The EU can now inspect AI models, block market access, and fine providers 3% of turnover. The grace period is over.

This article was published on August 3, 2026 The powers apply to any company offering a general-purpose AI model in the EU, regardless of headquarters. Refusing an information request is finable on its own. OpenAI and Anthropic are in scope. EU AI Act enforcement powers took effect August 2. The Commission can demand model evaluations, restrict market access, and fine providers up to 3% of global revenue. Applies to OpenAI, Anthropic, Google regardless of where they are based. The European Commission gained enforcement powers over general-purpose AI models on August 2, ending the grace period for Chapter V of the EU AI Act. The Commission can now demand to evaluate models before regional release, restrict EU market access, and fine providers up to €15 million or 3% of global annual turnover, whichever is higher. The powers apply to any company offering a general-purpose AI model in the EU, regardless of where it is headquartered. Non-EU providers must appoint an EU-based authorised representative. “A US address does not put a lab outside the EU regulator’s reach,” said Elisabetta Righini, partner at Sidley Austin. She added that liability extends beyond substantive breaches: “Refus