Digitalisation as a key to safeguarding future competitiveness.

In June, Polish MEP Andrzej Bula (EPP) presented a legislative own-initiative report (INI) to the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL). The report addresses the implications of digitalisation, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), and the deployment of algorithmic management systems. With this report, Bula calls on the European Commission to propose a legislative act establishing binding minimum standards for the use of these technologies.

Technology must serve people

A core principle in the report is “human in control”. According to this concept, digital systems must always serve human beings and must neither replace nor override them. Businesses are encouraged to make use of new technologies, but they must do so transparently and responsibly. The report also underlines the need for a clear legal framework to ensure a level playing field.

Training and skills are key

Bula’s report emphasises the importance of targeted education and training measures to prepare workers for the digital transformation of the labour market. The “Union of Skills” initiative plays a central role in this regard. The required investments are to be financed through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). A particular focus is placed on enhancing digital and technological skills. The objective is to equip workers with the qualifications needed to meet the challenges and requirements of digitalisation and to enable their active participation in technological advancement.

Strengthening health protection and workers’ participation

While algorithmic systems can increase efficiency, they also pose risks to workers’ physical and mental health. These systems analyse data and make decisions or generate recommendations based on algorithmic processing – they are used, for example, in human resource management. The report therefore calls for mandatory risk assessments of such systems with regard to occupational health and safety. It also highlights the “right to disconnect” outside working hours – a key measure to protect work-life balance and workers’ rights in an increasingly digitalised world of work.

Debate in the EMPL Committee

On 15 July, rapporteur Andrzej Bula and the shadow rapporteurs held a debate on the report in the EMPL Committee. The majority of shadow rapporteurs gave the draft a positive assessment. The debate mainly focused on the principle that new technologies must always serve human needs, and that algorithms must not be the sole decision-makers when it comes to dismissals, recruitment, or salary increases. Other priorities included workers’ rights, transparency, and the protection of employees’ health. The only criticism came from Hungarian MEP and shadow rapporteur Pál Szekeres (Patriots), who called for clearer definitions and greater emphasis on the new skills required to work with AI.

Statement from the Commission in the EMPL Committee

The European Commission acknowledged that digital technologies are fundamentally reshaping the world of work and offer great potential. However, the risks of this transformation must also be addressed. It is crucial to make use of the opportunities for both workers and employers, while also safeguarding employees’ rights and well-being. The draft report was welcomed as an important contribution, particularly for addressing key issues such as transparency, human oversight, and health and safety at work. The Commission highlighted the importance of involving workers in the introduction of new technologies – this can foster trust and facilitate acceptance. The Commission welcomed the debate and considers the report an important step towards creating a fair and inclusive labour market. It did not, however, comment on its further plans regarding AI.

Next Steps

Following the EMPL Committee debate, amendments to the report may be submitted until 28 August. The committee vote is scheduled for 11 November, and the plenary vote in the European Parliament is planned for 24 November. Additionally, on 15 July, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) held a discussion on its opinion on the report. The LIBE opinion places a particular focus on data protection and the safeguarding of fundamental rights in the use of AI-powered systems. In substance, however, LIBE largely shares Bula’s position.