AI adoption doubles in euro area but productivity gains remain unproven

The European Central Bank reports that AI usage among euro area workers has doubled from 26% in 2024 to 52% in 2026, though its impact on overall productivity remains unproven. The study, based on monthly surveys of about 20,000 people across eleven countries, found median users save three hours weekly, nearly 8% of work time. However, gains are uneven, with 61% of university graduates using AI versus 37% of less-educated workers. About one-third of non-users see no benefit, and over 40% decline to use it, citing reliability concerns and lack of employer support. Economists urge better training and access to fully realize AI's productivity potential.