Brussels – Amid rising global crises and uncertainties, Europeans are increasingly calling for a more robust EU. A Eurobarometer survey released on Tuesday reveals that two-thirds of respondents across the EU believe the Union’s role should expand in the future. However, only 44 percent of EU citizens, and just one-third of Austrians, are optimistic that this will occur. Key priorities identified include defense and food security.
According to the survey, 36 percent of EU respondents prioritize defense and security as the EU’s primary focus to strengthen its global position. Following this, 32 percent emphasize the need to boost competitiveness and the economy, while energy independence and food security follow in importance. In Austria, priorities differ slightly, with 30 percent highlighting agriculture and food security, 29 percent prioritizing energy independence, and 29 percent focusing on defense and security.
Concerns about living standards loom large
Many individuals express skepticism about the future, with 40 percent of Austrians and a third of all respondents anticipating a decrease in their standard of living in the coming years. Only 8 percent of Austrians and 14 percent of Europeans believe they will soon be in a better financial position, while around half foresee no changes. Nearly half of those surveyed expect the EU Parliament to address inflation and the rising cost of living.
Support for a stronger EU varies by country, with 87 percent of Swedes advocating for a more significant EU role in safeguarding against global crises, compared to 47 percent in Romania and 44 percent in Poland. In Austria, the figure stands at 56 percent. Furthermore, 90 percent of respondents across the EU, as well as in Austria, anticipate greater unity among EU states to tackle current global challenges. Despite this desire for a stronger Union, nearly one-fifth of EU citizens, and almost a third of Austrians, foresee a diminishing role for the Union in the years ahead.
Increased funding needed for EU challenges
Given the current challenges, 76 percent of EU respondents and 66 percent of Austrians believe that the EU requires additional funding. Support for increased financial contributions to Brussels is particularly strong among Finns, Cypriots, and Maltese, each exceeding 90 percent, while only about 60 percent of Slovenians, Slovaks, and Czechs share this view.
A majority of EU citizens, 74 percent, and two-thirds of Austrians recognize the benefits of EU membership. This marks the highest level of support since the Eurobarometer survey began in 1983. Among the key advantages cited are the maintenance and enhancement of peace and security, mentioned by 35 percent of respondents, while Austrians specifically highlight peacekeeping and economic growth (both at 34 percent). Additionally, 41 percent of EU respondents and 38 percent of Austrians view the EU Parliament positively.
The Eurobarometer survey for Winter 2025 was conducted between January 9 and February 4, 2025, across all 27 EU member states, comprising a total of 26,354 interviews. The results have been adjusted based on the population size of each country. (25.03.2025)
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