Economic fears in Austria: EU trust at a dangerous low point!

Economic fears in Austria: EU trust at a dangerous low point!

A significant part of the Austrian population is showing growing skepticism towards the European Union, as the current Eurobarometer survey makes clear. This survey, conducted between March 26 and April 22, 2025, shows that 56 percent of Austrians consider the economic situation to be bad. In addition, 40 percent of those surveyed expect the situation to worsen, which increases the general mistrust of the EU. Almost half of Austrians no longer have confidence in the EU institutions, while two thirds are optimistic about the future of the EU but find the current situation unsatisfactory. The feeling of alienation from the EU is growing as many feel that their security needs and economic challenges are not being seriously addressed by the bloc.

This perceived alienation is compounded by inflation, economic uncertainty and feelings of political powerlessness. The political elites are optimistic about Brussels, while the population is increasingly disillusioned about the EU. According to Die Presse, 78 percent of Europeans, including many Austrians, have concerns about the EU's security and defense. The domestic economy is under pressure: global crises and EU institutional burdens contribute to this pressure.

Security and economic concerns

The Eurobarometer survey shows surprising similarities in the concerns of those surveyed. 60 percent of Austrians think the national economy is bad. This is part of a larger trend that can be observed not only in Austria, but also in other EU member states. Interestingly, 54 percent of respondents trust the EU, a slight increase of 4 percentage points since last autumn. Nevertheless, a significant majority remains skeptical. The survey participants face difficult economic forecasts: a third of Europeans expect the economic situation to worsen at the European level and 40 percent at the national level.

The survey also shows that 86 percent of respondents feel that rising tariffs would harm the global economy. A similar percentage, 80 percent, support imposing counter-tariffs if other countries increase tariffs on EU imports. This has a massive impact on trust in the EU and could potentially lead to further challenges.

Optimism despite difficulties

Despite the concerns mentioned, two thirds of EU citizens have an optimistic view of the future of the Union. Young people aged 15 to 24 in particular have the highest trust, at 59 percent, as other reports show. According to europa.eu, 74 percent of citizens identify as EU citizens. However, this discrepancy between the optimistic assessment of the future and current economic concerns is creating a complex mood among Europeans.

Overall, the complexity of the situation demands that the EU is perceived not only as an economic actor, but also as a stabilizing factor. It remains to be seen how policymakers will respond to the population's increasing concerns and whether they will be able to restore trust in the EU.