In light of public statements by the European Commission and the latest EU Council meetings on 6 and 24 June 2025, civil society organisations have expressed their concerns about the growing pressure for a potential ‘stop the clock’ mechanism to suspend or delay the implementation and enforcement of the AI ​​Act.

Attempts to delay the AI ​​Act, especially in the context of the growing deregulation trend that threatens key accountability mechanisms and hard-won rights enshrined in EU law, pose a threat to democracy. Proposals for change are being prepared without real public consultation, without access to information about their basis and effects, and without the voice of civil society. Such practices are contrary to the principles of good legislation and undermine trust in EU institutions. Regulatory transparency is a prerequisite for effective protection of fundamental rights in the digital age – both at the stage of lawmaking and enforcement.

Citizens Network Watchdog Poland has decided to sign a joint letter to EU Commissioners, in which we, together with other civil society organisations, call on the Commission to refrain from pursuing its deregulation agenda and to promote proper enforcement and implementation of the AI ​​Act and the broader set of EU digital rules. Furthermore, in line with the European Commission’s Better Regulation principles, all proposals must follow a transparent and inclusive process, and any proposed measures should be strictly evidence-based and necessary, including a comprehensive impact assessment and inclusive public consultation. We also call on the AI ​​Office to prioritise the development and strengthening of key governance bodies under the AI ​​Regulation, in particular the establishment of an Advisory Forum to provide a structure for meaningful consultation with multi-stakeholder groups, including civil society.

Full text of the letter in English – Open Joint Letter against the Delaying and Reopening of the AI Act