European Trade Union Committee for Education

As part of the EU-funded project Balancing AI in EDU, ETUCE has published a new working paper exploring how education trade unions across Europe are engaging with artificial intelligence (AI) in education policy.

Based on a survey of 236 union representatives from 40 countries, the paper provides a first overview of where unions stand when it comes to AI-related advocacy. It reveals that while many unions are aware of policy developments, only a smaller group is actively involved in shaping them.

Where unions do engage, their role is most often consultative rather than leading. They tend to react to policy proposals rather than initiate them, and their involvement is focused on non-binding guidance rather than stronger regulatory frameworks.

The findings also highlight important differences across regions, as well as between unions. Those more active in policy work often have stronger systems in place to gather input from members and share knowledge about AI in education.

At the same time, the paper identifies key barriers that prevent unions from taking a more proactive role. These include limited resources, lack of technical expertise, internal divisions, and the fact that AI is often still seen as a purely technical issue rather than a matter of workers’ rights.

Overall, the working paper points to the need to strengthen unions’ capacity to engage with AI policy, both by building expertise and by ensuring that teachers’ voices are heard in shaping the future of education.

Download the full working paper to explore the findings in more detail.