Artificial intelligence is becoming a routine part of daily life, yet its integration into Europe’s classrooms remains uneven. A new international survey highlights wide disparities in how teachers use AI, as governments and education experts debate how the technology should be applied in schools.

The OECD’s Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), covering 32 countries, shows that AI use among lower secondary school teachers ranged from just 14 percent in France to 52 percent in Albania in 2024. The average across EU member states surveyed stands at 32 percent, while the wider OECD average is 36 percent.

The survey defines AI use as employing tools that generate text, predict outcomes or assist with decision-making, whether in teaching tasks or for supporting student learning. Western European countries generally show lower adoption, while teachers in the Western Balkans and parts of Eastern Europe report higher engagement.

Eight countries reported usage rates of 40 percent or above, including Malta, Czechia, Romania, Poland, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Norway and the Flemish region of Belgium. On the opposite end, Bulgaria, Hungary, the French-speaking region of Belgium, Turkey, Italy, Finland, Montenegro and Slovakia recorded the lowest levels of adoption.

Experts say the gap cannot be traced to one factor. UNESCO told Euronews Next that national AI policies vary widely, shaping how quickly schools adopt new tools. Countries with proactive AI strategies—including those providing structured training—have seen more rapid uptake, while others have approached generative AI in classrooms with caution.

OECD senior project manager Ruochen Li said infrastructure, policies, cultural attitudes toward technology and the extent of teacher training all contribute to the divide. “We see a strong relationship at the country level between the amount of training offered and the use of AI,” he said.

Education specialists at European Schoolnet added that AI adoption reflects each nation’s policy and support systems. They noted that training and reliable digital infrastructure are essential accelerators, a trend reinforced by the TALIS data. France’s nationwide AI training rollout in public schools began only after the survey period, indicating its usage rates may rise in coming years.

Among teachers using AI, most rely on the technology for preparation rather than direct classroom instruction. Across EU countries, 65 percent of users said they turn to AI to study and summarise topics efficiently, while 64 percent use it to generate lesson plans or activities. Experts note that administrative assistance provided by AI could help reduce time pressures on educators.

Looking ahead, specialists expect AI to play a growing role in classrooms. Some anticipate more student-facing tools, such as personalised learning activities or real-time feedback systems. Yet they stress that teachers must remain central to decision-making to preserve ethical oversight and maintain human guidance.

UNESCO said AI should support educators rather than replace them and must align with privacy protections and educational objectives. Teacher unions have also warned that as AI adoption accelerates, it should not contribute to de-skilling within the profession, particularly amid widespread teacher shortages.

Experts note that while the TALIS survey offers a snapshot of adoption, it does not indicate how frequently teachers use AI—whether it is a routine tool or something they have only tested. As debate continues, policymakers are working to balance innovation with responsibility in Europe’s evolving educational landscape.

Uzbekistan has announced a package of incentives to attract over €85 million in foreign investment for artificial intelligence (AI) and data infrastructure projects, with most developments planned for the country’s northwestern region of Karakalpakstan. The initiative, introduced through a presidential decree, is part of a broader strategy to build a fully integrated AI ecosystem by 2030.

The programme offers investors significant tax breaks, access to low-cost electricity, and support for renewable energy adoption. Companies will be required to commit their own capital while implementing energy-efficient solutions, including battery storage and low-water or water-free cooling systems. These measures aim to ensure sustainable operations while mitigating environmental pressures in a region long affected by the Aral Sea crisis.

Karakalpakstan, an autonomous region, has experienced severe environmental challenges following the shrinkage of the Aral Sea, including increased salinity, dust storms, and the exposure of the former seabed. Officials see high-tech and AI projects as a way to boost economic resilience, create jobs, and attract investment while revitalizing the local economy.

Kamola Sobirova, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Technologies, highlighted the region’s advantages for data centres, including abundant electricity, relatively cool temperatures averaging 12–14°C, and land availability suitable for large-scale infrastructure. The area also offers logistical benefits as a western gateway to Kazakhstan and access to the Trans-Caspian corridor, facilitating the export of AI computing power, cloud storage, and big data services.

The initiative is designed to integrate new projects into the broader technology ecosystem rather than creating isolated industrial sites. Project proposals will be assessed based on export potential, employment and training opportunities for local specialists, reliance on renewable energy, and operational stability. Authorities will also consider innovative solutions such as reusing residual heat from data centres for greenhouse agriculture or community development.

The AI and data infrastructure programme forms part of Uzbekistan’s national strategy to become a regional hub for digital technologies. According to government reports, the country has risen 17 places in the AI Readiness Index 2024, now ranking 70th out of 188 countries. By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to attract over €860 million in foreign investment, develop more than ten AI laboratories in partnership with academic institutions, and launch over 100 AI-based projects.

The strategy includes expanding technology clusters linking universities, start-ups, and industry, while integrating renewable energy to reduce emissions. The government projects IT service exports could reach €4.3 billion by 2030, positioning Uzbekistan as a competitive player in the global technology market.

Officials hope the incentives will not only accelerate the country’s AI ambitions but also drive socio-economic growth in Karakalpakstan, creating skilled jobs, supporting local industries, and strengthening Uzbekistan’s digital infrastructure for the coming decade.