The EU AI Act: Key Dates for Compliance

3 minute read | September.23.2026

This update is part of our EU AI Act Series. Learn more about the EU AI Act here.

The European AI Act has been formally adopted, its key obligations are becoming applicable, and the countdown to the start of enforcement has begun. The application timeline has been modified by the AI Omnibus (Regulation (EU) 2026/1744) which amended the AI Act with effect from July 27, 2026.

Here are the key dates you need to know as you build your compliance roadmap (click to expand timeline):

Want to know more? Reach out to a member of our team.

The EU AI Act Series: Key Takeaways for Companies Using and Developing AI

Authors

Julia Apostle Partner, Technology Transactions, Cyber, Privacy & Data Innovation

Paris

See my bio

D:+33153537500
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Technology Transactions
Cyber, Privacy & Data Innovation
Technology & Innovation
Artificial Intelligence
Strategic Advisory & Government Enforcement (SAGE)

vCard

See full bio

Julia Apostle Partner

Paris

Julia counsels on compliance issues in relation to European and French tech and data regulations, including:

the GDPR;
the Digital Services Act;
the EU AI Act and the regulation of AI more generally,
the Data Act;
the Cyber Resilience Act;
the NIS2 Directive;

and other new and emerging legislation impacting online platforms, technology developers, and eCommerce businesses. She advises companies of all sizes on a wide range of compliance matters, ranging the drafting of internal policies, to assisting with regulatory investigations, product counseling and regulatory engagement.

In the context of strategic transactions covering significant and complex technological issues, she is involved in the drafting and negotiation of agreements relating to data transfer, IT, software, content and brand licensing.

Julia is deeply familiar with the commercial considerations’ clients face, having practiced in-house at Twitter, Financial Times and CBS for more than a decade prior to joining Orrick. Julia also teaches a course on AI contracts for the Master's program in AI Law at a leading French university and acts as a mentor for students.

Related Areas

Artificial Intelligence