Last month, Baker McKenzie hosted a webinar focused on the EU AI Act and its implications for HR compliance. The session, titled Complying with the AI Act: Navigating HR Challenges in the EU, brought together employment law experts from across Europe to unpack the evolving regulatory landscape and what it means for employers operating in the region.
The session opened with an overview of the AI Act’s scope and structure, including the first provisions that took effect in February 2025—namely, the AI literacy requirements and the prohibition of certain high-risk AI systems. Speakers then explored how these rules intersect with HR practices, particularly in areas such as recruitment, performance monitoring, and employee data processing.
A key focus of the discussion was the classification of AI use in HR as “high-risk” under the Act, and the resulting obligations for employers. These include conducting risk assessments, ensuring human oversight, and engaging with employee representatives—especially in jurisdictions where works councils have consultation or co-determination rights. The panel shared cross-border insights and practical examples from their respective jurisdictions, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands. The session concluded with a case study that illustrated how employers can navigate these challenges in real-world scenarios.
You can access the webinar recording here.
