Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming our societies and economies, offering seemingly endless opportunities alongside major challenges and risks.
To address these developments, representatives from 80 countries gathered in Paris on 10-11 February 2025 for the AI Action Summit. In her speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen laid out the EU’s vision: "We want Europe to be one of the leading AI continents, and this means embracing a way of life where AI is everywhere", while emphasising that “AI needs the confidence of the people”.
But do EU citizens want to embrace a way of life where AI is everywhere? Does AI have the confidence of the people? This analysis explores European citizens’ views on AI, using data from the Special Eurobarometer 554 ‘Artificial Intelligence and the future of work’ as well as the Special Eurobarometer 557, ‘European citizens’ knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology’, conducted by Verian[1] for the European Commission in April - May and September - October 2024, respectively.
EU citizens’ views on AI are somewhat divided: while 55% expect its impact on our way of life in the next 20 years to be positive, 35% expect it to be negative.
A closer look at the sociodemographic data reveals:
More specifically, Europeans view AI’s impact across different areas as largely positive:
With AI becoming more integrated into everyday life, Europeans overwhelmingly support its careful regulation, despite the perception of its positive impact:
These figures suggest that while AI is seen as beneficial overall, Europeans also call for oversight and limitations on its use. This caution in the European public may be linked to a lack of information:
While AI can drive productivity and create opportunities, the rise of AI and automation raises considerable concerns about the transformation of work and the potential loss of jobs: 66% of Europeans fear it will replace more jobs than it creates. The highest levels of this concern are found in Greece (80%), Slovakia (79%), and Cyprus (77%), while the lowest are in Denmark (45%), the Netherlands (48%), and Germany (53%). These figures emphasise public concern and uncertainty about AI’s impact on the labour market, despite the widespread view that AI is beneficial for the economy and the workplace.
AI is being increasingly used in science to collect data, improve analysis and gain insights. However, European’s trust in AI-based scientific research is divided:
However, 50% of Europeans agree that AI used in science advances scientific discoveries and will lead to solutions to major challenges such as climate change and serious diseases, while only 16% of Europeans disagree with this statement. Optimism is strongest in Denmark (74%), Sweden (72%), and Malta (65%), emphasising AI’s enormous potential.
Do Europeans want to embrace a way of life where AI is everywhere? Do they have confidence in AI?
The data presents a complex picture: While there is optimism about AI’s potential to improve daily life, the economy and solve global challenges, concerns and uncertainty – particularly regarding job security and trust in AI-driven research – are widespread. This uncertainty will play a crucial role in shaping public perception in the near future. If those who are currently uncertain develop greater confidence in its applications, AI will have the confidence of the people, as Ursula von der Leyen hopes.
However, currently, the widespread belief that AI must be carefully managed and the reluctance to use AI more widely highlight the delicate balance between innovation and control, an issue the EU attempted to confront with the AI Act in 2024. As AI continues to shape our future, addressing these concerns through regulation, education and transparent communication will be essential for ensuring its responsible and widely accepted integration into European society.
Read the Special Eurobarometer 557.
[1] Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) & Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD)