78% of European companies unprepared for EU AI Act
What it really says
A compliance report shows: 83% of surveyed organizations have no formal inventory of their AI systems in use. Without such an inventory, it's impossible to determine which systems fall under the AI Act's prohibited, high-risk, or minimal-risk categories. The EU has simultaneously extended deadlines for high-risk AI to December 2027.
Our assessment
The number sounds alarming, but: The EU extended deadlines for exactly this reason. Companies now have until the end of 2027 — over a year more than originally planned. The first step is simple: create an inventory of all AI systems in use. This doesn't require specialists, just a spreadsheet and some discipline.
Relevance for Germany
Directly relevant for every German company using AI tools — from ChatGPT access to automated resume screening. Works councils should actively inquire.
Fact check
The 78% figure comes from a survey of 500+ organizations by Vision Compliance. The deadline extension to December 2027 was passed on 26.03.2026 with 569 to 45 votes in the EU Parliament.
Source
- • EU AI Act Official Text
- • Vision Compliance 2026 Report
- • EU Parliament Press Release 26.03.2026