AI is everywhere these days, but in Europe, not everyone is jumping on board the same way. A fresh look at the numbers shows big differences across countries. Some places love using AI tools for school, work, or fun. In others, people barely admit to touching it—like it’s still a bit forbidden.
The EU is pushing hard to get more people and companies using AI. They give money for it, make plans to get ready, and put out rules on how to use it the right way. But even with all that, things move at different speeds. A new Eurobarometer survey says 64% of Europeans think everyone will need AI skills by 2030. That’s a strong yes from most people.
Right now, about 33% of Europeans say they have used AI tools. That’s up a lot in recent years. ChatGPT from OpenAI leads the pack, with over 120 million users in the EU last year. It holds most of the market, while others like Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Claude share the rest.
When it comes to school, things get interesting. Only about 10% of Europeans say they use generative AI for formal education. In some countries, it’s way higher. Sweden tops the list at almost 21%, followed by Malta, Denmark, Spain, and Estonia. But in others, the numbers are tiny. Hungary reports just 0.6%, Romania 3.4%, Poland 4.6%. Experts think those low figures might mean people don’t want to admit it—maybe because teachers or schools frown on it. Many see AI in class as risky, though over half think it can help and hurt at the same time. Only 22% say it has no place in school at all.
The EU already has ethical rules for teachers on using AI. The big question now is getting safe tools to everyone, especially in places with less internet or digital skills. Teachers could use AI to help kids with things like dyslexia, ADHD, or autism—making lessons fit each student better.
At work, a bit more people use it—around 15%. Malta leads again at nearly 30%, with Denmark, Netherlands, Estonia, and Finland close behind. Hungary is last at 1.3%, then Romania, Italy, and Poland. For private fun, like chatting or making pictures, about a quarter of Europeans say yes. Cyprus hits 43%, Greece 41%, Estonia and Malta high too. Hungary stays low at just 2%.
Companies show the same split. On average, 20% use some kind of AI tech, up 12% since 2021. Denmark leads at 42%, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, and Luxembourg follow. Romania is way down at 5%, with Poland, Bulgaria, Greece, and Cyprus not far ahead.
Why the big gaps? In northern and western Europe, people and businesses seem more open and ready. In eastern and southern parts, it might feel new or scary. Some places encourage AI in class and jobs. Others treat it like something to hide.
The EU wants to fix this with better plans and real help. They need to focus on training, easy access to tools, and support for different company sizes. The goal is big results, not just talk.
This story matters because AI is changing fast. Knowing who uses it and why some hold back helps everyone understand the real picture in Europe right now. It’s not all smooth—there are taboos and hesitations—but the push is on to make AI skills normal for more people. Exciting, right? The next few years will show how far it goes.