European Industry Calls for More Practical AI Standards
The Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic has joined 20 other European business associations and startups in signing a joint statement addressed to the European Commission and the AI Office. The statement calls for a more balanced and globally aligned approach to standardisation under the EU AI Act.
The signatories raise concerns that the current standard-setting process is becoming overly prescriptive and fragmented, placing a disproportionate burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. Without clear, usable implementation tools, there is a serious risk of legal uncertainty, compliance bottlenecks, and delayed innovation across Europe.
The statement outlines three key recommendations:
- Integrate the AI Act into broader simplification efforts under the Digital Omnibus;
- Postpone the application of selected AI Act provisions until harmonised standards and the GPAI Code of Practice are available;
- Prioritise international alignment, performance-based requirements, and scalable, risk-based approaches to conformity assessment.
AI regulation must be both ambitious and implementable. If Europe wants to stay competitive in the global AI race, standards must support innovation, not obstruct it.
Download the full statement below. ⇣⇣⇣