AI adoption in Europe: from hesitation to acceleration

But while adoption has accelerated, the path forward is not without its challenges. AI brings both potential and pressure, and the way firms navigate this balance will define their competitive advantage.

A transformative year in adoption

Across Europe, firms are now using AI to automate repetitive tasks, boost efficiency, and improve accuracy. Bookkeeping automation, document summarisation, and tax research rank among the top current use-cases. As noted in the Report, firms are increasingly layering these tools into workflows, using them to save time, reduce risk, and support client advisory.

“AI is fundamentally changing how we work as accountants – and how we must work,” said Geert Degens, Partner at FinFisco in Belgium. “On one hand, AI boosts our efficiency and accuracy. On the other hand, it demands continuous learning, refining our soft skills, and rethinking our service offering.”

Growth in AI adoption isn’t limited to top-performing firms. In fact, one of the most compelling findings from the Report is that the top implementation barriers remain consistent across firm types. While implementation levels may vary across countries, interest is consistent.

This suggests a crucial takeaway: it’s not the absence of risk that drives AI adoption, but rather a strategic decision to accept those risks in pursuit of transformative value. 

Familiar barriers, new urgency

The most cited challenges to AI adoption are well known: lack of staff experience, concerns around privacy and security, and data quality concerns. But while these challenges remain consistent, the urgency to overcome them is growing.

As Carlos María Ruiz García, CEO of Spain-based Sincro explains, “It’s not about using AI because it is ‘trendy,’ but rather about having a clear purpose, understanding the risks and impacts in the short, medium, and long term, and measuring results.”

The firms making the leap are doing so deliberately, with structured onboarding, defined use-cases, and clear ROI expectations. For many, the greatest risk is not adopting AI — it’s being left behind.

Expanding investment, expanding use

Looking ahead, investment in advanced AI is expected to continue rising. A majority of surveyed firms plan to expand AI use over the next year, especially in more advanced and high-value functions. According to the 2025 Future Ready Accountant report, 37% of European firms are very likely to implement each of the following:

• Predictive insights based on client data: Firms report strong interest in AI tools that generate forward-looking financial guidance, especially in Germany (46%).
• Knowledge base enhancements: Tools that analyse unstructured data and build smarter internal systems are gaining traction across the region, especially in Belgium (51%).
• Identify out-of-compliance clients: AI is increasingly being used to flag risks and compliance gaps, especially in Sweden (45%).

For firms overall in Europe, 35% are already using AI for each of the following: bookkeeping, tax accounting and audit research, and document summarisation and analysis.

From automation to augmentation

While many firms began their AI journey with process automation, the direction is clearly shifting toward augmentation. AI is not replacing professionals; it’s amplifying their impact.

“The effective use of AI is the most disruptive thing I’ve seen in the industry to date,” said Dayle Rodriguez, Systems Advisory Manager for Kreston Reeves in the UK. “Clients will ultimately want assurance that what an AI has produced is correct. We’ll likely see a significant decrease in manual ‘grunt’ work and a larger focus on assurance.”

That human expertise remains irreplaceable. The firms leading in AI aren’t automating everything; they’re automating intelligently and focusing their teams on higher-value tasks like strategic advisory, regulatory navigation, and proactive client service.

What’s next?

To read more about AI adoption trends and more in Europe, download the Wolters Kluwer 2025 Future Ready Accountant report.