AI Act, between regulation and competitivity – Romania opens the European dialogue

Romania starts the second half of 2026 as AI Act goes through an important consolidation period. Digital Omnibus agreement adopted in May extended the application term for high risk AI systems until december 2027, while fundamental obligations which are already active, such is AI Literacy, forbid certain practices and the sanctions regime continues to produce effects since February 2025.

The challenges remain obvious: the process to designate and consolidate a national implementation authority is still ongoing, the legislative wireframe needs additions and many organizations are trying to understand exactly what it means to conform to the new European rules.

Romanian Innovation Cluster organizes, on June 25th, at European Parliament in Bruxelles, the conference “AI Act in Romania: from regulation to implementation”, an event dedicated to the direct dialogue between Romanian private sector, national authorities and European decision factors, aiming to transform the current challenges into an historical opportunity for Romania.

The reason for the conference is that the current situation is not just a challenge, but also a strategic opportunity for Romania. The country has the chance to become an active partner to defining the way AI Act will be implemented at European level, monetizing its tech ecosystem experience and the directions assumed via National Strategy for AI 2024-2027.

The strategic objective for which the event is organized is to promote a direct dialogue with European decision factors, to achieve applicable solutions for Romania, get legislative and operational clarity, position the country as an active actor in the area, open a permanent communication channel and promoting the potential for Romania to become a regional responsible AI hub.

Attending the conference will be: MEP Maria Grapini, VP IMCO commision as host, Teresa Ribera, VP European Commision, Victor Negrescu, VP European Parliament, MEP Brando Benifei, Co-reporting AI Act, Martin Ulbrich, Senior Policy Officer DG CONNECT European Commision, Carmen Socolovici, Director Juridical Direction ANCOM, representatives of European financing programs.

Florina Onetiu, President Romanian Innovation Cluster:

Our presence at EP on June 25th represents the clear proof that Romania takes seriously AI Act implementation and that we are ready to assume a regional leadership role. The event represents more then an institutional representation initiative. It is a statement of intention: Romania is serious when it comes of implementing AI Act and wants to be part of the European dialogue that will define the way AI is used responsibly and competitively. AI Act is not just a regulation frame. It is the foundation Europe builds its trust in the future´s technologies. The impact will be a major one over the way the companies are developing, using and govern the AI systems, influencing the economical competitivity and the innovation at continental level. We believe Romania has all the premises to become a regional model of responsible implementation of AI. We have a strong tech ecosystem, internationally recognized specialists and a business community understanding that the competitive advantage of the future belongs to the organizations that are adopting AI etically, transparent and according to European legislation

The initiative started in Bruxelles on June 25th will continue in Bucharest on July 1st, at AI DAY, the first event in Romania exclusively dedicated to practical implementation of AI within organizations, from legal, strategic and operational point of view. The event in Bucharest will bring together 100 business leaders, in an intensive seminary format.

By organizing these 2 complimentary events, Romanian Innovation Cluster contributes to consolidating a culture of responsible innovation and to preparing the Romanian business sector for the new AI era.

Media partners at theevents are Revista Biz, Revista Capital, adhurgger.net, bursa.ro, clubantreprenor.ro, e-femeia.ro, wall-street.ro, retail.ro, prwave.ro, ultima-ora.ro, ordineazilei.ro, romaniajournal.ro, ziarulpozitiv.ro, businesscatalog.ro.