Denmark tops the EU rankings, with 91% of firms using or planning to use generative AI; European companies are also stepping up investment in energy efficiency and economic security

Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – European businesses are increasingly embracing artificial intelligence, investing in new technologies and adapting their operations to address economic and environmental challenges, according to the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group Investment Survey 2026.

The survey findings highlight the growing role of artificial intelligence in business transformation across the European Union, with Denmark emerging as the leading country in the use or planned adoption of generative AI.

According to the country rankings, 91 per cent of Danish firms are already using generative AI or plan to introduce it within the next 12 months. Sweden and the Netherlands follow with 89 per cent each, while Finland, Belgium, Austria, Lithuania and Malta each record 87 per cent.

Luxembourg and Slovakia stand at 84 per cent, followed by Germany at 83 per cent and Spain at 82 per cent. Czechia and Portugal each record 80 per cent, matching the EU-wide figure shown in the survey.

At the lower end of the rankings, Greece records 66 per cent, Hungary 65 per cent, Italy 64 per cent and Bulgaria 63 per cent.

The wider survey findings underline the scale of business investment and adaptation across Europe. According to the EIB, 85 per cent of EU firms invested during the past year, while 67 per cent are already using artificial intelligence.

The findings also show that 67 per cent of businesses have invested in energy efficiency, reflecting the growing importance of reducing energy consumption and improving operational performance. Meanwhile, 64 per cent of firms are taking measures to address economic security risks.

From adopting advanced digital technologies to improving energy efficiency and strengthening supply chains, European companies are preparing for a changing global economic environment.

The results point to an accelerating shift in business priorities, with technological innovation, sustainability and economic resilience becoming increasingly important to companies across the EU.

The EIB Group Investment Survey provides insights into business investment trends and the challenges facing companies across Europe. Its 2026 findings indicate that firms are not only investing in their current operations but are also preparing for future technological, economic and environmental pressures.