Citizens are also demanding greater competitiveness from the EU, as well as the strengthening of the economy and industry to meet global challenges.
In the face of geopolitical challenges, like the war in Ukraine and US-imposed tariffs on European products, a majority of European citizens maintain a high demand for the European Union to invest further in security and defence.
This information was shared on Tuesday by the European Parliament in the presentation of its Eurobarometer Winter Survey 2025, carried out this year between 9 January and 4 February.
The survey also shows a notable growth in Europeans’ demand to strengthen competitiveness and industry, in order to face the challenges currently faced by the bloc.
Issues that were a priority in 2024, such as food security and agriculture, as well as climate action and emission reductions, dropped in popularity this year. Meanwhile, there was a slight increase in the demand for education and research.
Emphasis on European values such as democracy and the protection of human rights also fell.
These results show, according to European Parliament spokesperson Delphine Colard, that “in times of greater uncertainty, people turn to the EU” and that “for example, according to the survey, 74% of Europeans believe that being part of the EU has benefitted them.”
And this, Colard elaborates, “is the highest figure we have recorded since the question was first asked in 1983”.
Cost of living and employment
Another revealing statistic is the impact of inflation and joblessness on the majority of European citizens this year, with the perception that their standard of living will not change for better or worse in the coming years being the most widespread among respondents.
Moreover, 7.7% more Europeans compared to the previous year believe that their standard of living will get worse.
