Brussels – A significant 78 percent of Europeans express concern over the EU’s “defense and security” amidst the current geopolitical uncertainty, as revealed in the latest Eurobarometer survey released by the EU Commission on Wednesday. While economic conditions are also worrisome, support for the EU has shown an increase. In Austria, 54 percent of those surveyed have confidence in the EU, marking a 4-point rise since last autumn.
Approximately half of the respondents view the European economy as “bad,” and for national economies, this number rises to 60 percent, with 56 percent in Austria. The outlook for the coming year is grim, with one third predicting a worsening economic situation at the European level and 40 percent at the national level. A significant 86 percent believe that increasing tariffs harm the global economy, and should other countries raise tariffs on EU imports, 80 percent support counter-tariffs from the EU.
Despite these bleak economic expectations, there is optimism regarding the EU’s future. The EU Commission highlights that trust in the EU has reached its highest level in 18 years, with around half of Europeans expressing confidence. Two-thirds view the EU’s future positively, including 60 percent in Austria. Notably, 75 percent of respondents, the highest in over twenty years, identify as EU citizens. Eurobarometer indicates that 81 percent favor a common defense and security policy for EU member states.
The willingness to support Ukraine remains robust, with 80 percent of respondents backing the acceptance of individuals fleeing the Russian war into the EU. Additionally, 72 percent support economic sanctions against Russia, and about 60 percent agree that Ukraine should attain EU candidate status and that the EU should assist in financing military equipment for Ukraine.
EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner, in a press release, stated, “The EU is a reliable partner, especially in times of global turbulence.” He emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation within the EU, particularly in security and defense, and the completion of the internal market to bolster Europe.
The Standard Eurobarometer survey 103 (Spring 2025) was conducted from March 26 to April 22, 2025, across the 27 member states, with 26,368 EU citizens surveyed in person. Interviews were also carried out in nine candidate and potential candidate countries (excluding Ukraine) and in the United Kingdom.
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