Macron Says Germany, France Seek to Delay High-Risk AI Rules

Germany and France want to delay by a year provisions of the European Union’s AI Act that would regulate high-risk artificial intelligence systems, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at the digital sovereignty summit in Berlin, Germany, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.

Photographer: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg

“On the AI Act, we ask for a 12-month postponement of compliance for high-risk AI systems,” Macron said in a speech Tuesday at a digital sovereignty summit in Berlin attended by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “It’s necessary, as well, to use this time in order to accelerate our innovation agenda.”

Delegates at the summit gathered to discuss greater European digital sovereignty and how to reduce the continent’s dependence ...