XAI Gaps Hinder EU Right to Explanation Compliance.

As algorithms increasingly influence critical decisions in areas like finance, hiring, and healthcare, EU law grants individuals a "Right to Explanation" for automated decisions. However, there's a significant disconnect between what Explainable AI (XAI) can currently deliver and what is legally required to satisfy this right, particularly under the GDPR and the recently finalized AI Act. This gap directly impacts an individual's ability to challenge decisions affecting their lives. A systematic review of recent literature reveals several problematic patterns. Many studies misinterpret the legal basis for explanations, and few adequately address key legal precedents. A common issue is the confusion between the form of an explanation (how it's delivered to the user) and its content (what legal purpose it serves). The researchers propose an "Addressee/Purpose Framework" and a four-phase blueprint to operationalize compliance, identifying critical open research questions necessary to close this technical-legal divide. Without further progress, the Right to Explanation risks remaining a formal obligation without a practical path to implementation.