Spain Surprisingly More Pro-AI Than Its Neighbors, Survey Finds 2026

Spain is surprisingly more pro-AI than many of its European neighbors, according to a new POLITICO survey. The poll, conducted by independent firm Public First between September 13 and 15, 2026, found that 39.8% of Spanish respondents support developing more advanced AI models, compared to just 30.6% in the United States—a gap of 9.2 percentage points.

This makes Spain the country with the highest support for continued AI development among the six nations surveyed, though it is practically tied with Germany. The findings come at a time when AI companies themselves have called for a pause on advanced models, only to release new ones days later, highlighting the tension between caution and progress.

Spain Leads in Pro-AI Sentiment

The survey results are striking because they challenge assumptions about European caution toward technology. While the U.S. is often seen as more innovation-friendly, Spanish respondents showed stronger enthusiasm for pushing AI forward.

This pro-AI stance may reflect Spain's growing tech sector and recent government initiatives to position the country as a digital hub. It also suggests that public debate in Spain has not been as dominated by AI risk narratives as in other countries.

Why the Gap Matters

The 9.2-point difference between Spain and the U.S. is significant. It indicates that Spanish citizens are more willing to embrace the potential benefits of AI, even as concerns about its risks grow globally.

This could influence how companies and policymakers approach AI regulation in Spain. A supportive public may encourage faster adoption and investment, while also pressuring regulators to balance innovation with safety.

Key Takeaways from the Survey

• Spain has the highest support for advanced AI development among six countries surveyed.
• 39.8% of Spaniards favor continued AI development, versus 30.6% of Americans.
• Germany is nearly tied with Spain, indicating strong European support in some nations.
• The survey was conducted by Public First between September 13-15, 2026.
• Results highlight a disconnect between industry caution and public enthusiasm.

How Countries Compare

The table below shows the percentage of respondents in each country who support developing more advanced AI models. Spain leads, followed closely by Germany, while the U.S. lags behind. The longer history behind the story is traced in Spain Surprisingly More Pro-AI Than Its Neighbors, Survey Finds.

Note: The survey included six countries, but exact figures for all are not provided in the source. Germany's support is described as practically tied with Spain. The background to this story is set out in British Public Opinion: Can Andy Burnham Restore Trust?. A related thread runs through People Share Ridiculous Things Their Craziest Neighbors Have Done. Earlier coverage in AI Development Pause Urged by Bernie Sanders in New Letter shows how the argument developed.

What This Means for AI Policy

Spain's pro-AI sentiment could shape its regulatory approach. With public opinion leaning toward innovation, policymakers may face less pressure to impose strict restrictions compared to countries with more skeptical populations. A closer look at the same subject appears in New York Enacts One-Year Pause on AI Datacenter Development. Anyone following the wider picture can start with White House AI Accord Misspells United States: Trump Signs. The same theme surfaces in Andy Burnham's Triple Lock Reform: Public Opinion Shift, which takes a different angle.

However, this does not mean Spaniards are ignoring risks. The survey likely reflects a nuanced view: many may believe that continued development, with proper safeguards, is better than slowing down. This aligns with the broader debate about whether pausing AI research is practical or even desirable. Context on how this played out before sits in Ai Video: latest articles. A companion piece, AI's Time-Saving Promise Backfires as Inboxes Overflow, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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