The Eurobarometer Spring Survey 2025 highlights defence and security as the foremost priority for the European Union, with 37% of respondents emphasizing its importance for enhancing EU global influence. This prioritization reflects a significant concern for security amidst current geopolitical tensions, especially among pivotal member nations including France, Germany, and Poland, where it emerged as the top choice. Other noteworthy priorities include competitiveness, economy, and industry at 32%, alongside energy independence, resources, and infrastructure at 27%. The survey reveals a patchwork of priorities across the EU: in Italy and Greece, for instance, economic competitiveness took precedence, while food security was paramount in Slovenia, Slovakia, and Romania.
Education and research stand out as a primary focus in Spain for strengthening the EU’s international position, contrasting with Sweden and Malta, where the emphasis was on democracy and human rights protection. This varied prioritization across member states underscores differing national perspectives and concerns. The survey, conducted from May 5 to May 29, 2025, utilized face-to-face video interviews with a sample of 26,410 people, ensuring that results reflect the population’s diversity and are weighted for accuracy.
Addressing the most pressing issues for the European Parliament, inflation, rising prices, and the cost of living garnered the highest concern among respondents, with 41% acknowledging these as primary issues. Defence and security followed closely at 34%, and the fight against poverty and social exclusion elicited responses from 31%. Such findings illustrate the economic anxieties faced by citizens and the critical need for legislative responsiveness in tackling these challenges.
The survey results also indicate an improved perception of the EU, with 52% of respondents holding a positive view of the union, marking a slight increase compared to past surveys. This shift suggests a growing recognition of the EU’s role in fostering stability during challenging times, with positive sentiments peaking during significant events such as the COVID-19 vaccination effort and the upheaval following the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, 73% of respondents believe their countries have benefited from EU membership, citing advantages like peace and enhanced cooperation among states.
A notable consensus exists among Europeans regarding the necessity for greater unity in addressing global challenges, with 90% of those surveyed advocating for stronger collaborative efforts among member states. The call for enhanced funding was echoed by 77% of respondents, while 78% supported joint financing projects as a more effective approach than national funding. Such sentiments reflect a collective understanding of the EU’s potential to address shared challenges more effectively through collaboration and pooled resources.
Optimism regarding the EU’s future is notably high, with 66% of respondents expressing positive sentiments, particularly among younger individuals aged 15 to 24, with 72% reporting confidence in the direction of the EU. This generational optimism presents an opportunity for the EU to engage with younger citizens in shaping policies that align with their expectations and concerns, reinforcing a forward-looking narrative amid evolving geopolitical landscapes.
