BRUSSELS – A significant majority of young Europeans support EU enlargement, with nearly two-thirds of individuals aged 15 to 39 believing that (potential) candidate countries should join the EU once they fulfill the necessary requirements. Furthermore, 56 percent advocate for additional EU enlargement, viewing it as advantageous for their nations, according to a recent Eurobarometer survey released by the European Commission.
Survey participants highlighted key benefits of EU membership expansion, focusing on enhanced security and defense, a more robust economy and competitiveness, as well as increased global influence for the EU. However, 67 percent of EU citizens feel inadequately informed about the enlargement process. The surveys, which included responses from candidate and potential candidate nations, reflect general support for EU accession. In the Western Balkans, the highest levels of support were found in Albania at 91 percent and North Macedonia at 69 percent, while Serbia recorded the lowest approval at 33 percent. Support in Georgia and Ukraine stands at 74 percent and 68 percent, respectively. Notably, 82 percent of Albanians have a favorable view of the EU, contrasting with only 38 percent in Serbia.
In Moldova, 55 percent of citizens hold a positive perception of the EU, while this figure is lower in Ukraine at 49 percent and in Georgia at 43 percent. A similar study in Turkey found 49.9 percent support for EU membership, with 50.7 percent of respondents expressing a positive view of the EU. The survey results may aid the Commission in enhancing public engagement both within the EU and in candidate countries regarding EU enlargement policy and improving communication about progress made. The survey was conducted in person between February and June 2025. (September 2)
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