The EU Artificial Intelligence Act

Abstract This commentary offers a comprehensive, article-by-article analysis of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA), a landmark regulation comprising 113 articles and 180 recitals. It traces the AIA’s evolution from early robotics debates to the Commission’s 2020 White Paper and trilogue negotiations, highlighting political compromises and regulatory challenges. The work examines the Act through risk-based approaches, regulatory theory, and geopolitical dimensions, addressing issues of opacity, complexity, and adaptability inherent in AI governance. Beyond textual interpretation, it contextualizes provisions within EU law on product liability, fundamental rights, and data protection, while considering implementing acts and emerging soft law. By blending technical detail with normative analysis, the commentary underscores the AIA’s dual role as a practical regulatory instrument and a symbolic milestone in Europe’s assertive digital governance strategy.