Generative AI Becomes Part of Everyday Life Across Europe
Generative AI is rapidly moving from novelty to routine as people across Europe increasingly turn to tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok.
Across the EU, roughly 33 percent of citizens aged 16 to 74 used AI tools at least once in 2025.
Among European countries, adoption ranges widely, spanning from 17 percent in Turkey to 56 percent in Norway.
Within the EU, usage stretches from 18 percent in Romania to 48 percent in Denmark.
Thirteen Countries Record Usage Rates Above 40 Percent
Several nations report notably high engagement, with 13 countries surpassing the 40 percent mark for generative AI use.
Switzerland 47 percent
Estonia 47 percent
Malta 46 percent
Finland 46 percent
Ireland 45 percent
The Netherlands 45 percent
Cyprus 44 percent
Greece 44 percent
Luxembourg 43 percent
Belgium 42 percent
Sweden 42 percent
Eight Countries Fall Below the 25 Percent Threshold
Lower adoption remains evident in a group of countries where fewer than one in four residents have used generative AI tools.
Turkey 17 percent
Romania 18 percent
Serbia 19 percent
Italy 20 percent
Bosnia and Herzegovina 20 percent
North Macedonia 22 percent
Bulgaria 23 percent
Poland 23 percent
Major EU economies also vary, with Italy at 20 percent and Germany at 32 percent sitting below the average, while Spain at 38 percent and France at 37 percent rise above it.
Regional Patterns Reveal Deep Digital Differences
Generative AI adoption reveals a clear geographic divide, with Nordic and digitally advanced countries leading and southern, central eastern and Balkan regions lagging.
Digital Culture and Skills Drive Adoption
Researchers highlight that digital foundations strongly shape AI uptake, as noted by KU Leuven’s Colin van Noordt.
According to him, residents in high adoption countries typically possess strong digital skills, frequent internet use and a general affinity for technology.
He added that in lower adoption countries, many people remain unaware of generative AI or lack the knowledge to engage with it.
Another key factor is practical understanding, since many Europeans report not knowing how AI tools could assist them in daily life.
Government policy alone does not determine adoption, as some countries with strong strategies still see low usage.
This indicates that digital culture and hands on skills carry more weight than policy documents.
Personal Use Outpaces Work Related Adoption
EU wide data shows that 25 percent of people use AI tools for personal needs, compared with 15 percent for work.
Country comparisons show significant differences, exemplified by the Netherlands at 28 percent personal versus 27 percent work.
Greece demonstrates a far larger gap, with 41 percent personal use against 16 percent for work.
Workplace adoption remains cautious, partly because the benefits in professional settings are not always clear.
Education Usage Remains the Lowest
Formal education shows the lowest levels of generative AI use, with only 9 percent of EU residents engaging these tools for learning.
Sweden and Switzerland lead in education related use at 21 percent, while Hungary records the lowest level at 1 percent.
