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On May 7, 2026, the European Commission announced a political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on simplified, innovation-friendly rules for artificial intelligence (AI). The agreement follows the Commission's proposal of the Digital Omnibus on AI, submitted five months earlier as part of the EU's broader simplification agenda to enhance European competitiveness. The revised framework aims to ease implementation of the AI Act for EU businesses while preserving protections for European society, safety, and fundamental rights. The agreement establishes a phased implementation timeline for high-risk AI systems. Rules governing AI systems used in high-risk areas—including biometric identification, critical infrastructure, education, employment, migration, asylum and border control—will take effect on December 2, 2027. For AI systems integrated into products such as lifts or toys, the rules will apply from August 2, 2028. This staggered approach is designed to allow sufficient time for the development of technical standards and supporting implementation tools before the rules become enforceable. The agreement also addresses the regulation of non-consensual intimate image applications, commonly referred to as "nudification" apps, which will be subject to restrictions to protect citizens from potential harm. The sequenced implementation timeline provides businesses with a clear roadmap for compliance, while the simplified regulatory framework is intended to reduce administrative burden and support innovation across the EU. The agreement represents a balance between facilitating technological advancement and maintaining robust safeguards for citizens' rights and safety.