EU AI Act

What does the law mean for your organisation?

The EU AI Act is the first comprehensive European legislation regulating the use of AI. The law has officially been in force since 1 August 2024, but is being phased in step by step.

The first obligations have applied since 2 February 2025. Since then, organisations that use AI must take measures that support the AI literacy of their employees. From 2 August 2026, regulators will be able to actually enforce the law.

What is the EU AI Act?

The AI Act aims to ensure AI is used safely, transparently and responsibly, protecting people, rights and organisations.

This means that using AI within your organisation is not optional. You need to actively invest in knowledge, awareness and training for your employees.

2 Feb 2025

AI literacy obligation takes effect

2 Aug 2026

Enforcement and fines begin

Up to 7%

Maximum fine under the AI Act

What is AI literacy?

AI literacy means that employees understand what AI is, how it works and what impact it has on their work.

The EU AI Act requires organisations to give employees the knowledge and skills to use AI responsibly and recognise risks. This isn't just about technical knowledge, but also about conscious and responsible use:

  • Understanding what AI can and cannot do
  • Insight into risks and limitations
  • Recognising bias and errors
  • Knowing how to apply AI safely and ethically
  • Handling data and privacy responsibly

AI literacy ensures that employees don't use AI blindly, but apply it critically and consciously.

Who does this obligation apply to?

The AI literacy obligation applies to all organisations that develop or use AI systems within the EU.

Businesses

Use ready-made AI tools, such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot

Organisations

Build AI into their processes, products or services, for internal use or for customers

Employees

Work with AI on a daily basis, whether employed or freelance

In short: as soon as someone within or on behalf of your organisation works with AI, you must demonstrably invest in AI knowledge.

What are the possible consequences?

The EU AI Act sets clear requirements. Organisations that fail to meet them are at risk.

Fines that can run up to 7% of annual turnover

Reputational damage from incorrect or unsafe AI use

Legal risks from harm or discrimination caused by AI

Oversight and enforcement by national authorities (from 2 August 2026)

On top of that: the sooner your AI literacy is in order, the better prepared you are for whatever obligations follow.

What can you do?

To comply with the EU AI Act, it's important that employees demonstrably have sufficient AI knowledge. In practice, this means that as an organisation you need to invest in training and development.

Offer e-learning or training

Provide an accessible way for everyone to learn the basics of AI.

Make it part of onboarding

New employees start off with the right knowledge, and existing employees keep developing.

Certification

Show that employees have gained the right knowledge and skills.

Keep knowledge up to date

AI is developing fast, so make sure training stays up to date.

By structurally organising AI literacy through training and e-learning, you not only comply with the law, but also ensure safe, responsible and effective AI use within your organisation.

With AI-Wijzer, you give your employees a complete, interactive e-learning course that puts your AI literacy in order directly and demonstrably.

Why start now?

AI is already being used daily within organisations, often without clear guidelines. By investing in AI literacy now:

  • You comply with the EU AI Act (already mandatory)
  • You reduce your risks
  • You strengthen trust within your organisation
  • You make your employees future-proof

With AI-Wijzer, you make sure your organisation is ready for responsible AI use.