Author: Nathan Genicot (LSTS Research Group – VUB)

AI regulatory sandboxes are a mechanism introduced in the recently adopted AI Act to foster the development of innovative AI systems within the European Union. By 2 August 2026, each Member State of the EU will be required to have at least one AI regulatory sandbox in place. This report explores this new legal framework and reviews existing related practices. It aims to enhance the understanding of the rules introduced by the AI Act, and highlight key issues that must be addressed to ensure the effective and timely implementation of AI regulatory sandboxes at the national level.