What are the risk categories under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act?

The Act classifies AI systems into four categories: unacceptable risk (banned), high-risk (strictly regulated), limited risk (transparency required), and minimal risk (low regulatory impact).

What compliance requirements do Turkish companies face under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act?

Turkish companies must conduct conformity assessments for high-risk AI systems, maintain documentation, ensure transparency and human oversight, and prepare for audits and enforcement actions.

What are the risks of ignoring the EU Artificial Intelligence Act?

Non-compliance can lead to blocked market access in the EU, heavy financial penalties, reputational damage, and reduced global competitiveness for Turkish AI businesses.

What opportunities does the EU Artificial Intelligence Act create for Türkiye?

By aligning with the Act, Türkiye can strengthen trust with EU partners, encourage innovation and R&D, and position itself as a regional hub for ethical AI development.

EU Artificial Intelligence Act and Its Impact on Türkiye – Compliance, Risks, and Opportunities

Q: What is the EU Artificial Intelligence Act?

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act is the first comprehensive legal framework for AI, designed to ensure safety, transparency, and accountability in AI systems across the European Union and beyond.

Q: How does the EU Artificial Intelligence Act affect Türkiye?

Due to the Brussels Effect, Turkish businesses that export AI systems or services to the EU must comply with the Act’s requirements to maintain market access and competitiveness.

S. A. Jaffri
Sep 20
3 min read

Updated: Sep 22

Woman in a blue suit interacts with a digital screen displaying "EU AI Act Impacts on Türkiye" and AI graphics. Cityscape in background.

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act is the world’s first comprehensive legal framework designed to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). Entering into force in August 2024, the Act sets strict requirements for AI safety, transparency, and accountability. While the regulation primarily targets the European Union, its effects extend well beyond EU borders. For Türkiye, a country with growing AI ambitions and close trade ties with Europe, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act is both a challenge and an opportunity. This article explores what the Act means, how it impacts Turkish businesses, the risks of non-compliance, and the opportunities for Türkiye to position itself as a competitive AI player in the global market.

What is the EU Artificial Intelligence Act?

Definition and Key Objectives

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act defines AI broadly, covering machine learning, logic-based approaches, and statistical models. Its main objectives are to ensure safety, safeguard fundamental rights, and build trust in AI technologies.

Risk-Based Approach (High-Risk, Prohibited, Low-Risk AI Systems)

The Act categorizes AI systems into four levels:

Unacceptable risk – banned applications such as social scoring or manipulative AI.
High risk – AI in healthcare, finance, education, or law enforcement, subject to strict requirements.
Limited risk – systems like chatbots requiring transparency.
Minimal risk – low-risk tools such as spam filters.

Why It Matters Globally

Because of the EU’s economic influence, the Act sets a de facto global standard. Non-EU businesses interacting with EU markets must comply, creating a ripple effect worldwide.

How Does the EU Artificial Intelligence Act Affect Türkiye?

The “Brussels Effect” – Why EU Laws Shape Global Markets

EU regulations often extend beyond Europe due to the size and importance of its market. This phenomenon, known as the Brussels Effect, means Turkish companies must adapt if they wish to remain competitive.

Implications for Turkish Businesses Exporting to the EU

Turkish AI developers and service providers offering products in finance, healthcare, or manufacturing must ensure compliance, or risk losing access to EU markets.

Policy Alignment Challenges for Türkiye

Türkiye has introduced its own AI Strategy (2021–2025) and is drafting new AI regulations. However, aligning with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act requires significant legal and technical adjustments.

Compliance Requirements for Turkish Companies

High-Risk AI Systems and Conformity Assessments

Companies must conduct risk assessments, ensure robustness, and meet cybersecurity and accuracy benchmarks for high-risk AI applications.

Documentation, Transparency, and Human Oversight

Maintaining detailed technical documentation, disclosing AI use, and ensuring human supervision are mandatory compliance steps.

Preparing for Audits and Enforcement

Turkish businesses engaging with EU clients should prepare for third-party audits and potential EU enforcement actions.

Risks of Ignoring the EU Artificial Intelligence Act

Market Rejection and Trade Barriers

Non-compliance may block Turkish companies from exporting AI systems or related services to the EU.

Financial Penalties and Reputational Risks

The Act imposes heavy fines for violations—up to €35 million or 7% of global turnover—damaging both finances and reputation.

Falling Behind in Global Competitiveness

Failure to align with EU rules could leave Turkish firms trailing global competitors that embrace compliance as a trust-building measure.

Opportunities for Türkiye in AI Regulation

Building Trust with EU Partners

By aligning early with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, Turkish companies can build stronger partnerships and credibility.

Enhancing Innovation and R&D Alignment

Compliance may encourage Turkish firms to adopt higher standards in innovation, security, and transparency.

Positioning Türkiye as a Regional AI Hub

If Türkiye harmonizes with EU standards, it could emerge as a regional hub for ethical and trustworthy AI.

Expert Insights and Case Studies

Examples of Industries Most Affected

Sectors like finance, healthcare, transport, and manufacturing are most likely to face regulatory scrutiny due to high-risk applications.

Lessons from Early Adopters of Compliance Strategies

Companies that invested in compliance infrastructure early on now enjoy smoother EU market entry and better investor confidence.

Türkiye’s Potential Role in Shaping Regional AI Ethics

As Türkiye strengthens its AI legal framework, it could play a leadership role in promoting ethical AI across the Middle East and Eurasia.

Ensure Compliance, Protect Your Business

Kurucuk & Associates Law Firm in Istanbul provides expert guidance on the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. Our team helps Turkish companies align with EU regulations, minimize risks, and secure access to European markets.