidst concerns over delays in technical standards and compliance challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small and medium-sized companies (SMCs). The feedback will inform an upcoming debate on September 23rd, where the European Commission is expected to consider postponing obligations for high-risk AI systems.
Copenhagen, September 22, 2025 – In a proactive effort to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the European Union’s landmark Artificial Intelligence Act, Denmark has circulated a discussion note to all EU member states, soliciting their recommendations for simplification and support measures. The initiative, spearheaded by the Danish government which currently chairs the council’s work, aims to address growing concerns regarding delays in the development of crucial technical standards and the potential compliance burdens on businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small and medium-sized companies (SMCs).
The request for input comes ahead of a critical debate scheduled for September 23rd at a meeting of the Telecom Working Party, the Council of the EU’s digital policy body. This discussion is expected to provide political guidance to the European Commission as it considers proposing a postponement of certain high-risk obligations within the AI Act, possibly as part of an upcoming legislative package known as the Digital Omnibus.
The Danish note highlights a ‘pressing challenge’ to the successful implementation of obligations on high-risk AI systems, which are set to become applicable on August 2, 2026. The core concern is the risk that ‘important standards are not available in advance of the application of the obligations to ensure adequate time to adapt to the new rules — as was originally foreseen in the AI Act.’
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Member states have been asked to provide detailed feedback on several key areas: how to respond to the delays in technical standards, which specific parts of the law should be simplified, and what additional support measures would be beneficial for businesses. This collaborative approach underscores a shared recognition across the EU of the complexities involved in regulating rapidly evolving AI technologies and the need for a pragmatic framework that fosters innovation while ensuring safety and ethical deployment.
