Defense and security was identified as a key priority for strengthening the EU’s global influence (37%) by most respondents in the Eurobarometer Spring Survey 2025, revealed on Wednesday, followed by competitiveness, economic, industrial and energy independence, resources and infrastructure (27%).
Defense and security were ranked as a top priority in 13 of 27 EU member states, including France, Germany and Poland. Competitiveness, economy and industry were cited as the most relevant priorities in ten countries, including Italy and Greece. Meanwhile, food security and agriculture were top of the lists in Slovenia, Slovakia and Romania.
Education and research tops the list as most likely to strengthen the EU’s global role in Spain alone, with Sweden and Malta focusing on the protection of democracy and human rights.
The survey conducted in EU countries from May 5 to 29, 2025 was based on 26,410 in-person video interviews, with results weighted according to the population size of each country.
When asked about the main issues that the European Parliament should address, 41% of respondents named inflation, rising prices and cost of living. This was followed by the battle between defense and security (34%) and poverty and social exclusion (31%).
The image of the EU has also been improved. Over half of respondents (52%) retained the union’s positive view, up 2% points compared to previous surveys. This is only the third time in the last 20 years when the majority of Europeans have expressed positive perceptions of the EU. Previous peaks were recorded in autumn 2021 (54%) during the Covid-19 vaccination campaign and in spring 2022 (52%) shortly after the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
Overall, 73% of respondents said their country benefited from EU membership. The approval levels were highest in Denmark, Ireland and Malta, while Austria, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic registered the lowest registrations. The main advantages cited were peace and security (37%) and improved cooperation between European countries (36%).
The majority of Europeans (90%) believe that EU countries should demonstrate great unity in addressing global challenges. Furthermore, 68% believe that the EU’s role in protecting citizens from a global crisis should be strengthened.
“There are not only calls for unity from nine out of ten, but also calls for more funding from 77% (of respondents). 78% say it’s better to run projects with joint funding, as they can add more value than funding them at the national level.”
The survey found that 72% of people feel that EU behavior affects their daily lives. Half of the results were considered positive, 31% were considered neutral and 18% were considered negative.
Finally, optimism about the future of the EU is at the highest level since 2020-2021, since 66% of respondents expressed positive outlook. Among young Europeans, ages 15 to 24, optimism is even stronger, with 72% saying they believe things in the EU are heading in the right direction.