European Hospitality Sector Advocates for Non-Legislative AI Approach

HOTREC, along with a coalition of employers and business organizations, has called on the European Parliament to dismiss the legislative annex of the report concerning Digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence, and Algorithmic Management in the Workplace. The group emphasizes the importance of a non-legislative approach to AI regulation.

The coalition argues that the current EU legal framework, including the AI Act, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and existing labor and social legislation, is sufficient to govern AI use in workplaces. They assert that additional legislative measures could complicate compliance efforts, create regulatory overlap, and reduce legal certainty for businesses.

European hospitality businesses, many of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are reportedly investing significant resources to adhere to existing regulations. The introduction of new legislative requirements could increase complexity and administrative burdens, potentially hindering the sector’s competitiveness and innovation.

The coalition suggests that over-regulation could slow the responsible adoption of AI technologies, fragment the Digital Single Market, and limit the sector’s ability to invest in innovation, skills development, and job quality. Instead, they propose focusing on practical implementation and enforcement of current rules, supported by clear guidance and social dialogue.

HOTREC and its partners urge Members of the European Parliament to eliminate references to legislative follow-up in the report. They advocate focusing on implementation, enforcement, and support measures that deliver tangible benefits for both workers and businesses.

The coalition’s stance highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between regulation and innovation in AI deployment within the European Union.