European governments are lagging behind global peers in using artificial intelligence (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 use 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 use AI and 80 percent feel empowered by it—only 18 percent think their governments are using 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 saying AI could not perform any part of their work, and about 45 percent reporting they never use AI at work.
Only 27 percent of workers in France reported organisational investment in AI tools, and many said leadership guidance on using 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 use AI in organisations with limited AI guidance are using AI in “shadow,” meaning they are using 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 use of AI is limited to specialists and pilot projects.
The UK showed 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 use of AI in government work.
The survey measured adoption across five areas: attitudes towards AI, confidence using it, access to approved tools and leadership guidance, how embedded AI is in daily work, and access to training.
The team behind the survey says 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 use than others,” said Rachel Wolf, CEO of Public First.
“Our research shows who is succeeding and where improvement is needed. This matters because effective AI enables better public services, stronger outcomes for citizens, and more resilient public institutions.”