A recent Eurobarometer survey, conducted by the European Parliament, shows an increase in the number of European citizens who believe that their country has benefited from EU membership. However, a significant portion of them remain pessimistic about the coming years, particularly in terms of economic and social aspects.
According to the survey, 74% of citizens across all EU member states believe their country has benefited from EU membership, marking the highest level recorded since 1983. Even in Hungary, led by Viktor Orbán, this figure reaches 74%, surpassing Italy (67%) and France (65%).
However, when directly asked about their opinion of the EU, only 50% of Europeans have a positive view, while 15% have a negative opinion and 34% remain neutral.
Despite the increased appreciation for the EU, the survey reveals a pessimistic trend for the future. One-third of Europeans expect their standard of living to decline in the next five years, a 7% increase compared to the July 2023 survey. The most negative expectations are found in France (53%) and Germany (47%), where the majority of citizens expect worsening living conditions.
In an unstable geopolitical climate, Europeans are increasingly viewing the EU as a factor of security. Around 35% consider peace and increased security as the main benefit of EU membership, followed by 34% who value cooperation among member states.
In this context, the EU has changed its defense strategy. Last week, the European Commission rebranded its initiative to increase military spending from “Rearming Europe” to “Readiness 2030”, adopting a more moderate approach.
Key findings of the survey:
- Europeans value the EU more than ever: 74% believe their country benefits from EU membership, the highest result ever recorded.
- The need for unity: 89% believe more unity is essential to face global challenges, with support above 75% in every member state.
- The role of the European Parliament: 62% of citizens want a more prominent role for the European Parliament, a six-point increase compared to last year.
- The image of the EU is improving: 50% of citizens view the EU positively, a two-point increase from Spring 2024 and five points from Fall 2023.
- Security and defense in focus: 66% of citizens want the EU to play a more significant role in protecting them from global crises and risks.
- EU priorities according to citizens: 36% of Europeans want the EU to focus on defense and security, while 32% prioritize competition and the economy.
- Expectations for living standards: 33% of Europeans expect their standard of living to decline in the next five years, seven points higher than after the last European elections.
- Inflation, the main concern: 43% of citizens want the European Parliament to prioritize combating inflation and the rising cost of living.
- Reasons for supporting the EU have changed: The protection of peace and strengthening security is now the primary reason citizens see EU membership as beneficial (35%), overtaking the improvement of cooperation between countries (34%).
- Core values remain unchanged: Peace (45%), democracy (32%), and human rights (22%) are still the top three values citizens want the EU to protect.
