A new Eurobarometer survey shows that Europeans are looking to the EU to take on a stronger role in protecting citizens and addressing today’s global challenges.
68% of people want the EU to step up in shielding citizens from international crises and security risks.
90% say EU countries should work more closely together, while
77% believe the EU needs stronger tools to deal with a rapidly shifting world.
What citizens want the EU to focus on
The results reflect people’s concerns about today’s political and economic climate. Europeans say the EU should focus on:
- Defence and security (37%)
- Competitiveness, economy, and industry (32%)
When asked what the European Parliament should prioritize, people pointed to inflation and the cost of living (41%), defence and security (34%), and the fight against poverty and social exclusion (31%). Rising prices remain one of the top concerns, just as they were during the last European elections.
Pooling resources for greater impact
Almost eight in ten Europeans (78%) believe more projects should be funded at EU level instead of relying solely on individual countries. Citizens see common challenges as requiring common investment.
Demand for transparency and accountability
Trust goes hand in hand with transparency. 91% want the European Parliament to have full oversight of EU spending. In addition, 85% say EU funds should only go to countries that respect democracy and the rule of law.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola summed it up: “EU citizens want Europe to focus on security and the economy. They look to the EU for stability and expect a strong and united European voice in today’s uncertain world. Our priorities and the EU’s next long-term budget must therefore allow the Union to tackle new geopolitical realities. Parliament has listened and now, we must put our money where our mouth is, invest in what matters and deliver for our citizens.”
The EU’s impact on daily life
For many, EU membership is not abstract—it makes a difference in their everyday lives. Nearly three out of four Europeans (72%) say EU actions affect them directly. Half view that impact positively, while a smaller share sees it as neutral (31%) or negative (18%).
Looking at the bigger picture, 73% believe their country has benefited from EU membership. They point especially to:
- The EU’s role in protecting peace and security (37%)
- Improved cooperation between Member States (36%)
- Contributions to economic growth (29%)
About the survey
The Spring 2025 Eurobarometer was carried out between 5 and 29 May in all 27 EU countries by Verian research agency. Over 26,000 people were interviewed, with results weighted to reflect each country’s population size.