Europeans Want A Stronger, More United EU According To Eurobarometer Survey
A recent survey highlights Europeans’ growing expectations for the European Union (EU) to take a more proactive role in safeguarding them against global challenges and security risks.
Citizens across the continent are calling for a more unified and powerful EU, particularly in the areas of security, defence, and economic stability. The findings underscore the increasing awareness of the benefits of EU membership and the desire for a stronger European Parliament.
The survey’s Maltese respondent’s results have been made available, and for the most part they surpass the average results collected. For example: when asked- in the future, how important should the role of the European Union to protect European citizens against global crises and security risks, 82% responded more important, with the average of all European countries being 66%.
Check out our instagram post for infographics on the Maltese respondent’s results
For the first time in history, 74% of Europeans believe that their country benefits from being part of the EU. This marks the highest level of approval recorded since the question was first posed in 1983. The growing support signals an increased appreciation of the EU’s role in fostering stability, prosperity, and cooperation among its member states.
An overwhelming 89% of Europeans agree that unity among EU Member States is crucial for addressing global issues. The consensus is remarkably strong, with at least 75% of citizens in every member country supporting greater EU cohesion.
The desire for a stronger European Parliament is on the rise, with 62% of citizens calling for it to play a more prominent role. This figure represents a six-point increase over the past year and the highest level of support since 2020. The shift reflects growing trust in the Parliament’s ability to address pressing issues and shape the EU’s future.
Europeans increasingly recognise the EU’s role in shielding citizens from global crises and security threats. Two-thirds (66%) want the EU’s protective role to be further strengthened, while half of the respondents acknowledge that the EU has already made progress in this area.
Defence and security have emerged as the top priority for strengthening the EU’s global standing, with 36% of citizens emphasising its importance. Economic competitiveness, industry, and market strength follow closely at 32%, having gained five percentage points over the past year.
Economic anxiety remains a key concern, with 33% of Europeans expecting their standard of living to decline in the next five years. This marks a seven-point increase since the recent European elections and returns to the levels observed in spring 2024 (32%).
When asked about the most pressing priorities for the European Parliament, 43% of respondents highlighted the need to combat inflation, rising prices, and the cost of living. Defence and security, along with tackling poverty and social exclusion, ranked next on the list (both at 31%).
The primary reason citizens see EU membership as beneficial has shifted. Protecting peace and strengthening security now ranks as the top benefit (35%), overtaking improved cooperation between EU countries, which fell to second place at 34%.
While political priorities may evolve, core European values remain steadfast. Peace (45%), democracy (32%), and human rights (22%) continue to be the three most important values that citizens want the European Parliament to defend. These priorities have remained unchanged for the past year, reflecting the enduring commitment of Europeans to fundamental rights and stability.
The survey results paint a clear picture: Europeans want a stronger, more united EU capable of addressing pressing global and domestic challenges. From security and economic resilience to inflation and democratic governance, citizens are increasingly looking to the EU for leadership and solutions. As support for the EU reaches historic highs, policymakers face growing expectations to act decisively and uphold the values that unite Europe.
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