Europeans are calling for strong EU: security and prosperity in view!

Europeans are calling for strong EU: security and prosperity in view!

A current Eurobarometer survey shows that the citizens of the European Union want more cooperation and a stronger role of the EU in an increasingly insecure world. According to the survey, which was carried out between January 9 and February 4, 2025, 36% of the respondents see the areas of defense and security as the first priority to strengthen the EU position. In the following places, strengthening competitiveness and economy (32%), energy independence and nutritional certainty.

The priorities in Austria are similar. Here, 30%of agriculture and nutritional security surveyed are at the top of the concerns, followed by energy independence (29%) and defense and security (29%). In addition, 40% of Austrians express the fear that their standard of living will decrease in the coming years.

expectations and fears of the population

The survey also illustrates widespread concerns about the economic situation. A third of European respondents and 40% of Austrians expect a decline in their living standard. Only 8% of Austrians and 14% of Europeans believe that they can soon afford more. Around half of the respondents believe that the EU Parliament should take measures against inflation and increasing living costs.

positive perception of the EU

Despite the challenges, the survey also shows a positive perception of the EU: 74% of those surveyed put confidence in EU membership. This has been the highest value since the beginning of the Eurobarometer survey in 1983. The main benefit that citizens see in the EU is due to the backup and strengthening of peace and security (35%). 41% of Europeans and 38% of Austrians rate the EU Parliament positively.

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, emphasizes that two thirds of Europeans wish a more active role in the EU in the protection of citizens, which is also reflected in the high consent to a closed occurrence of the EU countries against global challenges (89%).

The context of high trust in the EU is underlined by the latest data: 51% of European trust in the EU, which has corresponded to the best result since 2007. Trust is particularly high among young people (59%). This positive attitude towards a common European future is strengthened by the survey, which shows the high approval values for the future of the EU (61%) and the efforts in the area of security and defense (33%).

Overall, the Eurobarometer survey shows that the EU citizens expect a proactive, strong Union, which acts closed in difficult times. The results illustrate the urgency with which the EU has to respond to the concerns and wishes of its citizens.

For more information, please visit the following links: Kleine Zeitung href = "https://www.europarl.europa.eu/de/press-rooom/20250317ipr27385/umfrage-europas-burger-wollen-die--ukt- undalkt-handelt"> European Parliament href = "https://germany.represation.ec.europa.eu/news/neueurobarometer-mumweh-streuen-eu-ist-lekordhoch-2024-1-29_de"> EU representation in Germany.