The research, carried out by the decentralised crypto exchange company Eskimoz, analysed four technological pillars: infrastructure, legislation, innovation and real-world AI usage.
Scandinavia dominates the rankings, with the top three AI-ready countries all clustered in the region, underlining a regional obsession with automation and data.
Sweden’s readiness index stands at 0.75, reflecting its digital infrastructure, skilled workforce and government policy support. About 25 per cent of Swedish businesses already use at least one AI tool daily.
Germany takes second place with a score of 82, matching Sweden’s readiness index of 0.75 but outspending everyone else by nearly €4 billion on AI. Around 20 per cent of German firms report daily AI use.
The Netherlands comes in third with a score of 79 and a readiness index of 0.77, the second-highest in the study. About 23 per cent of Dutch companies use AI tools, and individuals clock up an average of 50 AI tool visits per year.
France sits in fourth place with a score of 69 after investing €3.4 billion in artificial intelligence. Its readiness index of 0.70 reflects steady progress rather than runaway adoption.
Denmark rounds out the top five with a score of 64 and the highest readiness index in the ranking at 0.78. Danish businesses are the most dependent on AI, with more than 27 per cent reporting regular use.
Finland follows in sixth place with a score of 61, backed by a readiness index of 0.76 and investment exceeding €1.3 billion. About 24 per cent of Finnish companies now rely on AI tools.
Belgium lands seventh with a score of 57 and stands out for strong business adoption, with 24.7 per cent of companies using AI. Its readiness index of 0.67 is supported by investment nearing €396 million.
Norway takes eighth place with a score of 56, an AI readiness index of 0.71 and investment of just more than €199 million. Business adoption sits at 20.8 per cent, comfortably ahead of France.
Austria ranks ninth with a score of 55, combining a readiness index of 0.72 with 20.3 per cent of businesses using AI. Investment totals €239 million, more than €40 million higher than in Norway.
Ireland completes the top ten with a score of 49, a readiness index of 0.69 and business adoption at 14.9 per cent, supported by €223 million in investment.
Across the continent, Europe is investing about €200 billion in artificial intelligence, with more than 74 per cent of businesses already kicking off AI-related projects.
Eskimoz spokesperson said, “AI readiness is about more than just investment. It reflects how countries are preparing businesses, education, and infrastructure for the future of work. High adoption rates signal that companies are integrating AI into daily operations, while robust national strategies show a commitment to innovation. By tracking these trends, we can better understand which regions are leading in AI and where additional support or guidance may be needed.”