Artificial intelligence and work: A review of the European policy landscape

The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and algorithmic management (ARM) systems is transforming the workplace, raising significant debates about net employment, work organisation and working conditions. This article critically reviews key European policy aimed at regulating AI and ARM at work, as well as identifies gaps in the current policy framework. The European Union (EU) has adopted a distinct human-centric approach to AI, prioritising ethical and trustworthy design and use, rooted in its fundamental values. Though generally welcomed, the risk-based approach of the EU AI Act is insufficient, on its own, to protect workers from the potential harms of AI. Hence, specific additional employment legislation, either at the EU- or national levels, combined with collective bargaining at the sectoral and company levels, is needed to address the regulatory gap. Upskilling of social partners, including trade union officials, work council members and employers, is required so they obtain insights into the ‘black box’ of algorithms, and so they can have meaningful input into the design and deployment of AI systems.