Today, the EU AI Act officially comes into force – a turning point for Europe’s digital future.

By Jan Nintemann and Jochen Siegle, Photo: Mehrsa, Unsplash

Today, August 2, 2025, a binding regulatory framework for so-called General-Purpose AI models like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, or Anthropic’s Claude comes into force for the first time in the European Union: the EU AI Act.
Accompanying this, the European Commission recently published concrete implementation guidelines to help providers correctly implement the new transparency obligations, documentation requirements, and risk assessments.

The goal: enable technological progress – without endangering fundamental rights, security, or environmental standards and nature conservation.

GPAI Rules: who is Affected – and What Applies Now

The regulation focuses on models with high computing power and a broad range of applications, such as text generation, image processing, simulations, or speech recognition. As of today, companies must disclose:
What data was used for training, how the models work (e.g., via architecture documentation), and how risks are assessed and mitigated.

Regulatory control will be staggered:

• From 2026, new models can be reviewed by the EU AI Office
• From 2027, this also applies to existing models

Violations can lead to high fines. Until then, the Commission intends to work closely with providers to facilitate the transition.

More than Regulation: Europe Sets Standards for Sustainable Digitalization

The guidelines coming into force today are not just a legal milestone – they are an expression of European values. While other markets focus purely on innovation speed or economic interests, Europe links technological progress with responsibility.

This involves:

• Protection of fundamental rights
• Promotion of transparency and security
• Contribution to sustainable digital transformation

The GPAI Code of Conduct complements the legal framework and provides companies with clear practical guidance. Initiatives like Gaia-X and the AI-on-Demand project also strengthen a European, resilient tech infrastructure.

TransformIT Europe: Platform for Cooperation in Times of Crisis

Against the backdrop of global crises – from geopolitical tensions to the climate crisis – European cooperation is essential. This is precisely where the new trade fair and conference platform TransformIT Europe comes in.
It was founded to connect innovation and sustainability actors from across Europe, highlight best practices, and foster constructive dialogue about digitalization in line with ecological and social goals.

TransformIT Europe is thus more than a trade fair – it is a common platform for Europe’s digital future, with a focus on:

• Green Tech & ClimateTech
• Responsible AI
• Public Sector Transformation
• Digital Sovereignty & Data Spaces

Today Marks a New Era for Europe’S Digital Journey

With the entry into force of the EU AI Act today, Europe sends a clear signal: digitalization needs rules – and values.
The new guidelines create clarity and reliability for companies – while also protecting society from unresolved risks and blind faith in technology.

TransformIT Europe will be a crucial place in the coming years to shape this transformation together, openly, and across sectors.

It is up to all of us to set the course now – for a digital future that is sustainable, secure, and European.

Relevant Sources and Links:

EU AI Act – European AI Legislation
GPAI Code of Practice – PDF Guidelines
TransformIT Europe – Learn more & connect now
AI-on-Demand Platform for Europe
Gaia-X: European Data Infrastructure
EU AI Office – Regulation and Supervision
ChatGPT (OpenAI)
Gemini (Google DeepMind)
Claude (Anthropic)