Press release - EU-wide survey: An insecure world raises high expectations on the EU

EU-wide survey: An insecure world raises high expectations on the EU
- 75% of Europeans think that the EU is a place of stability in a troubled world, up 8 percentage points since autumn 2025.
- 74% of Europeans view EU membership of their country as beneficial. This is the highest result ever recorded in a Eurobarometer survey for this question since it was first asked in 1983, only matched before in 2025.
- 68% of Europeans believe that the EU’s role in protecting citizens against global crises and security risks should become more important in the future.
- 73% want the EU to have more means to face global challenges.
While economic concerns grow, Europeans value the peaceful, protective and cooperative nature of the EU, and recognise the quality of life it enables.
The results of the European Parliament’s latest Eurobarometer survey, published on Wednesday, underline Europeans’ perception of the EU as a safe haven in the midst of geopolitical uncertainty. 75% of Europeans think that the EU is a place of stability in a troubled world – up 8 percentage points since October-November 2025, amounting to the second highest proportion recorded in the past decade.
Recent global developments have heightened the pessimistic outlook Europeans have on the future of the world: 58% are pessimistic about it (versus 38% optimistic). Pessimism about the future of the world has increased by 6 percentage points since autumn 2025. The overall mood of citizens fluctuates between uncertainty (44%) and hope (43%) which are the two most chosen emotions by citizens to describe their current state of mind.
Against the backdrop of a world in motion where alliances are shifting, EU membership is seen as beneficial by 74% of Europeans, an all-time high only matched in 2025. The EU’s contribution to protecting peace and strengthening security is seen as the main and growing benefit of membership (40%, +3 percentage points since spring 2025). The improved cooperation between member states that goes along with membership comes second (34%).
“At a time of global uncertainty, Europeans increasingly see the European Union as a beacon of stability. In a troubled world, that trust is Europe's greatest asset. It comes with a clear expectation that we act decisively to deliver security, prosperity and opportunity for our citizens,” said European Parliament President Metsola.
Expectations on the EU are high - towards greater geopolitical independence
To strengthen its position in the world, citizens think the EU should focus on defence and security (39%) and energy independence (35%). The latter has gained 6 points since autumn 2025. In third position, competitiveness and the economy are seen as another priority area to enhance the EU’s global standing.
Against the backdrop of numerous challenges, EU citizens want the European Union to step up its game: 68% of Europeans believe that the EU’s role in protecting citizens against global crises and security risks should become more important. Large majorities of Europeans would like EU member states to be more united in the current context and say the EU should promote the respect for international law by all countries (both 90%). In addition, 73% want it to have more means to face global challenges.
Good quality of life but fear of falling living standards
The EP’s Spring 2026 Eurobarometer gauges how citizens perceive the quality of life in the EU. In general, this is seen in a positive light: 83% of respondents say they are satisfied with their quality of life, while 17% say they are not. However, this figure falls to 69% among those who have difficulty paying their bills from time to time and to just 40% among those who face such difficulties most of the time. Physical and mental health (51%), and the financial situation (49%) are considered the main components of a good quality of life.
Nearly three in ten citizens (29%) expect their standard of living to decrease in the coming years, against 50% who think it will stay the same and 18% who expect it to increase. The fear of falling living standards is most pronounced in France (44%), Portugal 39% and Austria and Germany (both 38%).
Inflation top issue Europeans want European Parliament to act on
The view that the economy needs to improve aligns with Europeans’ responses to the question asking which topics they want the European Parliament to focus on as a matter of priority. Citizens’ main priority for the EP is inflation, rising prices and the cost of living (47%, +6 percentage points since autumn 2025). This issue, which was already the first priority item in previous surveys, has gained importance and is now the leading topic by a twelve-point margin. It is followed by the economy and job creation (35%, =) and EU defence and security (34%, =).
The EU and its parliament – a resilient democracy
The general indicators measuring approval of the EU and the EP have remained stable in the EP spring 2026 Eurobarometer, with one notable exception: 59% of respondents now say that they are satisfied with the way democracy works in the EU, a five percentage point increase since November 2025, and equalling the highest level ever recorded, in 2022.
The full results can be found on the Eurobarometer website.
Background
The European Parliament’s Spring 2026 Eurobarometer survey was carried out by Verian research agency between 09 April and 4 May 2026 in all 27 EU member states. The survey was conducted face to face, with video interviews (CAVI) used additionally in some member states (Cyprus, Denmark, Malta, Finland and Sweden). A total of 26 421 interviews were conducted. EU results were weighted according to the size of the population in each country.
Contacts:
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Delphine COLARD
Spokesperson and Head of Spokesperson's and Information Integrity Unit -
Neil CORLETT
Head of the Media Relations Unit