Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly entering work capacity assessment (WCA) systems across Europe, where decisions directly affect individuals facing illness, disability, or unemployment. These assessments are conducted within complex institutional frameworks and rely on sensitive medical and social data. While AI-driven tools promise greater efficiency, consistency, and data-informed decision-making, they also raise fundamental concerns regarding fairness, transparency, accountability, and data governance - particularly for citizens in situations of heightened vulnerability.
This HELT Talk brings together complementary perspectives. Representing one of the largest stakeholder groups in Europe, the President of the European Union of Medicine in Assurance and Social Security (EUMASS) will provide an overview of how work capacity assessments are organised across EU Member States, with particular attention to Belgium. The presentation will explore the practical promises of AI in WCA - including improved coordination, decision support, and administrative efficiency - while also addressing key challenges, such as fragmented data ecosystems (notably in Belgium), interoperability barriers, and governance complexities.
From a legal perspective, the second contribution of the HALL post-doc researcher Anastasiya Kiseleva will analyse how AI and data governance frameworks can strengthen - rather than weaken - the protection of individuals undergoing work capacity assessments. The session will reflect on regulatory safeguards, human oversight, accountability mechanisms, and fundamental rights implications in AI-assisted decision-making. By combining institutional, medical, and legal insights, the event aims to foster an informed debate on how to design and govern AI systems that genuinely safeguard citizens in times of vulnerability.
Direct access to U-Residence via Generaal Jacqueslaan 271 (Entrance 9)