Dispatch from Brussels: Updates on EU tech policy  

Code of Practice: The finalisation of the Code of Practice for general-purpose artificial intelligence continues to face challenges, with companies remaining hesitant about endorsing it. As of Monday morning, a final draft had not been circulated, but it is expected by the end of July. Last week, the European Commission’s AI Office and independent experts presented an overview of the anticipated content to stakeholders, having previously shared portions of the code with GPAI developers. As a reminder, the code outlines compliance measures for the AI Act, which takes effect on 2 August for GPAI providers, and is intended to be a central tool for demonstrating adherence to the legislation.

Parliament report on copyright: On 27 June, the European Parliament published an own initiative report (led by MEP Axel Voss) on copyright and generative AI. The report aims to promote “faire remuneration for stakeholders”, “transaparency around what content is used”, “A scalable and workable licensing system”, and “respect for the rightsholder’s choice”.

Parliament report on AI in the workplace: on 26 June, the European Parliament published an own initiative report (led by MEP Andrzej Buła) addressing the impact of digitalisation, automation, and AI on European labour markets. The report, which contains recommendations for legislative proposals, aims to highlight both opportunities (such as increased productivity and improved working conditions), and risks (including job displacement, increased surveillance, and stress).

Simplification

Stop the AI clock: EU Countries continue to debate whether to delay parts of the EU AI Act. The topic, which was discussed during the last European Council meeting is now on the agenda for the next European AI Board (the body made up of EU Member State representatives which ensures coordination between Member States to ensure consistent application of the EU AI Act) meeting on 18 September.

Quantum

Quantum Strategy: On 2 July, the Commission adopted a new Quantum Strategy to make the EU a global quantum leader by 2030. The strategy targets five areas: research & innovation, infrastructures, ecosystem investment, space/defence applications, and skills. Some of the actions outlined in the strategy include a €28m “DeployAI” quantum project, new quantum chip pilot lines, and a planned European Quantum Internet pilot. The goal is to nurture a sovereign quantum ecosystem, create high‑skill jobs (forecasting a €155bn market by 2040), and keep Europe at the forefront of quantum R&D. Importantly, the Commission announced it will follow up with a “Quantum Act” in 2026 to further strengthen industrialisation and standardisation in this field.

Platforms  

Consultation – 1st review of the Digital Markets Act: On 3 July the EU Commission opened a consultation to “gather feedback and evidence on the effectiveness of the DMA so far in achieving its objectives of ensuring contestable and fair digital markets”. The consultation focuses on four main aspects: the aims of the DMA of ensuring contestable and fair markets, the impact of the DMA on business users, whether interoperability obligation may be extended to online social media networking services, whether it is required to modify rules, including regarding the list of core platform services, the obligations laid down in Articles 5, 6 and 7 DMA and their enforcement. The consultation will close on 24 September 2025.

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