European companies including ASML Holding NV, Airbus SE and Mistral AI have called on the European Union to suspend the implementation of its landmark artificial intelligence regulation for two years because they say it puts the continent’s AI ambitions at risk. In a letter signed by representatives from more than 45 organizations, business leaders asked the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to postpone the application of rules hemming in the most powerful AI models, calling for a more “innovation-friendly regulatory approach.” A significant part of the rules are set to come into force next month. “This postponement, coupled with a commitment to prioritize regulatory quality over speed, would send innovators and investors around the world a strong signal that Europe is serious about its simplification and competitiveness agenda,” the letter said. Other businesses to sign the letter include Mercedes-Benz Group AG, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Lufthansa, Publicis Groupe SA, Prosus NV and Siemens Energy AG. They called for the delay to two sets of rules applying to general-purpose AI models and to high-risk AI systems. Businesses are complaining that the commission has failed to deliver key guidelines and standards, including a code of practice which provides instructions for advanced AI companies to comply with the regulation.

Full report : ASML, Mistral AI, and 40+ European companies urge the EU to delay the implementation of its AI Act for two years, saying it puts the bloc’s AI ambitions at risk.