EU AI Act High-Risk Rules Now Apply to 85,000 Companies Across Europe
The EU AI Act's high-risk rules now apply to an estimated 85,000 companies across Europe, covering AI in hiring, credit, education, and law enforcement — the world's first comprehensive AI law at full application.
The EU AI Act's obligations for high-risk AI systems entered full application in August 2026, covering AI used in hiring, credit scoring, education, critical infrastructure, and law enforcement. The European Commission estimates 85,000 companies are directly affected, with conformity assessments, technical documentation, and human oversight requirements now legally enforceable across all 27 member states.
Enforcement sits with national market surveillance authorities, which in most countries are still building the technical capacity to assess AI systems. The Commission has acknowledged an 18-month window during which guidance rather than penalties will be the primary tool.
Why it matters: The Act is the world's first comprehensive AI law with binding requirements and financial penalties. Its reach extends beyond Europe, since any company selling AI-enabled products into the EU must comply regardless of where it is headquartered. How national authorities build enforcement capacity over the next two years will determine whether the Act changes industry practice or remains largely aspirational.
