Preparing for the AI Act: How the AI Pact supports early compliance
A collaborative initiative helping organisations plan ahead for trustworthy and transparent AI
The European Union is taking important steps to support organisations in preparing for the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) through the AI Pact. Launched by the European Commission, the AI Pact encourages organisations to plan ahead and take early action during the transitional period following the AI Act’s entry into force on 1 August 2024. While some provisions already apply, others, particularly those related to high-risk AI systems, will become applicable at a later stage. The AI Pact provides a practical framework to help organisations navigate this transition and build readiness in a collaborative way.
The AI Pact is structured around two complementary pillars. Pillar I focuses on gathering and exchanging knowledge through an open network of stakeholders, including companies, public administrations, non-profit organisations, researchers, and civil servants. Participants can attend webinars organised by the European AI Office, share experiences, and discuss challenges related to the AI Act. Pillar II is aimed at organisations that develop or deploy AI systems and encourages them to make voluntary pledges. These pledges outline concrete actions, such as adopting AI governance strategies, mapping high-risk AI systems, and promoting AI literacy among staff, all with clear timelines. More than 230 companies from a wide range of sectors have already signed these pledges.
Data and transparency are central to both the AI Act and the AI Pact. Many of the pledged actions relate directly to data governance, such as mapping AI systems, ensuring human oversight, and improving transparency around AI‑generated content. By sharing best practices and internal policies, participants contribute to a broader exchange of knowledge that supports responsible data use and trustworthy AI across Europe. This reinforces the link between open data, accountability, and public trust in digital technologies.
Want to learn more about the AI Pact and how it supports early preparation for the AI Act? Visit the AI Pact webpage to explore the initiative and stay informed about upcoming events.
For more news and events, follow us on X/Twitter and LinkedIn, or subscribe to our newsletter. You can also connect with other users through our collaboration channel.