Regulation of Artificial Intelligence: EU Experience and Future Regulation in Ukraine

In July 2024, the European Union introduced a new global approach to AI regulation: Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 became the world’s first comprehensive legal framework establishing binding rules for developers and users of AI systems, marking a shift from voluntary ethical principles to legally enforceable requirements as a condition for access to the European market.

For Ukraine, AI regulation is far more than a technical issue. Following the granting of EU candidate status in 2022 and the launch of accession negotiations, Ukraine is required to progressively align its legislation with the EU acquis, which includes the AI Act. Its implementation is therefore a matter of the pace and sequencing of regulatory alignment. Ukraine’s accession to the European AI Board in October 2025 marked the first institutional step in this direction.

At the same time, the EU itself is reassessing its approach. Following the adoption of the AI Act, it became clear that an ambitious implementation timetable and delays in developing technical standards could create risks for businesses. The European Commission is therefore considering ways to adjust the pace of implementation in order to maintain the EU’s competitiveness.

This document analyses the regulatory architecture of the AI Act and related EU legislation, assesses the response of European businesses to the new regulatory framework, and identifies the potential opportunities and challenges for Ukraine as it aligns with these standards. It also provides recommendations for a balanced policy approach that combines Ukraine’s European integration commitments with support for the development of its AI sector.