The European Social Model in the age of AI
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60054/PEU.2025.12.290-300Keywords:
European Social Model, Artificial Intelligenc, EU Labour Market, Social welfare, Digital SkillsAbstract
The European social model (ESM) has been a pillar of the European Union, balancing economic growth with social justice. Yet, the emergence of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally transforming labour markets, welfare policies and social protection. This paper explores the impact of AI on the ESM, with particular attention to job creation and displacement, digital skill gaps, and changing welfare architecture. The methodology is based on a qualitative policy analysis and labour market data from the Eurostat and European Commission sources. The study analyses the ways in which AI-led changes will influence job losses, skills mismatches and the sustainability of the systems of social security. The results emphasize the importance of proactive regulation, investments in digital literacy, and regulatory measures to enable AI to drive inclusive economic growth rather than increasing inequality. The recommendations include lifelong learning, adapting welfare systems to new forms of work and responsible governance of AI.
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