European industry leaders are calling on policymakers to stop adding new layers of regulation on artificial intelligence (AI) and instead focus on investment, skills, and competitiveness. In a new position paper and survey, Ceemet which represents the Metal, Engineering and Technology (MET) industries, argues that Europe risks being left behind in the global AI race if it prioritises regulation over innovation.
AI is already reshaping work, but Europe is lagging behind
The latest Ceemet survey shows that one in three MET companies already use AI, mostly in workforce planning, predictive maintenance and employee training. Companies report higher productivity, safer workplaces, and opportunities to upskill their staff. Workers themselves are cautiously positive, with 60% of those using AI expecting improvements in both safety and job satisfaction.
Yet adoption is far slower than in the United States (US) and Asia. The AI adoption gap is widening, and while Europe hesitates, its competitors are embedding AI across operations at a rapid pace.
No new rules needed, the framework already exists
Ceemet insists that no fresh legislation is necessary. Existing rules, from the GDPR to the AI Act, already provide a strong framework for data protection, fairness and anti-discrimination, as well as workplace safety. Adding more regulations now would only increase costs and confusion, discouraging companies from investing in AI.
What businesses need, Ceemet argues, is clarity and stability and not a moving target of new rules that delay adoption and stifle innovation.
Industry’s urgent needs are investment and skills
While the US has pledged €500 billion to AI, the EU’s commitment remains less than half that amount at €200 billion, while the starting point is already significantly different in favour of the EU’s competitors. Without decisive action to close this gap, Europe risks falling behind in innovation, productivity and global competitiveness.
At the same time, 61% of European workers will need new skills within the next five years to adapt to AI. Employers are ready to invest in training but need public support and an education system that prioritises digital and technical skills.
A roadmap for Europe’s AI future
Ceemet’s new policy paper, Artificial Intelligence at the Workplace, calls for a simple but powerful strategy: keep AI adoption human centric as final decision in Human resources field, invest in education and lifelong training, foster social dialogue between employers and workers, and above all, resist overregulation.
“AI is not a distant promise, it is already transforming how we work,” said Delphine Rudelli, Ceemet’s Director General. “Our industries want to seize this opportunity, but the EU must make it easier, not harder, for us to invest and innovate. We don’t need more rules. We need the right conditions to make AI work for businesses, workers and society.”