Survey Shows EU Citizens Value Security, Unity, and Membership Support

Synopsis

A recent survey by the European Parliament highlights that EU citizens prioritize security, unity, and strong membership support. With historic approval levels, citizens express a desire for the EU to take a more proactive role in addressing global challenges.

Key Takeaways

66% want the EU to enhance its protective role.
89% call for increased unity among member states.
74% believe their country benefits from EU membership.
Top issues include rising costs and defence.
Expectations for living standards are declining.

Brussels, March 25 (NationPress) A recent survey released by the European Parliament indicates that EU citizens prioritize protection against global crises and security risks, as well as unity among member states. Conducted in January and February 2025 across all 27 EU member nations, the Winter 2025 Eurobarometer survey reveals insightful findings.

The survey shows that 66% of EU citizens desire a stronger EU role in safeguarding them against global crises and security threats, while 89% advocate for greater unity among member states in addressing current global challenges.

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, stated, “This is a clear call for action which we will answer. Europe needs to be stronger so that our citizens feel safer.”

She emphasized that the European Parliament will ensure that every proposal is bold and ambitious enough to confront the serious threats facing Europe today. “Europe must step up today, or it risks being stepped over tomorrow,” she added.

Approval ratings reached historic levels, with 74% of EU citizens believing their country benefits from EU membership. This marks the highest approval since the question was first posed in 1983.

The survey identifies peace and security as the main benefits of EU membership, cited by 35% of respondents. Furthermore, 50% acknowledge that the EU’s protective role has expanded in recent years.

Previously, enhanced cooperation among member states was regarded as the primary advantage of EU membership.

Key areas for EU focus, as indicated by the survey, include defence and security (36%), a competitive economy and industry (32%), with the latter showing a five-point increase from last year. Other areas of concern include energy independence (27%), food security and agriculture (25%), and education and research (23%).

When asked about issues the European Parliament should address, rising prices and living costs were highlighted by 43% of respondents, followed by defence and security (31%), poverty and social exclusion (31%), and economic support and job creation (29%), as reported by Xinhua news agency.

However, EU citizens are experiencing declining expectations, with 33% anticipating a decrease in their living standards over the next five years, a return to the spring 2024 level of 32%, following a dip to 29% after the recent European Elections.

In terms of core EU values, peace, democracy, and human rights remain paramount, with 45%, 32%, and 22% of respondents prioritizing them respectively.