Eurobarometer Survey Reveals Strong Support for EU Security Measures Amid Economic Concerns
Historic levels of approval for EU membership show a demand for stronger collective security and action against rising living costs.
The European Parliament’s Winter 2025 Eurobarometer survey, released recently, reflects a significant shift in citizens' attitudes toward the European Union, with unprecedented support for EU membership and a demand for increased security measures.
Currently, 66% of EU citizens advocate for a more prominent role for the EU in addressing global crises and security threats, with particularly strong support from younger demographics.
Nationally, the desire for a stronger EU presence varies, with 87% of respondents in Sweden expressing support, compared to 47% in Romania and 44% in Poland.
A noteworthy 74% of EU citizens believe that their country has benefited from EU membership, the highest recorded since this question was first posed in 1983. Respondents often cite the EU's contributions to maintaining peace and enhancing security, with 35% identifying it as a primary benefit of membership.
The survey indicates a call for unity among EU Member States in facing global challenges, with 89% of citizens advocating for greater collaboration, and 76% believing that the EU requires additional resources to effectively address these challenges.
Defensively, 36% of respondents prioritize security and defense, while 32% emphasize competitiveness, economy, and industry as critical focus areas for the EU to bolster its global standing.
These themes were explored in relation to discussions during the recent European Council meeting.
Moreover, economic issues are pressing on the minds of citizens, with 43% highlighting inflation, rising prices, and the cost of living as urgent concerns.
This is followed by equal concerns regarding EU defense and security (31%) and the fight against poverty and social exclusion (31%).
Certain countries report even more acute worries, such as 57% of respondents in Portugal and 56% in France regarding inflation.
Amid these economic pressures, there is a sobering forecast for the near future, with a third of respondents expecting a decline in their standard of living over the next five years, reflecting a notable rise in pessimism compared to earlier surveys.
This sentiment is particularly pronounced among French respondents (53%) and German respondents (47%).
Core values such as peace and democracy remain significant to EU citizens, with 45% advocating for the defense of peace, followed by 32% prioritizing the safeguarding of democracy and 22% supporting human rights initiatives both within the EU and globally.
Support for the European Parliament has also increased, with 50% of individuals viewing the EU positively—a figure only surpassed once in recent years.
Additionally, 62% of citizens are in favor of an enhanced role for the European Parliament, marking a 6% increase since early 2024, as public expectations grow ahead of the upcoming European elections.
The Winter 2025 Eurobarometer survey involved 26,354 interviews conducted between January 9 and February 4, 2025, across all 27 EU Member States, utilizing face-to-face and video methodologies for data collection.
Currently, 66% of EU citizens advocate for a more prominent role for the EU in addressing global crises and security threats, with particularly strong support from younger demographics.
Nationally, the desire for a stronger EU presence varies, with 87% of respondents in Sweden expressing support, compared to 47% in Romania and 44% in Poland.
A noteworthy 74% of EU citizens believe that their country has benefited from EU membership, the highest recorded since this question was first posed in 1983. Respondents often cite the EU's contributions to maintaining peace and enhancing security, with 35% identifying it as a primary benefit of membership.
The survey indicates a call for unity among EU Member States in facing global challenges, with 89% of citizens advocating for greater collaboration, and 76% believing that the EU requires additional resources to effectively address these challenges.
Defensively, 36% of respondents prioritize security and defense, while 32% emphasize competitiveness, economy, and industry as critical focus areas for the EU to bolster its global standing.
These themes were explored in relation to discussions during the recent European Council meeting.
Moreover, economic issues are pressing on the minds of citizens, with 43% highlighting inflation, rising prices, and the cost of living as urgent concerns.
This is followed by equal concerns regarding EU defense and security (31%) and the fight against poverty and social exclusion (31%).
Certain countries report even more acute worries, such as 57% of respondents in Portugal and 56% in France regarding inflation.
Amid these economic pressures, there is a sobering forecast for the near future, with a third of respondents expecting a decline in their standard of living over the next five years, reflecting a notable rise in pessimism compared to earlier surveys.
This sentiment is particularly pronounced among French respondents (53%) and German respondents (47%).
Core values such as peace and democracy remain significant to EU citizens, with 45% advocating for the defense of peace, followed by 32% prioritizing the safeguarding of democracy and 22% supporting human rights initiatives both within the EU and globally.
Support for the European Parliament has also increased, with 50% of individuals viewing the EU positively—a figure only surpassed once in recent years.
Additionally, 62% of citizens are in favor of an enhanced role for the European Parliament, marking a 6% increase since early 2024, as public expectations grow ahead of the upcoming European elections.
The Winter 2025 Eurobarometer survey involved 26,354 interviews conducted between January 9 and February 4, 2025, across all 27 EU Member States, utilizing face-to-face and video methodologies for data collection.
