The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly redefining contemporary societies. Initially limited to specific fields such as optical recognition or online recommendations, AI is now ubiquitous, affecting sectors as diverse as education, healthcare, work and public administration. Faced with this transformation, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) published an ambitious report in January 2025 aimed at framing the development of AI so that it serves the public interest.
This report highlights the opportunities and risks associated with AI, addressing in particular the protection of fundamental rights, the environmental footprint, European strategic autonomy, impacts on the labor market and digital accessibility. In this article, we will present the main axes of this study and the recommendations formulated by the CESE.
- Major Issues Related to AI
Risks to Fundamental Rights and Individual Freedoms
AI, due to its ability to process enormous amounts of data, raises major concerns regarding transparency and respect for privacy. The CESE calls for stricter regulation to frame algorithms, requiring:
- Increased transparency of algorithms: AI designers must explain their decision-making processes.
- Independent audits: external and public control of AI systems must be systematized.
- Better protection of personal data: regulators must strictly frame the use of data, particularly that collected on social networks.
Environmental Footprint of AI
The development of AI consumes considerable resources, particularly in terms of energy and water for cooling data centers. The CESE recommends:
- Planning for more frugal AI: governments must set a decarbonization trajectory for AI.
- Adoption of ecological standards: promoting “frugal AI” limiting computing and storage needs.
- Better transparency on the ecological footprint of AI infrastructures.
European Strategic Autonomy
The current dominance of American and Chinese companies in the field of AI threatens Europe’s strategic autonomy. The CESE proposes:
- Reinforced support for research and innovation: public and private funding must be mobilized to bring about European solutions.
- Strict market regulation: antitrust measures must be implemented to avoid domination by a few players.
- Harmonization of European rules to ensure fair competition and protect the social and environmental values of the continent.
- The Impacts of AI on Society
The Labor Market Facing Automation
AI is profoundly transforming the job market by creating new opportunities while eliminating certain positions. The CESE calls for anticipation of these developments through:
- Regulation of AI use in business: any AI deployment must be subject to a social impact study.
- Protection of workers: the integration of AI must respect the rights and health of employees.
- Strengthening of professional training: it is essential to develop AI skills to support this transition.
Integration of AI in Business
AI can optimize business performance, but it must be used responsibly. The CESE recommends:
- Adoption of ethical charters to frame its use.
- Better regulation of the energy consumption of AI tools.
- Specific support for SMEs to ensure fair adoption of these technologies.
AI in Public Services
AI can improve the efficiency of public services, but it must not lead to dehumanization of relations with citizens. The CESE proposes:
- A right to non-digital access to guarantee access to services without mandatory use of AI.
- Increased transparency on automated decisions, particularly in tax and administrative matters.
- Systematic human support for those who struggle to use digital tools.
Education and AI
AI is disrupting teaching methods, which raises challenges for assessment and learning. The CESE recommends:
- An overhaul of assessment methods to take into account the capabilities of AI tools.
- Training of teachers and students on AI issues.
- Awareness of the risks of dependency and cheating related to the use of generative AI.
- Towards Ethical and Inclusive AI
AI and Disability: An Accessibility Tool
AI can be a powerful lever for the inclusion of people with disabilities, provided it is designed from the outset to be accessible. The CESE proposes:
- An accessibility requirement for AI systems.
- Support for the development of compensatory tools based on AI.
- A proactive public policy to integrate these technologies into the daily lives of people with disabilities.
Fighting Algorithmic Bias
AIs are often biased, reproducing and amplifying existing discrimination. The CESE recommends:
- Diversification of datasets to avoid biases related to gender, ethnicity or social class.
- Increased diversity in design teams to limit cognitive biases of developers.
- Specific regulations to frame the use of AI in sensitive decisions (employment, justice, health, etc.).
The CESE report therefore presents a clear-sighted assessment: AI is a technology that brings opportunities but also significant risks. To ensure that it truly serves the public interest, it is imperative to establish strict regulatory frameworks, promote AI that respects fundamental rights, and implement measures to limit its environmental footprint. Europe must play a central role in this development, by investing in sovereign and ethical AI. Similarly, businesses and administrations must commit to a responsible transition, ensuring efficiency, fairness and sustainability. AI is not an end in itself, but a tool in the service of humanity. The real question is therefore how we wish to use it to shape the society of tomorrow.
