EU AI Act Timeline: 2025 to 2027 Deadlines

The AI Act timeline is best managed as an implementation program, not a date list. Teams that translate each milestone into concrete deliverables reduce both legal and execution risk.

Key milestones to operationalize

Entry into force (2024): governance planning and scope mapping should begin.
2025 phase milestones: prohibited-practice screening and literacy/organizational readiness become urgent priorities.
August 2026 milestone: high-impact obligations must be operationalized for relevant systems.
2027 maturity phase: broader enforcement expectations and evidence quality pressures increase.

Deadline planning model for SMEs

T-12 to T-9 months

complete inventory and role mapping
define high-risk candidate pipeline

T-9 to T-6 months

implement oversight and incident controls
launch documentation templates in production workflows

T-6 to T-3 months

run internal compliance dry-runs
close high-priority residual gaps

T-3 to T-0 months

finalize evidence packs
align procurement and legal response playbooks

What to track each month

% systems with documented classification
% high-impact systems with oversight controls
open critical gaps and closure age
incident response readiness score

Final takeaway

Dates alone do not create readiness. Scheduled ownership, measurable milestones, and evidence discipline do.