Google Expands AI Overviews to More European Countries

Google has officially rolled out AI Overviews in several new European regions, marking a significant expansion of its AI-powered search feature across the EU. These updates follow earlier testing in the region and are part of Google's broader push to bring AI Overviews to more global users.

Newly Supported Countries and Languages

As of today, AI Overviews are now available in the following European countries:

• Germany (German & English)

• Belgium (English only at launch)

• Ireland (English)

• Italy (Italian & English)

• Austria (German & English)

• Poland (Polish & English)

• Portugal (Portuguese & English)

• Spain (Spanish & English)

• Switzerland (English, French, German & Italian)

While not yet available in all EU countries, this marks a significant step in Google's ongoing expansion of AI Overviews in Europe.

Background and Global Rollout

Google first introduced AI Overviews in select countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, India, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, and Brazil. In October 2023, the company expanded the feature to over 100 additional countries. This latest wave now brings AI Overviews to key regions in the EU.

How AI Overviews Work

AI Overviews are designed to help users discover information more efficiently by providing concise summaries directly in the search results, powered by generative AI. These summaries often include key points from websites, along with links for further exploration. Google says that the feature is particularly helpful for more complex or conversational queries.

Signed-in users aged 18 and older in the supported regions will now see AI Overviews when Google's systems determine they are likely to be useful. Google emphasizes that the experience is built with helpfulness and relevance in mind, and that the summaries include prominent links to external websites, creating opportunities for publishers to reach new audiences.

Ongoing Testing Spotted Before Official Rollout

Before today’s announcement, users and SEOs had reported seeing AI Overviews being tested in various EU countries.

• Germany: Olaf Kopp shared screenshots on LinkedIn showing early testing in German search results.

• Switzerland: Robert Henniger confirmed sightings of AI Overviews in the country.

• Italy: A user on X (formerly Twitter) posted a screenshot from an Android device showing the feature live.

• Spain: A post by Chesus Rodrigo confirmed similar testing activity.

At the time, these countries were not yet officially listed as supported, but these sightings hinted at the rollout’s imminent arrival.

Why This Matters

With AI Overviews becoming an integral part of the Google Search experience, it’s essential for businesses, marketers, and publishers to understand how this feature might impact visibility and traffic. While AI Overviews often link out to third-party sites, they also change how users interact with search results—potentially affecting click-through rates, impressions, and overall organic traffic.

Google notes that user satisfaction and search engagement have increased with the introduction of AI Overviews, signaling a shift in how people discover information online.

AI features in search continue to evolve quickly, and what users see today may look different tomorrow. As Google fine-tunes its AI-powered experiences, we can expect further adjustments, new capabilities, and expanded country support in the months ahead.