The adoption of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) tools varies significantly across Europe, reflecting a complex landscape of usage and engagement. According to data from Eurostat, approximately one-third of individuals aged 16 to 74 in the European Union reported using AI tools at least once in 2025. This figure underscores a shift from Gen AI being an emerging technology to a common utility in daily life, impacting personal, educational, and professional activities.
Varied Adoption Rates Across Countries
The extent of Gen AI usage reveals stark contrasts among European nations. In a survey of 33 countries, the adoption rate ranges from a mere 17 percent in Turkey to an impressive 56 percent in Norway. Within the EU, countries such as Denmark lead with a usage rate of 48 percent, while Romania lags behind at just 18 percent.
Several nations exhibit strong engagement with Gen AI tools, with at least two in five individuals utilizing them in the three months leading up to the Eurostat survey. These include Switzerland (47%), Estonia (47%), Malta (46%), and others. Conversely, eight countries, including Bulgaria and Poland, report usage rates below 25 percent, indicating a significant divide in technology adoption.
Factors Influencing Adoption Rates
The differences in Gen AI adoption can be attributed to several factors, primarily a country’s digital infrastructure and culture. Colin van Noordt, a researcher at KU Leuven University in Belgium, highlighted that nations with advanced digital foundations, such as Denmark and Switzerland, naturally exhibit higher adoption rates. These countries tend to have a population well-versed in digital skills, frequent internet usage, and an overall positive attitude toward technology.
Van Noordt emphasized the importance of “AI literacy,” suggesting that many individuals refrain from using Gen AI tools due to a lack of understanding of their benefits or even their existence. He noted, “Many people across Europe say they don’t use generative AI simply because they don’t know what to use it for.” This indicates that awareness and education about AI tools are crucial for enhancing adoption rates.
Governmental policies can also play a role, although the evidence remains inconclusive. While several nations have established comprehensive policy frameworks to promote AI, low adoption rates persist in some areas. This suggests that while governmental support can stimulate interest, the underlying digital culture and practical skills of citizens are more influential in driving usage.
Personal use of Gen AI tools overwhelmingly surpasses work-related applications. In the EU, 25 percent of individuals reported using AI tools for personal reasons, compared to just 15 percent for work. The disparity varies significantly across countries. For instance, in the Netherlands, AI usage is nearly evenly split, while in Greece, personal use greatly exceeds work-related use, highlighting different cultural attitudes towards technology.
Despite the growing presence of AI tools, formal education remains an area of minimal engagement. Only 9 percent of the population in the EU reported using AI for educational purposes. Sweden and Switzerland lead in this aspect, each with a usage rate of 21 percent, while Hungary records a notably low 1 percent.
As generative AI continues to evolve, understanding the factors driving its adoption across Europe will be crucial for policymakers and technology developers alike. The path forward requires addressing the gaps in digital literacy and ensuring that individuals not only have access to these tools but also comprehend their potential benefits in enhancing everyday life.
