The Council of the European Union has reached agreement on its position regarding proposed changes to the bloc’s Artificial Intelligence Act, the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy has confirmed.
The agreement, achieved on March 13 under the Cypriot EU Council Presidency, concerns a proposal aimed at simplifying rules and ensuring the effective and proportionate implementation of the AI Act.
The proposal forms part of the EU’s seventh “Digital Simplification” legislative package and will allow negotiations with the European Parliament to begin immediately.
According to the announcement, member states also agreed on new provisions strengthening protections for citizens—particularly minors—in the digital environment.
These include banning AI‑driven practices that generate non‑consensual sexual or intimate content, as well as material involving child sexual abuse.
The Council additionally endorsed a clear timeline for implementing rules governing high‑risk AI systems, giving businesses and authorities sufficient time to adapt. The agreement also maintains the requirement that high‑risk AI systems be registered in the EU’s dedicated database to enhance transparency and oversight.
Officials said the agreement marks a significant step toward establishing a clearer and more functional regulatory framework for artificial intelligence in Europe, balancing innovation with citizen protection.
The Deputy Ministry noted that safeguarding minors online remains a key priority for Cyprus, both during its EU Presidency and at the national level.
