The Council of the EU is set to decide whether to consult the Committee of the Regions on the European Commission's 'Digital Omnibus on AI' proposal, according to a procedural note from the Council's General Secretariat dated 2 June 2026. The note, prepared for the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) meeting on 10 June 2026, recommends optional consultation of the Committee of the Regions, arguing that the proposal amends two regulations on which the Committee previously issued opinions. If Coreper agrees, the Committee would be asked to deliver its opinion by 8 May 2026.
Procedural step with substantive implications
The note does not address the substance of the Omnibus proposal but facilitates a procedural decision on regional consultation. The underlying Commission proposal aims to amend the AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689) and the EASA Basic Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2018/1139) to simplify implementation. Key bottlenecks include delays in Member States designating national competent authorities and conformity assessment bodies, as well as a lack of harmonised standards, guidance, and compliance tools for high-risk AI systems.
Impact on stakeholders
- EU regulatory bodies: The proposal seeks to accelerate and harmonise the AI Act's rollout, potentially easing pressure on the European Commission and AI Office to provide standards and guidance.
- National authorities of EU countries: Member States face administrative burdens in designating authorities and bodies; the Omnibus aims to streamline these processes.
- EU producers of high-risk AI systems: Companies currently face uncertainty due to missing standards and compliance tools; the proposal could reduce delays and costs in bringing products to market.
- EU consumers and civil society: Faster implementation of the AI Act may enhance safety and trust in AI systems, but simplification could also risk diluting protections if not carefully balanced.
Expected institutional follow-up
Coreper will decide on consulting the Committee of the Regions. If approved, the Committee will provide its opinion by 8 May 2026. The Council will then proceed with legislative deliberations on the Omnibus proposal, with the European Parliament expected to follow its own procedure.