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The EU’s “Digital Omnibus on AI” - What it means for companies’ AI compliance roadmaps

  • Antonis Hadjicostas
  • Nov 21, 2025
  • 2 min read

The European Commission has proposed the Digital Omnibus on AI, a legislative package designed to adjust and simplify the implementation of the EU AI Act. The goal is to give organisations more flexibility, align compliance deadlines with the availability of technical standards, and ease the burden on companies deploying AI in the EU.


Key Changes at a Glance


  1. Flexible compliance deadlines: Instead of fixed dates, the obligations for high-risk AI systems would take effect only when the relevant EU standards or guidelines are published. If these are delayed, fallback deadlines will apply from late 2027 to mid-2028. Companies would also get short grace periods to complete compliance work.


  2. Transitional support for existing systems: Generative AI models and high-risk AI systems already on the market would benefit from additional time to adjust. “Legacy” high-risk systems can continue to be used or sold if their design remains unchanged.


  3. Reduced administrative load: Lower-risk AI systems would no longer need to be listed in the EU AI database. Providers must still conduct risk assessments, but only need to submit them on request. The proposal also broadens the ability to process sensitive data for bias-mitigation, subject to safeguards.


  4. More flexibility for GPAI and content-marking: The mandatory element for codes of practice on general-purpose AI and content provenance would be removed. These frameworks would stay as soft-law tools, not binding legal requirements.


  5. Support for SMEs and smaller mid-caps: The simplified regime available under the AI Act would be expanded, reducing documentation demands and lowering fines for qualifying companies.


What This Means for Organisations


Businesses should treat this proposal as an opportunity to recalibrate their AI compliance plans, not as an excuse to delay preparation. The Diogital Omnibus Directivemay offer extra time, but deadlines can still arrive early if EU standards are finalised sooner. Organisations should continue building strong AI governance, documentation and monitoring processes, especially if operating in regulated sectors like financial services.


What’s Next?


The Digital Omnibus Directive is still under negotiation and may change before adoption. If it is not finalised before August 2026, the original AI Act deadlines will remain in force. Organisations should therefore continue preparing proactively while monitoring legislative developments.

 
 

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