According to the 2025 “Eurobarometer” survey conducted by the European Parliament, 66% of European citizens believe that the EU should play a more prominent role in addressing global crises and security concerns. The desire for a stronger EU presence varies significantly among member states, with overwhelming support in Sweden (87%) and Greece (75%), while only 47% in Romania and 44% in Poland share this view.
Moreover, 74% of EU citizens and 65% of Greek respondents feel that their nations have gained advantages from being EU member states. The most commonly cited benefit is the EU’s role in fostering peace and enhancing security, with 35% of respondents highlighting this as a key factor.
A large majority of EU citizens (89%) believe that member states should unite more closely to confront global challenges, with an even higher agreement in Greece (94%). Additionally, 76% of EU citizens believe that the EU requires more resources to effectively tackle future issues.
European citizens identify several key areas where the EU should enhance its global influence: defense and security (36%), followed by competitiveness, economy, and industry (32%), energy independence (27%), food security and agriculture (25%), and education and research (23%). In Greece, enhancing competitiveness, economy, and industry tops the list at 42%, followed closely by defense and security at 36%.
When asked about priorities for the European Parliament, EU citizens highlighted inflation, rising prices, and the cost of living as the most pressing issues (43%), followed by EU defense and security and the fight against poverty and social exclusion (both at 31%), and supporting the economy and job creation (29%). These economic concerns resonate across all age groups, with the highest levels of concern reported in Portugal (57%), France (56%), Slovakia (56%), Croatia (54%), and Estonia (54%). In Greece, 52% of respondents prioritize inflation and living costs, followed by economy and job creation (48%).
Regarding future economic expectations, one-third of European citizens (33%) anticipate a decline in their standard of living over the next five years, a sentiment echoed by 39% of Greeks. This concern is mirrored in France, where 53% of respondents share similar fears, and in Germany, where 47% express this outlook.
In terms of values that Europeans wish the European Parliament to uphold, peace ranks highest (45%), followed by democracy (32%) and the protection of human rights at both European and global levels (22%). Greek respondents particularly prioritize peace (53%), the rule of law (33%), and democracy (29%).
Support for a stronger role of the European Parliament is evident, with 62% of citizens expressing this desire, a rise of six points since early 2024. This increasing support reflects past trends where citizens look to the EU for decisive action during crises. Currently, 50% of respondents view the EU positively, while the European Parliament maintains a steady approval rating of 41%.
Greek citizens generally hold a favorable view of the European Parliament and EU membership, with 38% expressing a positive sentiment. However, a significant number (42%) have a neutral perception, despite 75% acknowledging the important role of the European Parliament.
The 2025 Eurobarometer survey was conducted by the research firm Verian between January 9 and February 4, 2025, across all 27 EU member states. Data collection involved face-to-face interviews and additional video interviews in select countries, totaling 26,354 respondents. The results are weighted according to the population size of each member state.
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