67% of Europeans Back AI for Worker Safety as EU Trust Hits 17-Year High
Amid global uncertainty and rapid technological change, a new Eurobarometer survey reveals that a majority of Europeans not only trust the European Union but also view artificial intelligence as a positive force. As the EU pushes forward with its regulatory approach to AI, citizens appear increasingly confident that technology can enhance, rather than endanger, their working lives.
Martti Asikainen, 2.6.2025
A recent Eurobarometer survey reveals a significant shift in Europeans’ attitudes towards technology: nearly seven out of ten support the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplaces to enhance safety. Simultaneously, trust in the European Union has risen to its highest level in 17 years, with 52% of citizens expressing confidence in the EU.
Europeans are increasingly positive about both technological development and the EU’s role in guiding it. The latest Eurobarometer survey indicates that 67% of EU citizens support the utilization of AI to improve worker safety. At the same time, trust in the EU has climbed to its highest point since 2007, with 52% of respondents reporting confidence in the Union.
Notably, among young people aged 15–24, the proportion expressing trust in the EU rises to 59%. In contrast, trust in national governments averages 36%, highlighting the growing significance of the Union in the eyes of citizens.
Not a threat, but a tool
Public support for the use of AI to enhance workplace safety signals a change in attitudes toward technology: AI is no longer viewed solely as a risk but as an opportunity to improve everyday working conditions. AI-based systems can, for example, predict hazardous situations, analyze occupational safety data, and automate physically demanding or dangerous tasks.
“The results show that Europeans approach AI in a practical and goal-oriented manner. People recognize the opportunities, especially when technology is used to promote employee well-being,” reflects Martti Asikainen, an expert at the Finnish AI Region, on the latest statistics.
According to the news site Euractiv, European workers are significantly more confident in AI’s role in the labor market compared to their American counterparts. This difference is likely explained by the European Commission’s strategy, which integrates AI into working life in a controlled and responsible manner.
The EU has adopted a much stricter regulatory approach than many of its competitors and has developed determined guidance mechanisms for AI development. A key example of this is the AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive AI legislation. Its purpose is to ensure that technological development aligns with European values and fundamental rights.
Significant Untapped Potential
Europe possesses considerable untapped potential, which is being harnessed through AI factories and digital innovation hubs that particularly support collaboration between SMEs and the research sector. According to Eurostat, in 2024, only about 13.48% of European companies with more than ten employees utilized AI in their business operations.
“The change from the previous year is significant. In 2023, only 8% of European companies utilized AI, mainly in workflow automation and decision-making support. In other words, over 5% have adopted AI into their business operations within a year,” Asikainen notes in his article.
The rapid development indicates both the maturation of technology and the growing courage of European companies to leverage new opportunities. Particularly, SMEs have realized that AI is a tool accessible to all, enhancing operational efficiency, improving customer service, and accelerating product development.
Finnish AI Region
2022-2025.
Media contacts