On 8 October, the European Commission unveiled its Apply AI Strategy as part of broader efforts to make the EU a true “AI Continent”. The strategy aims to boost the competitiveness of strategic sectors and reinforce the EU’s technological sovereignty by accelerating AI adoption. It encourages organisations to adopt an “AI first” approach, promoting the use of AI as a key consideration when taking strategic decisions. 

Whilst industriAll Europe has in principle welcomed the EU’s attempts to regulate AI, we have consistently called for strong, enforcable protections for workers affected by AI in the workplace. Sadly, the new strategy is not meeting this demand. 

A key component of the Apply AI Strategy is the creation of the Apply AI Alliance, a multi-stakeholder platform bringing together stakeholders from industry, academia, the public sector and civil society to help shape EU AI policy. The strategy also establishes an AI Observatory, to monitor and assess the impact of AI across sectors, including its effects on the labour market.

“Monitoring is not enough,” said Isabelle Barthès, Deputy General Secretary of industriAll Europe. “We need binding rules that guarantee transparency, accountability, and protection for workers affected by AI systems.” 

Industrial Europe also insists that trade unions and social partners must play a key role in the Apply AI Alliance. “Workers and their representatives deserve a strong voice in decisions that will fundamentally reshape their jobs and workplaces,” Isabelle Barthès added.

While the strategy recognises potential risks of AI for workers and society and makes provisions for workforce training, it still lacks binding rules and guarantees. IndustriAll Europe therefore reiterates its calls for a Directive on AI at Work to enshrine key protections and rights for workers. 

Such a directive must ensure:

• Data protection and privacy: AI systems often rely on personal and performance data. Clear safeguards must prevent misuse and protect workers’ privacy.
• Accountability and liability: When AI makes or informs decisions about hiring, performance, or discipline, it must be clear who is responsible when things go wrong.
• Environmental sustainability: The EU’s AI ambitions must align with its climate and energy goals. The energy consumption of data centres and AI infrastructure must not undermine Europe’s environmental commitments.
• Bias prevention: AI systems must be trained on diverse and representative data to avoid perpetuating discrimination and inequality.