Heading for Clear Rules
Consultation on AI Regulation Launched

On September 12, 2025, the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation (BMDS) launched the consultation with federal states and associations on the national implementation law. This step is crucial for transposing the European AI Regulation into German law. The draft law, the 'AI Market Surveillance and Promotion Act' (KIMÜG), designates the responsible authorities, regulates their tasks, and contains provisions for promoting innovation as well as penalty procedures.

A key point of the draft is the designation of the Federal Network Agency as the central market surveillance authority. According to Federal Digital Minister Dr. Karsten Wildberger, this step should provide legal clarity and fast processes. The goal is 'innovation-promoting and lean AI governance'.

• Hybrid Approach and 'One-Stop-Shop'

  KIMÜG pursues a hybrid approach: While the Federal Network Agency takes on a central role, existing supervisory structures (e.g., in the financial sector) are used to avoid duplication. Companies thus retain their familiar contact points, which will also cover the AI Regulation in the future.

'If we want to see more AI developments from Germany and Europe, we need to create practical frameworks for businesses.'— Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Federal Digital Minister

In addition to pure oversight, the Federal Network Agency is also to actively promote innovation. Several measures are planned to support companies and advance AI development in Germany.

• Coordination and Competence Centre (KoKIVO): Bundles expertise and ensures uniform legal interpretation.
• AI Regulatory Sandbox: Provides a testing environment for new AI applications, especially for SMEs and start-ups.
• AI Service Desk: Serves as a direct point of contact for companies to clarify questions about applying the AI Regulation.

The European AI Regulation already entered into force on August 2, 2024. The deadline for establishing national supervisory structures was actually August 2, 2025, but could not be met due to the early federal elections. The federal government is now working under high pressure to bring the draft law to cabinet quickly. The launch of consultations is an important, albeit delayed, step to finally provide companies in Germany with the necessary legal and planning certainty. BMDS Website.