European Union: Implemented AI Act including provisions establishing a European Artificial Intelligence Board

On 2 August 2026, the regulation laying down harmonised rules on Artificial Intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Act), including AI authority governance, is implemented after the lapse of the grace period. The Act includes provisions for the establishment of a European AI Board and AI Office. The AI Office will be assigned the tasks of monitoring and ensuring compliance with the Act, conducting joint investigations, collaborating with national supervisory authorities, and offering guidance on the Act's obligations. A scientific panel of independent experts will contribute to developing methodologies for evaluating foundation models, providing recommendations on high-impact foundation models, and monitoring potential material safety risks associated with such models. Furthermore, the Act includes a framework for developing AI regulatory sandboxes. The sandboxes, designed for the controlled development, testing, and validation of innovative AI systems, will allow testing in real-world conditions.