TITLE: European Commission Launches Targeted Consultation on High-Risk Artificial Intelligence Classification Guidelines
BODY:
On May 19, 2026, the European Commission opened a targeted consultation on draft guidelines for classifying high-risk artificial intelligence (AI) systems under the AI Act. The consultation seeks feedback on the clarity of the guidelines and the usefulness of practical examples provided to support stakeholders in determining whether an AI system qualifies as high-risk.
The guidelines address two categories of high-risk AI systems: those embedded in products regulated under the European Union's harmonised product safety legislation, and those capable of significantly affecting people's health, safety, or fundamental rights in specific use cases identified in the AI Act. The draft guidelines offer clarifications on relevant AI Act provisions and include practical examples illustrating how classification should be assessed across different areas and use cases. The Commission has made the guidelines accessible through the AI Act Single Information Platform, which provides summaries, examples, and an interactive explorer allowing users to search and browse areas and use cases most relevant to them.
The consultation targets a broad audience, including AI providers and developers, organisations deploying AI systems, public authorities, researchers, civil society organisations, supervisory bodies, and members of the public. Stakeholders can submit feedback through an anonymous online questionnaire until June 23, 2026, at 22:00 Central European Time. Only responses submitted through the online questionnaire will be considered and reflected in the final summary report. The Commission will use feedback received to inform the final version of the guidelines. For consultation-related questions, stakeholders can contact CNECT-A2@ec.europa.eu.
REFERENCES:
European Commission. "Targeted consultation on the draft guidelines for the classification of high-risk artificial intelligence systems." Shaping Europe's Digital Future. May 19, 2026. Available at: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/consultations/targeted-consultation-draft-guidelines-classification-high-risk-artificial-intelligence-systems