Poland
Rzeczpospolita Polska
Emerging digital powerhouse: Strategic AI implementation in CEE region
National Competent Authority
Urząd Ochrony Danych Osobowych (UODO)
Personal Data Protection Office
Poland's UODO serves as the designated competent authority for AI Act implementation. As one of the most active GDPR enforcement agencies in Central and Eastern Europe, UODO brings substantial data protection expertise to AI governance. With Poland's rapidly growing tech sector and strategic position in the EU's eastern frontier, UODO's AI enforcement approach will significantly influence regulatory standards across the CEE region.
Key Responsibilities
- •High-risk AI system conformity assessment oversight
- •Market surveillance for AI products and services
- •Cross-border enforcement coordination with EU authorities
Strategic Priorities
- •Public Sector AI: Government digital transformation programs
- •SME Compliance Support: Guidance for Polish tech startups
- •CEE Regional Coordination: Leadership in regional AI governance
AI Strategy & Digital Poland Program
Poland's Policy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Poland (2020-2027) aligns with the broader Digital Poland Operational Program, allocating €500M+ for AI research, infrastructure, and public sector digitalization. The strategy positions Poland as a regional AI hub for Central and Eastern Europe, emphasizing defense applications, smart city development, and cross-border data governance frameworks.
Digital Infrastructure
- €500M Digital Poland Fund:
EU Cohesion Policy funds for broadband expansion, cloud infrastructure, and AI research facilities across 16 voivodeships.
- National AI Competence Center:
Warsaw-based center for AI research coordination, industry partnerships, and regulatory sandbox administration.
- 5G Network Rollout:
Strategic telecom infrastructure for edge AI applications, autonomous vehicles, and smart manufacturing.
Sectoral Priorities
- Defense & Security:
AI-powered border surveillance, cybersecurity systems, and military logistics optimization in NATO cooperation frameworks.
- Smart Cities:
AI deployment in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław for traffic management, energy efficiency, and public safety systems.
- Agricultural Tech:
Precision farming AI, crop yield prediction, and supply chain optimization for Poland's major agricultural sector.
EU AI Act Implementation Timeline
Phase 1: Immediate Compliance
ActiveFebruary 2025 – August 2025
- ✓Prohibited AI practices (Art. 5) enforcement framework established
- ✓UODO staff training and technical capacity building programs
- ✓Industry consultation forums for SME compliance support
Phase 2: GPAI Model Compliance
UpcomingAugust 2025
- •Coordination with European AI Office for GPAI oversight
- •Polish language model compliance frameworks (e.g., Bielik, LaMDA PL)
Phase 3: High-Risk System Compliance
2026August 2026
- •Full conformity assessment regime operational
- •Notified Body accreditation for Polish testing laboratories
- •Integration with EU single market surveillance mechanisms
Priority Sectors
Defense & Security
AI applications in border surveillance, cybersecurity, and military logistics as part of NATO modernization efforts.
Public Services
E-government AI systems for tax administration, healthcare management, and judicial process optimization.
Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
Smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance, and supply chain AI in automotive, aerospace, and heavy industry sectors.
Implementation Challenges
Technical Capacity Building
UODO requires substantial AI technical expertise expansion to effectively oversee complex systems across multiple sectors, particularly in defense and critical infrastructure.
Mitigation: Partnerships with universities (Warsaw University of Technology, AGH), international expert exchanges.
SME Compliance Support
Poland's rapidly growing AI startup ecosystem needs accessible compliance guidance and resources to navigate AI Act requirements without stifling innovation.
Mitigation: Regulatory sandbox, simplified compliance pathways, translated guidance materials.
Need Poland-Specific AI Compliance Guidance?
Our legal practice provides specialized counsel for AI Act implementation in Poland, supporting both domestic enterprises and international companies entering the Polish and CEE markets.