What do Europeans think about AI? A new study by the European Commission reveals many interesting insights into how different European countries are adopting AI and how we feel about this technological revolution. From the future of work to the new skills we need in the Age of AI and AI regulation, and the role of the EU.
Welcome to The AI Six Podcast. where I help you learn and keep up with AI in six minutes a day. In today’s episode, I’m discussing AI adoption across Europe. While businesses are investing heavily in AI, the general public remains divided. Let’s explore the data and its implications.
According to the 2025 European Commission survey, more than 60% of Europeans positively view robots and AI at work and over 70% believe they improve productivity. While a majority supports using robots and AI to make decisions at work, 84% of Europeans think that AI requires careful management to protect privacy and ensure transparency in the workplace.
Younger generations are far more accepting of AI, particularly in everyday applications like voice assistants and AI-generated content. However, trust remains a key issue, especially when AI is used in sensitive areas like policing and finance.
This Eurobarometer survey tells us a lot.
Positive Perception of AI:
- 60% to 62% of Europeans view AI and robots positively at work, seeing them as beneficial for productivity and efficiency.
- 70% believe AI improves productivity.
Concerns and Regulations:
- 84% of Europeans think AI requires careful management to protect privacy and ensure transparency.
- 82% of respondents are concerned about worker privacy in AI-driven workplaces.
- There is strong support for robust regulations to mitigate risks associated with AI, particularly regarding worker protection and decision-making processes.
Involvement in AI Design:
- 77% of EU workers believe managers and employees should be involved in the design and implementation of AI technologies.
- 75% call for more transparency in HR decision-making, and 74% advocate for prohibiting fully automated decision-making processes.
Digital Skills:
- 71% of EU citizens consider themselves proficient in digital technologies and AI tools, marking a significant increase from previous years.
Regional Variations:
- Denmark shows the highest level of optimism towards AI at 86%, while Greece and Portugal report lower confidence levels at 48%.
So what about the skills Europeans think they need?
Technical Skills
- Data Skills: Proficiency in data analysis, data engineering, and machine learning is highly valued as AI relies heavily on data-driven insights.
- Programming Languages: Knowledge of languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript remains crucial for developing and integrating AI systems.
- Cyber and Data Security: Understanding how to protect data and systems from cyber threats is increasingly important as AI expands.
Non-Technical Skills
- Critical Thinking: Essential for evaluating AI-generated results, identifying biases, and making informed decisions.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Combining human creativity with AI capabilities enhances problem-solving and innovation.
- Communication: Clear communication helps in explaining AI outputs to non-technical colleagues and stakeholders, ensuring smooth adoption.
- Emotional Intelligence and Empathy: These skills foster a harmonious work environment and improve human-AI interaction.
- Adaptability and Agility: Essential for adapting to rapid changes in AI technologies and workflows.
Transversal Skills
- Problem-Solving: Needed to address complex issues that arise from AI integration.
- Design Thinking: Helps in creating user-centred solutions that leverage AI effectively.
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About the Podcast Host
Joanne Sweeney is a specialist in public-sector marketing and digital communications. She’s the author of Public Sector Marketing Pro and the creator of the Professional Diploma in AI for Public Sector Marketing. With years of experience training, consulting, and advocating for digital transformation, Joanne provides insight and guidance for government agencies navigating the digital landscape. She is also the host of the award-winning Public Sector Marketing Show podcast.
