Understanding the impact of AI on individuals and business management is the objective of the AI@Work project, coordinated by Ceemet and in partnership with the European Employers‘ Institute (EEI). It also contributes to developing a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks associated with the use of AI in the workplace, in a context marked by the AI Act and the rise of algorithmic management. Delphine Rudelli, Director General of Ceemet and Chair of the EEI Board of Directors, discusses the key issues of this European project.
What is the AI@Work project?
AI@Work is a European project coordinated by Ceemet and carried out in partnership with EEI and two German research institutes, IFAA and IW. This two-year project, funded by the European Union, aims to help European and national social partners better understand the challenges, opportunities, and needs of businesses regarding artificial intelligence in the workplace—a crucial topic for businesses and the European economy.
Specifically, this project will analyse European regulations on AI (the information sheet on this topic is already available). It will assess their impact on the workplace. Finally, it will document, through use cases, how AI is used to enhance competitiveness and to plan and manage the workforce. In early 2026, an analysis of job postings for the period 2022-2025 will be conducted to map the demand for AI skills in different countries, sectors, and regional groups.
This project will analyse European regulations and assess their impact on the workplace and document use cases.
How are companies, particularly industrial companies, involved in this project?
This project covers all European countries and numerous sectors (temporary work, construction, chemicals, metallurgy, agriculture, commerce, etc.). Industrial companies are at the heart of the initiative through their representative organisations – Ceemet, UIMM, and national federations from other European countries – which relay their needs and feedback throughout the project. They also contribute directly through case studies and surveys, grounding the research in real-world situations and ensuring practical results for the field. Among the companies in our sector that contribute are large groups such as Airbus and SMEs such as Heuille et Fils.
What are the major stages of the AI@Work project?
The project will run for 24 months, beginning with a scoping phase followed by a research phase that includes analysing existing regulations and collecting field data, notably through case studies and company surveys. Throughout the project, feedback and exchange workshops will be organised—two intermediate workshops in Brussels and Cologne, followed by a final conference—to share the results, test our recommendations with social partners, and disseminate them as widely as possible. You can find all the information and deliverables for this project on the dedicated EEI webpage.
This interview was originally published in French on the website of UIMM – French employer organisation for the MET sector. You can find it here.