The latest data stories: Exploring Europe through open data
During the third quarter of 2026, the European Data Portal published
two new data stories
[https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories]. The first was
published in July and focuses on artificial intelligence
[https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories/artificial-intelligence-europe-how-ai-entering-everyday-life],
while the second, published in September, is about supply chains
[https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories/moving-goods-across-europe-insights-eus-supply-chains].
Using open data, they explored how AI is becoming part of everyday
life and how goods move through the transport networks that underpin
Europe’s economy. 

The first story examined the growing role of artificial intelligence
in Europe. From writing emails and generating images to supporting
work and learning activities, AI tools are becoming increasingly
common among European citizens and businesses. The data revealed
particularly strong uptake among younger Europeans, with almost
two-thirds of those aged 16 to 24 reporting to have used generative AI
tools in the previous three months. Meanwhile, adoption by businesses
has more than doubled since 2023, especially in information and
communication, professional services and scientific activities. At the
same time, public opinion presents a more nuanced picture, with
Europeans recognising AI’s benefits for productivity while remaining
cautious about its implications for employment. 

The second story explores Europe’s supply chains and the networks
that move goods across the continent every day. From food and fuel to
construction materials and consumer products, supply chains connect
factories, ports, warehouses and consumers across Europe. The data
showed that sea and road transport account for most freight activity
in Europe, while major freight hubs such as the Port of Rotterdam and
Frankfurt Airport play an important role in European transport
networks. The story also revealed that a small number of product
categories account for the largest trade flows moving through
Europe’s supply chains, particularly mining and quarrying products,
agricultural goods and construction-related goods. 

Although the topics differ, both stories demonstrate how open data can
help explain developments across Europe. From the growing influence of
AI in daily life and business to the vast transport networks moving
goods across borders, open data makes these trends more accessible and
easier to understand. 

 

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Publication Date/Time
2026-09-30T08:00:00+00:00
What open data reveals about AI and supply chains across the EU