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U.S. companies operating high-risk AI systems must prepare for the August 2, 2026 compliance deadline under the EU AI Act, despite the European Parliament voting to delay key compliance deadlines to December 2027. The high-risk AI systems category includes biometric identification, critical infrastructure, education, employment, credit scoring, insurance, law enforcement, migration and administration of justice applications. The EU AI Act applies extraterritorially to non-EU companies whose AI systems impact EU residents. Unless the Council of the European Union ratifies the delay by June 2026, the original August 2, 2026 enforcement date remains in effect, leaving businesses with a critical compliance decision: proceed with compliance efforts or assume a delay will be confirmed. Holland & Knight reported the core details. European Union Digital Strategy noted additional context. EU Artificial Intelligence Act added corroborating details.