Policy Briefing — EU AI Act Council General Approach
EU telecom ministers adopted a general approach on the AI Act, finalising the Council’s negotiating mandate for trilogues.
The Council introduced changes covering general-purpose AI, biometric safeguards, and governance structures. It clarified prohibited practices, reinforced high-risk obligations, and outlined national supervisory authorities and an EU-level AI Board.
- General-purpose AI. The text adds transparency duties for GPAI providers and documentation requirements for downstream deployers.
- Enforcement. Member states must designate market surveillance authorities with investigatory and sanctioning powers.
- Prohibited uses. The Council tightened bans on real-time remote biometric identification except in limited law enforcement scenarios.
EU market teams should compare the Council compromise with Parliament and Commission positions to prepare for trilogue outcomes.