The Europe Day has provided the impetus for discussion and reflection.
A new survey by the Eurobarometer reveals that nearly three quarters (72%) of Europeans believe that their country has benefited from its membership of the European Union (EU). 75% say they feel like EU citizens, equal to the highest ever recorded in spring 2025.
In a difficult global context, Europeans strongly believe that the EU is a stabilising force (73%). With 81%, they express substantial support for a common defence and security policy among Member States.
The majority of Europeans trust the EU (51%), three percentage points higher than in the autumn 2025 survey. Support for the EU’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine remains stable.
Also, responses confirm the high level of support for the euro (74%). In the euro area, this figure is even higher, with more than eight out of ten respondents (82%) expressing support for the single currency.
In Bulgaria, the latest country to join the euro area, support has increased significantly (+13 percentage points), with a majority now in favour (55%).
At the same time, perceptions of the economic situation have weakened slightly, with 44% of Europeans polled believing that the EU economy is in good shape.
A relative majority of people (42%) believe that the European economic situation will remain the same over the next 12 months, compared to 36% who think it will be worse and 15% who think it will be better.
As for investment priorities from the EU budget, more than two out of five EU citizens (41%) would like the EU budget to be spent primarily on employment, social affairs and public health.
The security and defence ranked second at EU level (38%), followed by education, training, youth, culture and media (37%).
Almost six out of ten EU citizens (57%) are satisfied with the way democracy works in the EU.
According to respondents, the values that most underpin the EU are peace (41%), democracy (32%), respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights (28%).
The issues of concern to European citizens are increasingly shaped by global developments.
At the EU level, the conflict in the Middle East is now the main cause for concern (25%), above the wider international situation (23%) and Russia’s war against Ukraine (20%). At the same time, cost of living remains the main reason for concern at national and personal level, with 36% and 52% respectively.
The regular Eurobarometer survey (spring 2026) was conducted from 12 March to 5 April in the 27 member states. EU Member States are invited to build on the results and chart a new course that will give momentum and dynamism to the family of Europe.
Citizens cannot bear any more deprivation and will react dynamically. It requires consistency and planning.
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