Why social services must be part of the EU’s Apply AI Strategy
Read our full position paper here
The European Commission is currently developing its Apply AI Strategy, a flagship initiative to make Europe a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The focus of the European Commission is to drive AI adoption across strategic sectors including manufacturing, defence, agri-food, mobility, energy, and more.
Social services for persons with disabilities are currently not listed among these “strategic sectors”, despite being essential to Europe’s social cohesion and economic resilience. That’s why EASPD has submitted its contribution to the public consultation, urging the European Commission to include social services in the Apply AI Strategy.
Social services must be recognised as a strategic sector in this initiative, not only as a user of AI technologies, but as a key stakeholder in shaping inclusive, ethical, and human-centred AI ecosystems further enhancing EU’s competitiveness.
Why it matters:
- AI can help transform social services, improving their quality, reach, and efficiency. For example, AI tools can ease administrative burdens, support workforce planning, and enhance person-centred care.
- The social services sector is one of the EU’s largest employers. 3.3 million people are employed in the health and social sectors, making them a vital pillar of the social economy. However, it remains underfunded and under-digitalised.
- With growing demand for care services, AI presents a strategic opportunity to improve cost-effectiveness, boost workforce participation (especially for women and informal carers), and support independent living for persons with disabilities.
EASPD’s key messages to the EU:
- Social services must be recognised as a strategic sector in the Apply AI Strategy.
- Investments in inclusive and ethical AI can advance the rights of persons with disabilities and support EU competitiveness.
- The sector needs dedicated support and funding to fully harness AI’s potential, from service delivery to internal HR, administative processes.
By recognising social services as a strategic player, not just a user of AI, Europe can lead in developing human-centred AI ecosystems. This alignes with the core values of the EU and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).