How the EESC wants AI to improve Europe’s working life

At its March 2026 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an exploratory opinion addressing how artificial intelligence and algorithmic management are reshaping work across Europe. Building on the Committee’s long‑standing engagement with social and employment policies, the opinion outlines a roadmap to ensure that AI strengthens workers’ rights, enhances job quality and supports a fair, competitive and inclusive digital transformation. 

The EESC has set out a clear message: artificial intelligence should make work in Europe safer, fairer and more fulfilling. In its newly-adopted opinion on Quality in employment and working conditions, the Committee outlines how AI can support people – not replace or undermine them.

Before the adoption vote, rapporteur Nicoletta Merlo captured the essence of this vision, stating:

'We need transparent AI, responsible data use and worker involvement to address risks like reduced autonomy' adding that, 'social dialogue is key to balancing innovation and workers' rights.'

AI as a tool for safer and better jobs

The EESC highlights that AI can transform working life for the better when it is developed and deployed with people’s rights at the centre. From preventing workplace accidents to reducing repetitive or hazardous tasks, AI offers new possibilities to protect workers’ health and enhance day‑to‑day conditions. The opinion emphasises that these benefits materialise only if technology respects the principle of human control and contributes to economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Well‑designed AI systems can help companies and workers organise their time more effectively. The Committee notes that digital tools can open doors to better work‑life balance, more flexibility and smoother planning for workers. For this to work, companies need the capacity to manage new technologies, and workers need to be involved early in the process. The opinion stresses that productivity and good working conditions go hand in hand: technological progress should strengthen both.

Understanding tomorrow’s skills needs

AI is reshaping Europe’s labour market, and the EESC sees great potential in using AI‑driven labour market intelligence to understand which skills will be needed in the future. These insights can make training systems more effective and help workers navigate changes in their professions. Digital literacy, problem‑solving abilities and social skills remain essential. Reskilling and lifelong learning, the Committee argues, are vital safeguards to ensure everyone can benefit from the digital transition.

At the same time, the opinion highlights clear risks when AI is introduced without proper safeguards. Workers may face intensified workloads, reduced autonomy or new forms of stress linked to constant monitoring or opaque automated decisions.

The EESC insists that these risks fall squarely within employers’ duties under EU occupational safety and health legislation and must be addressed systematically, including through gender‑sensitive approaches and protections against all forms of harassment — including digital ones.

Transparency, fairness and trustworthy systems

AI systems that influence work must be transparent and explainable. Workers have the right to understand how decisions affecting their careers are made and to challenge those decisions when necessary. The EESC warns that biased or discriminatory algorithms can entrench inequalities but also notes that well‑designed AI can help identify and reduce discrimination that already exists. Trust grows when systems are open, fair and accountable.

Algorithmic management often relies on extensive data collection. The opinion calls for strict limits to ensure that monitoring remains proportionate and respects workers’ dignity. Emotional tracking, biometric surveillance or the use of data for unintended purposes should be firmly restricted.

Clear safeguards and open communication are essential to maintaining trust as workplaces become more digital.

A strong role for social dialogue

One of the strongest messages of the opinion is the centrality of social dialogue. The EESC demonstrates that involving workers and their representatives early leads to better outcomes, smoother implementation and broader acceptance of AI tools. Across Europe, examples already exist where unions, employers and workers negotiate how technology should be introduced, how data can be used and how rights can be protected. These approaches help make digital innovation fair and sustainable.

Small and micro‑enterprises form the backbone of the EU economy but often face greater barriers to adopting AI. The opinion calls for supportive measures to help them navigate complex technologies without increasing inequality between large and small companies. The EESC also highlights the importance of addressing gender, generational and disability dimensions, ensuring AI contributes to inclusion rather than widening divides.

Towards a human‑centred digital future

With this opinion, the EESC places a clear vision on the table: Europe’s digital transition should strengthen workers’ rights, boost economic resilience and improve job quality. AI can unlock major gains in productivity and wellbeing but only if implementation is transparent, inclusive and firmly grounded in social dialogue.