In a major milestone for artificial intelligence governance, the European Commission has received the final version of its General-Purpose AI Code of Practice. This comprehensive voluntary framework is designed to guide the development and deployment of powerful AI systems in the EU. The Code aims to bridge the gap between innovation and regulation, offering a practical path for developers to align with upcoming legal requirements under the EU’s AI Act. Crafted by a panel of 13 independent experts and shaped by input from over 1,000 stakeholders, including AI developers, small businesses, academics, rights holders, and civil society, the Code is set to play a pivotal role in preparing the industry for the next phase of AI regulation. With enforcement deadlines looming, the Code arrives as both a policy tool and a blueprint for responsible AI development in one of the world’s largest digital markets. Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, commented: “The publication of the final version of the Code of Practice for general-purpose AI marks an important step in making the most advanced AI models available in Europe not only innovative but also safe and transparent. “Co-designed by AI stakeholders, the Code is aligned with their needs. Therefore, I invite all general-purpose AI model providers to adhere to the Code. Doing so will secure them a clear, collaborative route to compliance with the EU’s AI Act.”
**Summary:** The European Commission has finalized its General-Purpose AI Code of Practice to guide the development and deployment of AI systems in the EU, bridging the gap between innovation and regulation. Crafted by experts and stakeholders, the Code prepares the industry for upcoming AI regulations, offering a roadmap for responsible AI development.
