[dj_mc_merlin]

There's multiple delays, arguably for a good reason. First, the law has to be ratified by each member state, which will also mean another delay state-side until legally enforceable. Institutions usually have a warm-up period too until they start enforcing new laws, preferring warnings beforehand.

It might seem inefficient but generally this is the only sane way to roll out changes across a society. Having people coordinate and "change habits" (as deplorable as the present habits may be) is best done gently. Providing ample time and warning for people to find a good course forwards.

[Aachen]

One might even argue it's still too fast, given how many cookie walls we see. People are not aware that any site with such a banner is shady and that it's usually not required, and by now everyone has it fixed in their mind that it's the politicians that are stupid and don't understand technology. If we had done a better warmup with better communication, we might have had better-informed people (at least the techies, I understand that not every grandma is going to know the details here).