The Complete Guide to the European AI Regulation: What it is, Who it Affects, and How to Prepare 

April 15, 2025

Table of contents

Artificial intelligence is not just a futuristic concept; it’s actively reshaping our present and transforming how we approach legislation. With the European Union’s AI Act, there’s a decisive push towards regulating AI’s ethical and safe use. But what does this mean for businesses, and how should they gear up for it?

What is the European AI Regulation (AI Act)?

The AI Act marks a groundbreaking move by the European Union to ensure artificial intelligence systems operate safely, ethically, and transparently. This regulation lays out criteria for the development, implementation, and utilization of AI across various sectors, all while fostering trust in technology and safeguarding fundamental rights.

Risk Classification in AI Systems

The AI Act categorizes AI systems based on risk levels: unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal.

  • Unacceptable: Systems posing significant threats to fundamental rights, like subliminal manipulation or social scoring, are banned.
  • High Risk: AI in critical fields such as healthcare, education, human resources, or law enforcement requires stringent assessments.
  • Limited Risk: Transparency is key, necessitating clear communication to users when interacting with AI systems.
  • Minimal Risk: These systems enjoy relatively free use with minimal restrictions.

Requirements Based on Risk Level

The higher the risk, the more stringent the legal requirements. High-risk cases demand audits, comprehensive technical documentation, human oversight, and robust data management.

Who Will the New AI Regulation in Europe Affect?

AI Developers and Users

Whether you’re developing AI solutions or integrating algorithms into your operations, this regulation directly impacts your business. IT, innovation, and compliance teams will particularly feel its effects.

Regulated Sectors: Health, Education, HR, and More

If your company operates in sectors like corporate education, human resources, healthcare, or public services, ensuring AI application compliance is crucial. Tools for automated candidate selection, for instance, fall under the high-risk category.

Risks and Penalties for Non-Compliance

Fines, Restrictions, and Reputational Damage

Article 99 of the AI Act states that non-compliance could lead to penalties of up to 35 million euros or 7% of a company’s annual global turnover. Beyond financial consequences, there’s the risk of eroding public trust and tarnishing your corporate image.

Training to Adapt to AI Regulation

New Competencies Required by the Regulation

Adapting to the new legislation necessitates cross-disciplinary training. Professionals from diverse fields need to grasp AI fundamentals, its ethical implications, and the new legal requirements.

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Ethics, Transparency, and Responsible AI Use

Understanding principles like algorithmic fairness, transparency, and data governance is essential for organizations striving to comply with the regulation.

Prepare Your Team for the New AI Regulatory Framework with isEazy Skills

Updated Content in Compliance with the AI Act for Responsible Training

The European AI regulation presents significant challenges but also opens doors to great opportunities. At isEazy Skills, we transform this reality into actionable steps, offering a course catalog that’s consistently updated and aligned with new legal demands.

Our courses cover artificial intelligence, digital responsibility, technological ethics, and algorithmic bias prevention, helping your company not just comply with the law but also lead by example.

Practical, Flexible Training Adapted to All Profiles

Our “learning by doing” methodology turns education into an engaging experience. With interactive, agile courses available in multiple formats—be it classic courses, webinars, podcasts, and more—we equip team members from any area, technical or strategic, with the skills they need effectively, flexibly, and engagingly.

From Requirement to Competitive Advantage

Adapting to the AI Act isn’t just a legal obligation; it’s an opportunity to position your company as a leader in innovation and ethics. With isEazy Skills, you’ll convert regulatory compliance into a competitive edge, boosting your organization’s digital culture and preparing your team for the future.

Want to see our approach in action? Request a demo!

Frequently Asked Questions about the European AI Regulation

What is the European AI Act?

The AI Act is the European Union’s pioneering regulation ensuring the safe, ethical, and transparent use of artificial intelligence. It sets clear criteria for AI development and application, categorizing systems by risk level: unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal, with the aim of protecting fundamental rights and fostering trust in technology.

Which Companies Must Comply with the AI Regulation?

All companies developing or utilizing AI solutions must adhere to the AI Act. This includes organizations creating algorithms and those using AI in areas like healthcare, education, human resources, or public services. IT, innovation, and compliance teams will be particularly impacted by the law.

What Risks Does the European AI Regulation Contemplate?

The AI Act classifies risks into four levels. Systems of unacceptable risk, such as social scoring, are banned. High-risk systems, like those used for candidate selection or medical diagnostics, require audits, human oversight, and detailed technical documentation. Limited risk systems demand transparency, while minimal risk systems are subject to few restrictions.

What Happens If a Company Does Not Comply with the AI Regulation?

Failure to comply with the AI Act can incur fines of up to 35 million euros or 7% of the annual global turnover, as per Article 99. Companies may also face operational restrictions and reputational damage, losing trust from clients and partners.

What Type of Training is Necessary to Adapt to the New Regulation?

Compliance with the AI Act requires training in digital ethics, data governance, and regulatory adherence, covering professionals across both technical and strategic domains. It’s crucial for team members to understand the principles of responsible AI, algorithmic fairness, and relevant legal requirements.

How Do isEazy Skills Courses Help Comply with the AI Act?

isEazy Skills provides a course catalog updated in line with the AI Act, focusing on AI ethics, data protection, responsible technology use, and digital compliance. With interactive formats and a “learning by doing” approach, the courses are accessible to all profiles, turning regulatory compliance into a competitive advantage and fostering a digital culture within the company.

Fernando González Zurita
Fernando González Zurita
User Acquisition Manager at isEazy

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