AI Competence: What Applies from February 2025

We already informed you about this in our article from November 20, 2024, titled “AI Regulation: Uniform Rules in the EU.”
As of February 2, 2025, additional provisions of the European AI Regulation have come into force.

These include, for example, the ban on certain AI practices, such as social scoring systems or emotion recognition in the workplace, as stated in Article 5 of the AI Regulation (see page 51).

In addition, new requirements regarding AI competence among employees now also apply.

What does AI competence mean?

According to Article 4 of the AI Regulation (also page 51):

"AI Competence
Providers and operators of AI systems shall take measures to make best efforts to ensure that their personnel and other persons acting on their behalf in relation to the operation and use of AI systems have an adequate level of AI competence, taking into account their technical knowledge, experience, education and training, the context in which the AI systems are to be used, and the persons or groups of persons on whom the AI systems are intended to be used."

What must your company implement?

This article of the AI Regulation is not very specific and does not include direct sanctions.
This means that, strictly speaking, you could choose not to implement certain measures.
However, if damage occurs and you're found to have violated your duty of care, you may be held fully liable for damages.
Even if no harm to others occurs, improper use of AI could still harm your own company — or damage your reputation.

What measures are needed? The necessary steps depend on the type of AI you’re using and on your employees’ level of involvement.
As a small business, you’re not expected to invest immediately in expensive AI solutions — unless your product or service falls into a high-risk category (see Article 6 of the AI Regulation, page 53).

Suggestions to Improve AI Competence in Your Business

Small businesses don’t need to invest heavily in AI software or expensive training courses.
Instead, the focus should be on gradually building skills, starting with simple, practical applications, and clever use of external resources.

Here are a few tips to build up your and your team’s AI competence easily and efficiently:

1. Free Online Courses

Watch YouTube tutorials and podcasts on AI basics
Attend webinars or join local AI networks

2. Use AI tools that require no programming

No-code / low-code AI platforms
AI-powered office tools
Simple process automation (e.g., chatbots for customer service, AI-supported accounting tools)

3. Leverage external support and networks

Explore funding programs and grants (e.g., go-digital or regional AI initiatives)
Consider collaborating with universities or AI startups for affordable or free guidance
Join AI networks and meetups