Participants examined the rapid deployment of AI systems in industrial settings and the implications of the European Commission’s AI Omnibus proposal. They stressed the need for strong safeguards to protect workers from risks linked to monitoring, automated decision making and human–machine interaction. Concerns were raised about gaps between the AI framework and the Machinery Regulation, particularly the risk that AI enabled safety components could be misclassified as low risk and escape strict conformity assessment.

The network also discussed the growing challenge of Chinese overcapacity in robotisation and automation technologies. Participants warned that market distortions and aggressive pricing strategies could increase pressure on European manufacturers and undermine quality employment.

Strategic autonomy in semiconductors was another key theme. With chips essential for automation, robotics and AI driven production, unions underlined the need for sustained public and industrial investment to strengthen Europe’s capacity and reduce dependency on external suppliers. The expected publication of a second European Chips Act package on 27 May 2026 was noted as an important milestone.

An exchange with CECIMO, the industry association representing European manufacturing technologies, provided an update on current market trends in automation and robotisation across Europe.

The meeting closed with a call for coordinated trade union action in the coming weeks to influence the final stages of EU negotiations on AI and digital industrial policy.