AI in the workplace: Apply existing laws and build skills for the future

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a defining technology for our economy, changing citizens’ private and professional lives, bringing major benefits, but also challenges. Europe has taken a global lead in setting rules that ensure AI is trustworthy, safe and respectful of fundamental rights. With the adoption of the AI Act, the EU has created the world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for AI, including robust safeguards for its use in the workplace. Together with existing instruments like the GDPR and EU labour legislation, this framework provides robust guarantees that workers are protected from discrimination, undue surveillance and harmful practices. 

At this stage, Europe does not need additional regulatory intervention regarding the use of AI in the workplace. It is crucial to focus first on ensuring implementation and consistent enforcement of the protective EU acquis across all Member States, to create legal certainty and foster innovation. DIGITALEUROPE and its members stand ready to support policymakers in this task, while also working to equip Europe’s workforce with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. 

Our key recommendations 

• Prioritise effective and consistent implementation across the EU of the existing, comprehensive legislative framework that already protects workers in their interactions with AI at their workplace, before introducing any new rules on AI use at work. 

• Conduct thorough impact assessments and gap analyses before considering any new measures, ensuring that any intervention rather builds on, and clarifies existing rights. Any genuine shortcomings should be addressed first through targeted clarification within existing frameworks. 

• Avoid additional, duplicative legislative initiatives – especially a directive that could lead to divergent rules at national level – resulting in legal uncertainty and Single Market fragmentation. Such a scenario could force local software variants, slow deployment and raise costs, especially for SMEs and startups. 

• Invest in workforce upskilling and reskilling initiatives, supported by adequate EU funding in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, to prepare workers for AI-driven transformation.