Transformation and economic aspects of software engineering through the implementation of the EU AI Act

The EU AI Act of 2024 represents the first comprehensive legal framework for regulating artificial intelligence, introducing a classification of AI systems based on risk levels and specific requirements for high-risk applications. This paper analyzes the transformative impact of this regulation on software engineering, focusing on economic aspects such as compliance costs, new opportunities for innovation, and changes in labor market dynamics. Special attention is given to the potential harmonization with the legislation of the Republic of Serbia, identifying key points of alignment and possible legal conflicts. The significance of this paper lies in its contribution to understanding how the EU AI Act shapes global AI regulation and provides a framework for adapting local legislation in Serbia, thereby fostering technological and legal advancement.