A 12-month extension for high-risk AI systems, a sanctions regime already active since February 2025, and a national authority still under designation: Romania enters the second half of 2026 with the European AI Act in full consolidation, yet with critical implementation gaps still to close.
Against this backdrop, a two-event initiative aims to convert regulatory pressure into competitive advantage, positioning the country as an active voice in the continent’s artificial intelligence governance.
Romania Opens European AI Dialogue
The association behind the project will gather policymakers, regulators, and business leaders first at the European Parliament on June 25, then in Bucharest on July 1, in what represents the most structured Romanian private-sector engagement with the AI Act to date.
„Our presence at the European Parliament on June 25 is clear evidence that Romania takes the implementation of the AI Act seriously and is ready to assume a regional leadership role. This event is much more than an institutional representation initiative. It is a statement of intent: Romania is committed to the implementation of the AI Act and seeks to be part of the European dialogue that will define how artificial intelligence is used responsibly and competitively. The AI Act is not merely a regulatory framework. It is the foundation upon which Europe is building trust in the technologies of the future. Its impact will be substantial on the way companies develop, deploy, and govern AI systems, influencing economic competitiveness and innovation across the continent. We believe Romania has all the prerequisites to become a regional model for the responsible implementation of AI. We have a strong technology ecosystem, internationally recognized experts, and a business community that understands that the competitive advantage of the future will belong to organizations that adopt artificial intelligence in an ethical, transparent, and compliant manner”, Florina Onețiu, President, Romanian Innovation Cluster, mentioned.
From Regulation to Implementation
The Brussels conference, titled „AI Act in Romania: From Regulation to Implementation,” is designed as a working platform rather than a presentation. Representatives of Romanian companies will address direct questions to drafters and implementers of the legislation, including MEP Maria Grapini (Vice-Chair of the IMCO Committee, host of the event), European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, European Parliament Vice-President Victor Negrescu, MEP Brando Benifei (AI Act Co-Rapporteur), Martin Ulbrich (Senior Policy Officer, DG CONNECT), and Carmen Socolovici (Director of the Legal Department at ANCOM). The panel „Scaling AI in European Companies,” moderated by attorney Sergiu Vasilescu, will feature MEP Christel Schaldemose (DSA Rapporteur), Bruno Delepierre (Founder of Happonomy, European Innovation Council), Raphaël Weuts (AI governance advisor, author of On Accuracy of European AI Law), Cristian Onețiu (founder of BizzOs and Brilu AI), Pavel Cincilei (founder of Smart Fleet OS), and Cristian Teodorescu (AI Safety Leader).
Scaling AI in European Companies
The initiative pivots to Bucharest on July 1 with AI DAY ROMANIA, the first national event dedicated exclusively to practical AI implementation in organizations. One hundred business leaders will attend an intensive seminar alongside AI implementation specialists, AI Act lawyers, ANCOM regulators, and practitioners with real-world deployment experience. The agenda rejects theoretical overviews in favor of operational answers: current legal obligations, non-technical AI strategy development through the OM + AI approach, building AI-augmented teams, and measuring ROI from AI-powered sales, marketing, and operational systems.
Brussels and Bucharest: A Dual Strategy
The dual structure — European policy dialogue in Brussels, hands-on implementation in Bucharest — reflects a strategy built on six pillars: direct access to European Commission and Parliament decision-makers; comparative perspectives from other EU Member States; clarity on legislative and operational obligations; positioning the country as an active contributor to the European technology ecosystem; establishing a permanent communication channel between private sector, national authorities, and European institutions; and promoting the country’s potential as a regional hub for responsible AI, supported by the National AI Strategy 2024–2027.
The Digital Omnibus Agreement adopted in May 2026 extended the implementation deadline for high-risk artificial intelligence systems until December 2027. However, fundamental obligations already in force — including AI Literacy requirements, the prohibition of certain AI practices, and the sanctions framework — have continued to produce legal effects since February 2025. The process of designating and strengthening the national implementation authority remains ongoing, the national legislative framework requires further development, and many organizations are still seeking practical guidance on what compliance actually entails.
