The european Regulation on artificial intelligence: a first assessment of its (limited) labour impact

Abstract

After a lengthy drafting process, the EU adopted the AI Regulation in 2024, a pioneering measure aimed at establishing rules on the design and use of artificial intelligence systems. It is a broadly applicable regulation intended to minimise the impact of this new technology on individuals’ rights. As the workplace is not an excluded domain, the Regulation will also apply to the employment relationship, shaping how employers use AI systems to make decisions on recruitment, working conditions, and, potentially, termination of employment. However, the Regulation contains few direct references to workers and the employment relationship. This paper aims to assess how the Regulation may affect the balance of rights and obligations between workers and employers within the framework of an employment contract.