EU Artificial Intelligence Timeline (2018–2026)
Phase I – Policy Development (2018–2020)
25 April 2018
Artificial Intelligence for Europe
Reference: European Commission, COM(2018) 237 final.
The European Commission adopted its first comprehensive strategy on artificial intelligence, setting out a European approach centred on investment, innovation, skills and public trust.
7 December 2018
Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence
Reference: European Commission, COM(2018) 795 final.
The Commission and the Member States established a coordinated framework for the development and deployment of AI across the European Union.
8 April 2019
Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI
Reference: High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI HLEG), European Commission.
The Guidelines introduced the concept of “Trustworthy AI” and identified the ethical requirements that should govern the design, development and use of AI systems.
26 June 2019
Policy and Investment Recommendations for Trustworthy AI
Reference: AI HLEG, European Commission.
The Expert Group proposed a comprehensive set of policy measures aimed at fostering innovation while safeguarding European values and fundamental rights.
19 February 2020
White Paper on Artificial Intelligence: A European Approach to Excellence and Trust
Reference: European Commission, COM(2020) 65 final.
The White Paper outlined the foundations of a future European regulatory framework for AI based on a risk-based approach.
17 July 2020
Assessment List for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (ALTAI)
Reference: AI HLEG, European Commission.
ALTAI provided organisations with a practical self-assessment tool for operationalising the requirements of Trustworthy AI.
20 October 2020
European Parliament Resolution on a Framework of Ethical Aspects of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Related Technologies
Reference: European Parliament Resolution 2020/2012(INL).
The Parliament called for the adoption of a European ethical framework governing AI and related technologies.
20 October 2020
European Parliament Resolution on a Civil Liability Regime for Artificial Intelligence
Reference: European Parliament Resolution 2020/2014(INL).
The Parliament proposed principles for addressing civil liability issues arising from the use of AI systems.
20 October 2020
European Parliament Resolution on Intellectual Property Rights for the Development of Artificial Intelligence Technologies
Reference: European Parliament Resolution 2020/2015(INI).
The resolution examined the relationship between AI innovation and intellectual property protection.
Phase II – Legislative Development (2021–2024)
21 April 2021
Fostering a European Approach to Artificial Intelligence
Reference: European Commission, COM(2021) 205 final.
The Commission consolidated its vision of a human-centric and trustworthy European AI ecosystem.
21 April 2021
Proposal for a Regulation Laying Down Harmonised Rules on Artificial Intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Act)
Reference: European Commission, COM(2021) 206 final; 2021/0106(COD).
The Commission formally proposed the Artificial Intelligence Act, introducing a comprehensive risk-based regulatory framework for AI systems.
21 April 2021
2021 Review of the Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence
Reference: European Commission, COM(2021) 205 final.
The revised Coordinated Plan updated common priorities for AI development in light of technological and geopolitical developments.
28 September 2022
Proposal for a Directive on Adapting Non-Contractual Civil Liability Rules to Artificial Intelligence (AI Liability Directive)
Reference: European Commission, COM(2022) 496 final.
The Commission proposed harmonised rules facilitating compensation claims for damage caused by AI systems.
28 September 2022
Proposal for a Revised Product Liability Directive
Reference: European Commission, COM(2022) 495 final.
The proposal modernised EU product liability rules to address digital products, software and AI-enabled technologies.
15 December 2022
European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade
Reference: OJ C 23, 23 January 2023.
The Union reaffirmed that the development and deployment of AI should remain human-centred and consistent with fundamental rights and democratic values.
24 January 2024
Commission Decision Establishing the European Artificial Intelligence Office
Reference: Commission Decision C(2024) 390 final.
The Commission established the AI Office to support the implementation and enforcement of the future AI Act.
13 June 2024
Artificial Intelligence Act
Reference: Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
The AI Act became the world’s first comprehensive horizontal regulatory framework governing artificial intelligence.
Phase III – Implementation and Regulatory Consolidation (2025–2026)
4 February 2025
Commission Guidelines on Prohibited Artificial Intelligence Practices
Reference: Guidelines under Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689.
The Commission clarified the interpretation and scope of AI practices prohibited under the AI Act.
6 February 2025
Commission Guidelines on the Definition of an Artificial Intelligence System
Reference: Guidelines under Regulation (EU) 2024/1689.
The Guidelines provided interpretative criteria for determining whether software qualifies as an AI system under the AI Act.
9 April 2025
AI Continent Action Plan
Reference: European Commission, COM(2025) 165 final.
The Commission launched a strategic initiative to strengthen Europe’s AI infrastructure, computing capacity and innovation ecosystem.
10 July 2025
General-Purpose AI Code of Practice
Reference: European Commission / AI Office.
The Code of Practice provides a voluntary framework supporting compliance by providers of general-purpose AI models.
18 July 2025
Guidelines on the Scope of Obligations for Providers of General-Purpose AI Models
Reference: European Commission.
The Commission clarified key concepts and obligations applicable to providers of general-purpose AI models.
24 July 2025
Template for the Public Summary of Training Data Used for General-Purpose AI Models
Reference: European Commission / AI Office.
The template facilitates compliance with transparency obligations concerning training data under the AI Act.
19 November 2025
Digital Omnibus Package Proposal
Reference: European Commission legislative simplification package (proposed November 2025).
As part of the broader Digital Simplification Agenda, the Commission proposed the Digital Omnibus initiative to streamline reporting, compliance and administrative obligations across EU digital legislation, including interactions with the AI Act framework.
2026
First Review of Prohibited Practices and High-Risk AI Systems
Reference: Article 112, Regulation (EU) 2024/1689.
The AI Act requires the European Commission to carry out a first review of the lists of prohibited practices and high-risk AI systems by 2026, taking into account technological developments and implementation experience. As of now, no official report or document has yet been published, as the review is scheduled for a future date.