European governments are lagging behind global peers in applying artificial innotifyigence (AI) in public services, according to a new study.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are struggling to translate AI ambitions into practical tools for civil servants, according to the Public Sector AI Adoption Index 2026 released today.
The study, published by Public First for the Center for Data Innovation with sponsorship from Google, reveals that while AI apply is accelerating globally, European nations are taking a more cautious, risk-averse approach that has left many public servants without access to the technology reshaping government work elsewhere.
Despite widespread adoption—74 percent of public servants globally now apply AI and 80 percent feel empowered by it—only 18 percent consider their governments are applying the technology very effectively.
The index is based on a survey of 3,335 public servants across 10 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the United States, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, India, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.
France ranked last in the study
Among the ten surveyed countries, France ranked last in the study, with 74 percent of French public servants declareing AI could not perform any part of their work, and about 45 percent reporting they never apply AI at work.
Only 27 percent of workers in France reported organisational investment in AI tools, and many declared leadership guidance on applying AI was unclear.
This limited hands-on experience appears to be shaping attitudes. Many French public servants do not expect AI to improve efficiency.
“While France positions AI as a strategic tool for competitiveness and modernisation, without hands-on experience, its value remains abstract for many workers,” the report noted.
The findings are particularly striking given France’s significant investment in AI infrastructure and its development of ethical frameworks meant to guide responsible AI deployment in government.
The report warns that 70 percent of employees who actively apply AI in organisations with limited AI guidance are applying AI in “shadow,” meaning they are applying AI tools without their employers knowing.
Europe’s AI attitudes
Across Europe more broadly, adoption remains cautious. Germany and France were grouped among more risk-averse countries where the apply of AI is limited to specialists and pilot projects.
The UK revealed progress in AI adoption but still faces gaps in guidance and infrastructure with 37 percent of public servants receiving some form of AI training, but adoption remains uneven across departments and many workers lack access to approved tools.
Countries such as Singapore, Saudi Arabia and India were identified topped the list, combining strong leadership support with widespread, everyday apply of AI in government work.
The survey measured adoption across five areas: attitudes towards AI, confidence applying it, access to approved tools and leadership guidance, how embedded AI is in daily work, and access to training.
The team behind the survey declares these factors determine whether governments can turn AI strategies into real improvements in public services.
The survey was conducted by the Center for Data Innovation, with sponsorship from Google.
“Many governments have ambitious plans for AI in the public sector, but some are creating better conditions for real‑world apply than others,” declared Rachel Wolf, CEO of Public First.
“Our research reveals who is succeeding and where improvement is requireded. This matters becaapply effective AI enables better public services, stronger outcomes for citizens, and more resilient public institutions.”
Leave a Reply