AI regulation in the EU: implications for the workplace

However, beside significant benefits, AI applications may also harbour risks which may counteract European values, for example if AI supports discrimination or violates people's privacy. For this reason, AI is subject to specific regulation in the EU. A comprehensive regulatory framework – the AI Act – was introduced in 2024 that focuses on harmonising various AI-related regulations and establishing a standardised set of rules across the EU. Companies in Europe that deploy or plan to implement AI must comply with this regulation. Besides the AI Act, further regulations exist that intersect with AI usage.

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide orientation on the relevant regulatory framework for AI with a specific focus on the workforce. It is intended to support companies in Europe that are planning to implement AI as they take the first steps towards fulfilling the related obligations.

Companies may apply AI for different purposes. They may use it for process optimisation, for example if AI robotics applications are deployed in production processes or if AI is used to support recruitment processes. In this sense, companies deploy AI for internal purposes. Likewise, companies may use AI for external purposes, for example if generative AI applications such as chatbots are provided to clients as part of the company’s services. This fact sheet focuses on internal AI use and the associated obligations for companies.