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Mercedes-Benz, Siemens Energy Join Call to Postpone EU AI Rules

By  |  July 3, 2025

Dozens of Europe’s leading companies are pressing the European Union (EU) to delay its sweeping new artificial intelligence legislation, warning that the current regulatory timeline threatens to stifle innovation and undermine the continent’s competitiveness in the global AI race.

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    According to Bloomberg, more than 45 companies — including major industry players like ASML Holding NV, Airbus SE, and French AI firm Mistral AI — signed a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The letter calls for a two-year postponement of key AI rules, particularly those targeting general-purpose AI models and high-risk applications, which are slated to take effect as early as next month.

    The group is advocating for what it terms a more “innovation-friendly regulatory approach,” citing concerns that Europe’s AI aspirations could falter under the weight of overly restrictive compliance requirements. Per Bloomberg, the signatories argue that deferring implementation would allow for more thorough development of essential guidelines and standards that have yet to be finalized.

    Notably, the appeal was also backed by Mercedes-Benz Group AG, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Publicis Groupe SA, Prosus NV, and Siemens Energy AG, underscoring broad-based industry unease. Central to the companies’ concerns is the delayed release of a key “code of practice” meant to guide compliance for advanced AI developers. The code, originally scheduled for May, has been criticized by technology firms for being overly burdensome and extending beyond the scope of the EU’s AI Act.

    Related: Mercedes-Benz Teams Up With Luminar For Self-Driving Tech

    The uncertainty has reverberated beyond Europe. The U.S. government, Bloomberg reports, formally objected to the proposed code in April, sending letters to the European Commission and several member states urging its withdrawal or significant revision.

    Despite a staggered rollout designed to ease the transition, the most sophisticated AI models — such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT — are expected to comply with the legislation by August. However, with working groups still debating the practical aspects of enforcement as of July, industry observers fear the timeline is becoming increasingly unrealistic.

    The companies argue that prioritizing regulatory quality over speed would send a message to the global tech community that Europe remains committed to fostering innovation while maintaining high standards.

    Source: Bloomberg