The AI Omnibus shows that targeted improvements are possible, but it falls short of the real simplification Europe needs to compete in the global race for artificial intelligence.

For ECR MEPs, the trilogue agreement therefore required a careful political assessment. While some elements of the final text move in the right direction, the package overall remains too cautious, delivers only limited regulatory relief and risks concentrating further powers in the hands of the European Commission.

Shadow Rapporteur in the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Piotr Müller MEP said:

“The main question is whether Europe wants to develop artificial intelligence or whether it simply wants to develop regulations for artificial intelligence.

“Europe was once a pioneer in technology. Today, it risks becoming a pioneer in regulation. That is not how we create prosperity, innovation or technological leadership.”

Müller also raised concerns about the overall direction of the legislation.

“Rather than expanding the freedom to innovate, the legislation still places too much emphasis on compliance and control. At the same time, we see the Commission drawing further competences away from the Member States,” he said.

For Shadow Rapporteur in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Assita Kanko MEP, the extended implementation deadlines included in the text were better than nothing, especially in combination with the ban on so-called “nudifier” applications that use artificial intelligence to generate highly realistic nude images without consent.

Kanko said, speaking after the plenary debate:

“By banning AI nudifier systems, we are making a clear choice for human dignity. The consequences for victims are devastating and traumatic.

“This is not only about women and girls. Politicians, activists and journalists can also become targets. In reality, it can happen to any of us.

“Every woman and every girl has the right to live without fear of being digitally stripped or abused online. This is a small step for businesses and a giant step for women.”