EU AI Act's Enforcement Powers Over General-Purpose AI Kick In August 2

The clock is running out for general-purpose AI providers in Europe. On August 2, 2026, the European Commission’s supervision and enforcement powers over GPAI models activate, carrying fines of up to 3% of global annual turnover or €15 million, whichever is higher. Providers have technically been under these obligations since August 2025, but until now the Commission could not act on them. Signing the voluntary GPAI Code of Practice — covering transparency, copyright, and safety and security — grants a “presumption of conformity” that regulators will weigh as a mitigating factor. Non-signatories must prove compliance by other means and should expect more requests for information. For any lab serving EU users, the compliance deadline is now real, not theoretical.