As Europe approaches 2026, cryptocurrency adoption appears to be entering a period of reassessment. While recent studies point to a renewed surge in public interest, actual ownership remains relatively low. Crypto assets continue to attract curiosity more than long-term commitment, according to the 2025 survey published by ADAN (Association for the Development of Digital Assets).
Across several major European markets, the number of people expressing interest in crypto has increased sharply compared to two years ago. Italy recorded a 17-point rise to 39%, Germany gained 15 points to 30%, the United Kingdom rose 12 points to 25%, and France climbed 10 points to 33%.
However, this growing curiosity has not translated into widespread adoption. In France, the share of people who actually own cryptocurrency fell to 10% in 2025, down from 12% a year earlier. The contrast highlights a broader European trend: crypto is capturing attention, but many remain hesitant to commit capital. Enthusiasm is visible but mass adoption remains elusive.
Strong Interest, Slowing Adoption
The ADAN 2025 survey, which covers multiple European countries, shows that interest in crypto assets is clearly on the rise. Yet for many respondents, that interest remains largely theoretical. In France, while one-third of the population says it is interested in crypto, only one in ten actually holds digital assets.
Several factors help explain this gap: ongoing market volatility, lingering trust issues, regulatory uncertainty, and general financial caution. The survey also outlines a typical crypto holder profile,
generally younger, more comfortable with technology, and more inclined to diversification rather than heavy exposure.
At the European level, adoption rates vary but remain modest. The United Kingdom reports a 19% ownership rate, while the Netherlands and Belgium each stand at 17%. No surveyed country exceeds the 20% threshold, reinforcing the view that crypto remains a niche investment even in more mature markets.
Measured Adoption and the Question of Trust
France’s decline in crypto ownership, from 12% to 10% in 2025, suggests that macroeconomic pressures and market volatility continue to weigh on investor decisions. Even among holders, exposure levels tend to be limited. Cryptocurrency rarely represents a dominant share of household savings.
Instead of speculative behavior seen in previous bull markets, today’s investors appear more cautious. Many treat crypto as a secondary asset used for diversification rather than a vehicle for rapid wealth creation. This shift points to a more sober and measured phase of adoption.
While this prudence may signal growing maturity, it also underscores how far crypto still has to go before achieving stable, mass-market adoption.
As of late 2025, cryptocurrency adoption in Europe remains in a gray zone. Public interest is strong and growing, but real ownership lags behind. Crypto is capturing minds but not yet wallets. Overcoming volatility, regulatory uncertainty, macroeconomic headwinds, and, above all, trust will be essential before digital assets can move from niche to mainstream across the continent.
