Europeans trust the EU more than ever, back stronger defence and euro integration

The latest Eurobarometer data reveal a growing convergence between public sentiment and the political role the EU is expected to play. Record-high trust in European institutions, unprecedented support for the euro, and rising calls for a common defence signal that citizens are looking to the Union not just as a marketplace – but as a guarantor of stability, resilience, and strategic autonomy.

The survey reveals the highest level of trust in the European Union since 2007, with 52% of respondents expressing confidence in the bloc. Trust is particularly high among younger citizens aged 15 – 24, where it reaches 59%. Trust in the European Commission also stands at a record 52%, again with stronger support among younger Europeans, BGNES reports.

In stark contrast, only 36% of respondents say they trust their national government, and 37% trust their national parliament – a sign that the EU’s institutions continue to be perceived as more stable and reliable in times of global upheaval.

Notably, 75% of Europeans now feel they are EU citizens – the highest figure recorded in over two decades – and 62% remain optimistic about the Union’s future.

Unwavering support for the euro

The single currency enjoys its highest approval rate ever, with 74% support across the EU and an even higher 83% in the euro area. Although 44% of respondents view the current state of the European economy as good (versus 48% who view it as bad), a relative majority of 43% believe the situation will remain stable over the next 12 months.

Citizens demand a stronger, more assertive union

In the current international climate, Europeans are increasingly calling for coordinated EU action. A full 69% agree that the EU is a place of stability in a troubled world, while an overwhelming 88% believe that more rules-based global cooperation is needed.

Trade policy reflects similar trends: 86% say that tariff increases harm the global economy, yet 80% agree that the EU should retaliate if other countries raise tariffs on EU imports – highlighting a public appetite for fair but firm engagement in global trade.

Support for a common EU defence and security policy has reached 81% – the highest since 2004. Simultaneously, 78% of citizens are concerned about the EU’s defence and security over the next five years.

Russia’s war against Ukraine has redefined public perceptions: the EU is no longer seen as merely a guardian of values, but as a necessary actor in “hard power” domains. Citizens increasingly expect the Union to step up not only diplomatically, but also strategically – with defence topping both budgetary priorities and mid-term expectations.

When asked where the EU budget should focus, defence and security top the list (43%), closely followed by employment, social affairs, and public health (42%), and education, youth, and media (34%). Similarly, 40% of respondents want increased EU funding for defence, ahead of energy transition and affordable energy (32%).

Peace, democracy, and values still define the EU

Peace remains the value that best represents the EU for most respondents (41%, +2 points), followed by democracy (33%) and the rule of law and fundamental rights (28%).

Looking ahead, citizens identify peace and stability (44%) as the top areas likely to positively affect their daily lives in the short term, followed by food and healthcare supply (27%) and job creation (26%). In the medium term, respondents expect the EU to prioritise defence and security (39%), followed by economic policy (29%), migration (24%), and climate and environment (24%).

Stable support for Ukraine response amid continued threat perception

Public support for the EU’s response to Russia’s war against Ukraine remains consistent. 80% support hosting refugees fleeing the war, while 76% back humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine.

This reflects not only empathy, but also the understanding that Russia’s aggression is a direct challenge to European peace and sovereignty. With the war seen as the top EU-level concern (27%), citizens are not viewing Ukraine through a lens of solidarity alone, but as part of Europe’s own security architecture.

A solid 72% approve of EU sanctions against the Russian government, companies, and individuals. 60% support granting Ukraine candidate status, and 59% agree with EU-funded delivery of military equipment to Kyiv.

As mentioned, the war continues to be seen as the top issue at EU level (27%), ahead of global affairs (24%) and defence and security (20%). Crucially, 77% of respondents agree that Russia’s invasion represents a threat to EU security – an indication that geopolitical awareness continues to shape citizens’ expectations of EU leadership.

Caption: Flags of the European Union in front of a building at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, 2 April 2025. The EU Parliament’s session runs from 31 March to 03 April 2025. EPA/RONALD WITTEK

• European defence
• public opinion
• Russia invasion
• Ukraine

Updated: May 28, 2025 - 14:54