Siemens and SAP call for overhaul of European AI laws

SAP and Siemens CEOs Christian Klein and Roland Busch have called for a fundamental overhaul of European AI regulations. They argue that the current rules are restrictive and overlapping, hindering innovation. Busch referred to the Data Act as "toxic" for digital business models. The companies urge a new framework that prioritizes data regulation over investments in data centers.

In a joint interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the CEOs of SAP and Siemens, Christian Klein and Roland Busch, respectively, have called for a fundamental revision of European AI laws. The current regulations, they argue, are restrictive and overlapping, impeding innovation. Busch described the EU's Data Act as "toxic for the development of digital business models" [1].

The EU's AI Act, which became law in 2024, classifies AI applications into risk categories, requiring providers to meet certain safety and transparency standards. However, Busch and Klein contend that these rules are hindering progress. Busch stated that the AI Act is one of the reasons "why we can't go full throttle here," and that the regulations are, in part, contradictory and overlap with existing laws [2].

Busch and Klein advocate for a new regulatory framework that encourages innovation rather than stifling it. They believe that revising data regulations should take precedence over investments in data centers. "We're sitting on a treasure trove of data in Europe, but we haven't been able to unlock it yet," Busch added [3].

The push for a revision comes as the legislative package is being implemented. The EU Parliament adopted the AI Act in 2024, which classifies AI applications into risk categories, requiring providers to meet certain safety and transparency standards. Recently, US companies such as Alphabet and Meta, as well as European firms Mistral and ASML, have called for a delay, citing a lack of clear guidelines [1].

The European Commission announced in early July that the publication of a corresponding code of conduct could be delayed until the end of 2025. However, the Brussels authority rejected any postponement of the law's overall implementation. The Commission has not yet issued a statement regarding the demands from Siemens and SAP [1].

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/SAP-SE-436555/news/Siemens-and-SAP-Call-for-Overhaul-of-European-AI-Legislation-50498331/
[2] https://www.reuters.com/technology/siemens-sap-call-eu-revise-its-ai-regulations-faz-2025-07-13/
[3] https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/c9036-tech-leaders-urge-eu-to-rethink-ai-laws