AI at work: foster innovation instead of new legislation
Position paper on a possible EU legislative initiative on AI and algorithmic management at work
February 2026
Summary
The EU's approach to protecting workers in the digital age has created potential challenges in terms of legal clarity and practical implementation, some of which are harmful to European competitiveness and need to be resolved. Therefore, EU Commission President von der Leyen’s announcement to make business easier in the EU and “to simplify, consolidate and codify legislation to eliminate any overlaps and contradictions” is significant. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and algorithmic management (AM) at work is already regulated by too many EU laws, creating a complex legal landscape that employers and workers must navigate.
AI and AM are central to further developing job quality, and they should drive productivity and transformation to safeguard the EU’s technological sovereignty, social model, and competitiveness. Yet current policy developments raise concerns. The EU Commission’s announced “Quality Jobs Act” should not contradict von der Leyen’s promise and hamper the positive effects of AI and AM. Instead, the following principles should be followed:
- Europe must become attractive for the use of AI at work to strengthen competitiveness. For that, it is crucial to promote the dissemination of new technologies and to simplify, harmonise, and enforce the existing AI legal framework. Re- and upskilling the workforce and leveraging EU initiatives such as the AI Continent Action Plan are important to navigate an innovation-supporting environment and safeguard European values.
- There is no need for further EU regulation on “AI at the workplace.” Instead, priority should be given to the effective deployment of AI and regulatory simplification, including the Digital Omnibus. This simplification is necessary to enable businesses to fully leverage digital technologies for quality jobs.
- It is central to enforce the once-only principle regarding existing legislation on AI and AM. AI at work is already extensively regulated – at both EU and national levels. This applies even more to the broader concept of AM at work since it encumbers many long-established labour practices. Numerous duplications in the existing legislation need to be addressed and resolved including the AI Act, Platform Work Directive, General Data Protection Regulation, and occupational health and safety frameworks.
- Gold-plating in Member States must be prevented. The AI Office should ensure consistent enforcement and a business-friendly environment.
- Collective bargaining by social partners must be strengthened. Collective agreements must take precedence over additional EU legislation, as they can best address national and sectoral needs.
The complete Position paper is available for download in the right-hand margin.
Contact:
BDA | German Employers
Confederation of German Employers' Associations
EU, International and Economic Affairs
T +49 30 2033-1050
eu@arbeitgeber.de
EU Transparency Register: 7749519702-29
BDA is the central business association organising the social and economic policy interests of the entire German economy. We pool the interests of one million businesses with around 30,5 million employers. These businesses are associated with BDA through voluntary membership of employer associations.
Position Paper as PDF
AI at work: foster innovation instead of new legislation
Position paper on a possible EU legislative initiative on AI and algorithmic management at work
February 2026
Summary
The EU’s approach to protecting workers in the digital age has created potential challenges in terms of legal clarity and practical implementation, some of which are harmful to European competitiveness and need to be resolved. Therefore, EU Commission President von der Leyen’s announcement to make business easier in the EU and “to simplify, consolidate and codify legislation to eliminate any overlaps and contradictions” is significant. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and algorithmic management (AM) at work is already regulated by too many EU laws, creating a complex legal landscape that employers and workers must navigate.
AI and AM are central to further developing job quality, and they should drive productivity and transformation to safeguard the EU’s technological sovereignty, social model, and competitiveness. Yet current policy developments raise concerns. The EU Commission’s announced “Quality Jobs Act” should not contradict von der Leyen’s promise and hamper the positive effects of AI and AM. Instead, the following principles should be followed:
Europe must become attractive for the use of AI at work to strengthen competitiveness. For that, it is crucial to promote the dissemination of new technologies and to simplify, harmonise, and enforce the existing AI legal framework. Re- and upskilling the workforce and leveraging EU initiatives such as the AI Continent Action Plan are important to navigate an innovation-supporting environment and safeguard European values.
There is no need for further EU regulation on “AI at the workplace.” Instead, priority should be given to the effective deployment of AI and regulatory simplification, including the Digital Omnibus. This simplification is necessary to enable businesses to fully leverage digital technologies for quality jobs.
It is central to enforce the once-only principle regarding existing legislation on AI and AM. AI at work is already extensively regulated – at both EU and national levels. This applies even more to the broader concept of AM at work since it encumbers many long-established labour practices. Numerous duplications in the existing legislation need to be addressed and resolved including the AI Act, Platform Work Directive, General Data Protection Regulation, and occupational health and safety frameworks.
Gold-plating in Member States must be prevented. The AI Office should ensure consistent enforcement and a business-friendly environment.
Collective bargaining by social partners must be strengthened. Collective agreements must take precedence over additional EU legislation, as they can best address national and sectoral needs.
