AI Act: Germany's Stress Test
Between Deadline Chaos and Industry Revolt

The deadline was August 2, 2025: By then, Germany should have designated a national market surveillance authority for the AI Act. However, the required AI Market Surveillance Act (KIMÜG) is on hold. The planned authority, the Federal Network Agency, cannot begin its work.

• Consequence: Massive Legal Uncertainty

  Companies now lack a central point of contact for implementing the complex law. Questions about obligations and potential fines of up to 35 million euros remain unanswered. Data protection officials like Thomas Fuchs warn of a clear disadvantage for the innovation location.

While politics hesitates, massive resistance is forming in the business world. In an open letter to the EU Commission, top managers like Siemens CEO Roland Busch and SAP CEO Christian Klein demand a suspension or even a complete renegotiation of the AI Act.

• The Main Argument: Innovation Brake

  The corporations fear that overly strict regulation will massively weaken Europe's competitiveness in the global race, especially with the USA. A more business-friendly legislation that doesn't stifle innovation through bureaucracy is urgently needed.

AI expert Philipp Hartmann from AppliedAI considers the pure demand for deregulation dangerous. He argues that clear rules are essential to create trust and acceptance among the population.

"When people can be sure that certain things like social scoring are prohibited, it reduces skepticism and fear," says Hartmann. Guardrails are essential, especially in critical sectors.

An abolition of the AI Act, he warns, would lead to a patchwork of national regulations that would make the legal situation even more complicated for companies. His proposal: A reform that relieves smaller companies, instead of a complete restart.