This Declaration builds upon previous ones from 2017, 2018, and 2021 and insights from the "Banking in 2030" project.

The rise of AI and digital technologies has significantly impacted the European banking sector, a shift accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the industry has adapted to increased digital interactions, traditional banking services remain important. As banks increasingly introduce AI applications into the workplace, the European Social Partners emphasise the importance of leveraging social dialogue, including collective bargaining, to guide the use, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of AI. This approach aims to balance technological advancements with the preservation of essential banking services and consideration of employment and work organisation aspects.

The European Social Partners advocate for responsible AI use, which includes transparency, fairness, and non-discrimination. Banks are encouraged to implement AI systems prioritising fundamental human rights, promoting equality and diversity, transparency and protecting data privacy and security.

The declaration emphasises the key role of social dialogue, including collective bargaining, in managing the employment aspects of AI. AI should lead to changes in employment terms with proper consultation. It highlights the need for regular occupational safety and health risk assessments, training programmes for digital competence development, and digital rights in the context of artificial intelligence.

The European Social Partners, committed to promoting and monitoring the implementation of the Joint Declaration at the regional, national and sectoral levels. They urged national sectoral social partners to adopt the agreed positions and policies to address emerging AI-related challenges, highlighting the importance of ongoing social dialogue to ensure a balanced and fair approach to AI integration in the banking sector.