The EU wants to regulate AI but needs OpenAI and Anthropic to let regulators through the door

What happened

OpenAI has offered EU regulators direct access to its upcoming GPT-5.5 Cyber model for security review, and talks are already in progress. Meanwhile, Anthropic is delaying access to its Mythos model despite multiple meetings with the same regulators. After four to five sessions, EU officials still cannot examine Anthropic’s system closely. This split in cooperation spotlights how the EU’s plans to regulate AI depend heavily on companies voluntarily opening their doors to oversight.

Why it matters

The EU’s AI Act aims to set binding rules for AI safety, transparency, and fairness, but enforcement relies on regulators physically reviewing AI models. OpenAI’s willingness to grant early access puts it in a stronger position to shape how the rules get applied. Anthropic’s reluctance slows regulatory progress and exposes a key enforcement gap. Without the cooperation of leading AI builders, the EU’s strict regulations risk becoming a paper exercise with little real oversight. For businesses and operators, this means regulatory compliance is still uneven and uncertain, raising risks for any AI product targeting European markets.

What to watch next

The EU Commission’s next moves to secure access to Anthropic’s Mythos model will be critical. If regulators strike a deal, it could set a precedent for demanding more transparency in future AI releases. If not, it could push the EU toward tougher enforcement mechanisms or harsher penalties for non-cooperation. OpenAI’s cooperation may also invite closer scrutiny of its models, raising the bar for AI companies aiming to do business in Europe. Operators and founders should track how these negotiations influence regulatory timelines and compliance costs across AI development.

AI Quick Briefs Editorial Desk