How Europeans use the internet in 2025: insights from Eurostat
Digital technologies have become part of daily life for people across the European Union. New data from the Eurostat report on Digital economy and society statistics – households and individuals highlight how widespread internet access has become in Europe, how Europeans use online services, and how emerging tools like generative artificial intelligence (AI) are being embraced, but also reflect ongoing gaps in digital inclusion.
Almost universal connectivity
In 2025, 94% of EU households had internet access, and 94% of individuals reported using the internet within the last three months. In contrast, only about 4% had not used it at all during the year, reflecting the near-ubiquity of online participation in European societies. Mobile devices are the most popular means of connecting, with nearly 9 in every 10 users going online via smartphones or similar devices.
However, connectivity is not evenly distributed geographically. While countries like the Netherlands and Luxembourg report the highest levels of recent internet use (above 99%), some Member States still have rates nearer to 90%, showing real room for improvement in digital inclusion.
For those who remain offline, the reasons vary. The most cited explanation is simply not feeling the need to use the internet, followed by difficulties with usage. A smaller share points to accessibility issues, security concerns, or cost barriers.
However, once connected, Europeans engage in a wide range of activities:
- Communication remains central: large shares of individuals send and receive e-mails and use instant messaging or voice/video calling tools
- Access to information is also substantial: many people search online for products, services, and health-related content
- e-commerce has become routine: a high percentage of individuals report ordering or buying goods and services online (including shopping, travel arrangements, and other household needs)
- e-government interaction and use of electronic identification (eID) are growing: public services are shifting at different rates in different countries, but all are moving into the digital realm
Emerging technologies see early uptake
One of the most striking trends in 2025 is the uptake of generative AI tools. About one in three Europeans has used these tools, primarily for personal purposes but also for work and education. Adoption varies by country, but the highest rates were observed in Nordic and Baltic states.
Among those who haven’t yet used generative AI tools, the most common reasons were not feeling they need them (39%; this answer was most common in Poland and Germany, each around half of respondents), lack of knowledge about them (8%), or simply not knowing they exist (5%). Privacy and security concerns account for 4%. These are areas where awareness and training could expand usage.
Digital divide and inclusion
The European Declaration on Digital Rights promoted:
‘…a digital transformation that leaves nobody behind. It should benefit everyone, achieve gender balance, and include notably elderly people, people living in rural areas, persons with disabilities, or marginalized…’.
Despite high overall connectivity, challenges remain in digital inclusion. Ireland, the Netherlands, and Denmark report internet connectivity rates over 99% in both urban and rural contexts, whereas Greece, Bulgaria, and Croatia had the largest differences between cities and rural areas.
In general, connectivity varies by demographic group and geography: rural areas and older age groups still lag behind urban centres and younger cohorts in internet use and digital engagement – again illuminating areas of focus for awareness and training.
The Eurostat data reflect a European society in which digital tools are embedded in everyday routines. At the same time, they underscore the need for continued efforts in digital inclusion, skills development, and support for the populations that remain on the edges of the digital world in Europe.
As policies evolve under the EU’s Digital Decade framework, future progress will hinge not just on connectivity, but on ensuring that all individuals can benefit from and contribute to the digital transformation.
