The risks of industrial robotisation for employment

17.11.2017

Question for written answer E-007087-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Christelle Lechevalier (ENF)

According to the CEO of Deutsche Bank, at a conference in Frankfurt, in future, the tasks of some of his employees will be accomplished by robots. The world's four largest banks have cut 200 000 jobs in 10 years, the job losses being caused by competition from online banks using software based on high-performance technology.

Particularly noticeable in the financial sector, this robotisation phenomenon is spreading across the whole of industry. Robots are no longer tools at the service of employees, but seem to be replacing them. The development of facial and voice recognition technologies will give them even greater powers.

While business competitiveness requires ongoing structural adjustment, the Union is committed to aiming towards a high level of employment, in keeping with Article 9 TFEU. It would be contradictory if innovation were not to the benefit of employment.

1. Does the Commission plan to conduct a study on the secondary effects of job robotisation and promote appropriate training accordingly?

2. Will the Commission promote, within the EU Member States, fair technological innovation which is for the benefit of employees rather than a substitute for jobs?