Agent use accelerates among European businesses

AI agents running through Codex and ChatGPT Work accounted for more than 50 per cent of output tokens generated by EU firms by the end of September, according to OpenAI. The analysis covered ChatGPT Enterprise and Business accounts. Weekly active use of agents among small and medium-sized businesses increased more than eightfold between early May and October 5, 2026, following the introduction of ChatGPT Work in July.

Adoption varied sharply across member states. Lithuania led with agents accounting for 85 per cent of output tokens in September, followed by Cyprus at 81 per cent and Hungary at 79 per cent. Slovenia recorded 22 per cent. Small and medium-sized businesses represent 63 per cent of EU private-sector employment and contribute more than 5 trillion euros annually, making broader adoption economically significant.

Europe also trails global leaders in intensive use. EU companies represented nearly 10 per cent of global frontier firms, defined as the top 10 per cent of businesses by AI output tokens per active user. North America accounted for around 65 per cent. OpenAI identified more accessible and affordable advanced tools, alongside stronger worker skills and confidence, as priorities for helping businesses move beyond experimentation toward completing tasks and improving productivity.