Since February 2, 2025, a new regulation has been in force in the EU that affects all companies that work with artificial intelligence (AI). It obliges companies to ensure that their employees have sufficient "AI skills". But what exactly does this mean for companies and their employees? What do employers need to do to meet this requirement and what happens if they don't?

What does the "AI competence obligation" mean for companies?

The new regulation on artificial intelligence in the EU requires that all employees who work with AI systems have the necessary knowledge. And this doesn't just mean a rough understanding - it's about in-depth knowledge of the technical, legal and ethical aspects of AI. The responsibility for this training lies with employers. But how exactly do companies need to implement this? The answer is not entirely clear. Employee training or further training is considered necessary, but there are no specific guidelines on content or timeframes.

What are the consequences of employees working without sufficient training?

The question that concerns many employers: What happens when employees work with AI systems without the necessary expertise? According to experts, an error or damage caused by inadequately trained employees could lead to legal consequences. This is because if damage is caused by a lack of training, companies could be held liable. Responsibility for AI competence is therefore not only in the interests of employees, but also in the company's own interests.

What do companies need to do to ensure their employees have AI skills?

To date, there are no detailed guidelines on how exactly companies must carry out the training. However, the Federal Network Agency recommends structured training courses that cover not only technical details, but also legal and ethical issues. Simple self-study is not sufficient to ensure the necessary competence. In Germany, companies may still have to wait for EU guidelines for more detailed instructions. But one thing is certain: the responsibility for training lies with employers.

If you don't act in time, you risk making expensive mistakes!

The introduction of this AI competence requirement is an important step towards making the use of artificial intelligence safer and more responsible. However, the implementation is still vague and leaves many questions unanswered. Companies must rely not only on their own training initiatives, but also on the EU, which is still working on concrete guidelines. The uncertainty about what exactly is expected could be particularly problematic for smaller companies. It remains to be seen how quickly clear guidelines will be created - and whether these will actually meet practical requirements. What is clear, however, is that those who do not take responsibility now could make costly mistakes later.