The European Union has achieved its highest-ever approval rating, with 74% of those surveyed in the latest Eurobarometer believing their country benefits from EU membership.
The latest Eurobarometer gauge, carried out between January and early February 2025 across all EU member states, showed growing appreciation for the EU, particularly in the current geopolitical climate.
Some 74% of those surveyed said that their country benefits from EU membership, the best result recorded since the question was first introduced in 1983.
The Eurobarometer survey is conducted regularly on behalf of the European Parliament, providing a snapshot of public opinion.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the results in a tweet, pointing out that peace and security are top of mind and the EU executive is committed to delivering on these fields.
According to the survey, 90% of respondents believe EU member states should demonstrate greater unity when addressing global challenges. This reflects a growing acknowledgment of the EU’s international influence, a trend observed in previous Eurobarometer studies.
Another key finding is that 76% of respondents believe the EU needs greater resources to effectively address future challenges. This comes at a crucial moment as negotiations on the EU’s long-term budget approach.
The European Parliament is currently working on its budgetary priorities and will present a report for a vote in the upcoming plenary session in May 2025 while the Commission is expected to put forward its proposal after Summer.
An overall positive image of the EU
Public perception of the EU has continued to improve, with 50% of respondents holding a positive view – two percentage points higher than in spring 2024 and five points higher than in autumn 2023.
As in previous surveys, 72% of Europeans say EU policies impact their daily lives, a figure unchanged since mid-2024. The perceived benefits of EU membership vary by country, with approval rates ranging from 92% in Malta to 61% in Bulgaria, showing strong majorities in all member states however.
Young people (aged 15 to 24) are more convinced of the EU’s benefits, with 82% – an increase of 11 points – believing their country gains from membership.
When asked why they see EU membership as beneficial, respondents cited protecting peace and strengthening security as the top reason, overtaking the previously leading factor of improved cooperation between member states.
Other key benefits include economic growth, new job opportunities, and a stronger global presence for European citizens.
Security and economy as main priorities…
The shift in public priorities is clear: 35% now see protecting peace and strengthening security as the main benefit of EU membership, a three-point increase since the summer.
Improved cooperation between EU countries, the former top reason, has dropped two points to 34%.
“Two-thirds of Europeans want the EU to play a greater role in their protection. This is a clear call for action, and we will answer it. Europe needs to be stronger so that our citizens feel safer,” commented European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, responding to the findings.
She also stressed that Parliament will ensure all proposals are ambitious enough to address Europe’s security challenges.
According to the survey, 36% of Europeans believe defence and security should be the EU’s top priority for strengthening its global position.
Competitiveness, economic growth, and industry follow closely, gaining five points over the past year to reach 32%.
…with some national differences
While defence and economic competitiveness dominate as the top concerns in most countries, member states prioritise different issues.
In Spain, education and research rank as the most important areas for the EU to focus on. Cyprus and Malta also highlight education, while Sweden emphasises EU values such as democracy and human rights, with climate action nearly as important.
Food security and agriculture remain key priorities in Slovakia and Croatia. In countries like Denmark, Germany, and Lithuania, defence stands out as the most pressing issue.
Meanwhile, in Bulgaria and Italy, competitiveness is a top concern but is closely followed by energy independence.
Social concerns and cost of living
Beyond security, Europeans are increasingly worried about other issues, including poverty, social exclusion, and job creation.
“This survey sends a clear and consistent message: security and economic competitiveness go hand in hand. They are interdependent,” said a European Parliament official.
Economic concerns are growing, with 33% of Europeans expecting their standard of living to decline over the next five years – an increase of seven points since the last European elections, returning to levels seen in spring 2024.
This sentiment is particularly strong in France (53%, up eight points) and Germany (47%, up fifteen points).
Meanwhile, 43% of respondents urge the European Parliament to prioritise tackling inflation, rising prices, and the cost of living. Defence and security, along with fighting poverty and social exclusion, follow closely at 31%.
Despite these concerns, the majority of Europeans (51%) do not expect any change in their standard of living, while 14% believe it will improve.
The survey also highlights that older Europeans, those in rural areas or small towns, and individuals already facing economic hardship are the most likely to anticipate a decline in their quality of living.
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