According to the Eurobarometer, the main reason that leads citizens to consider the EU adhesion beneficial changed
European support to the European Union (EU) has reached a record level. Three bedrooms of respondents considers that being part of the 27 is advantageous due to the role of the block in peacekeeping and strengthening security, according to a survey by the EuroBarometer for the European Parliament, released on Tuesday.
According to the poll, held in January and February, about 74% of EU citizens believe their countries benefit from being part of the EU – the highest amount recorded since the issue was first placed in 1983.
According to the Eurobarometer, the main reason that leads citizens to consider the EU adherence to the EU beneficial: “Peace protection and security strengthening have risen three points since summer and are now first with 35%.”
The best cooperation between EU countries, which was hitherto the main reason, lost two points to 34%, according to the poll.
This increase in support occurs in a context of growing insecurity in the old continent after three years of war in Ukraine, and at a time when Russia can attack a member state of the EU in the coming years. To add to these concerns, there is uncertainties about the future of the protection offered by the United States to Europe, within the scope of NATO.
Although the European Union plays a limited role in defense and security policies-competencies that belong to the Member States-the bloc has taken steps to increase collective funding in defense, make joint weapons acquisitions and develop its defense industry in order to dissuade potential attacks, namely Russia.
the poll, which resulted from 26,354 in -person interviews in all 27 countries, also revealed that the economy remains the main concern of European citizens.
A third of respondents anticipate a decrease in their standard of living over the next five years, which represents a seven -point deterioration compared to the expectations recorded in mid -2024. In addition, 43% of citizens want European institutions to focus efforts on combating the increase in living costs.
About a third of citizens expressed concern about the EU industrial competitiveness, a five -point climb compared to last year as European companies face increasing competition from China and the United States.
Finally, two thirds of European citizens argue that the role of the European Union in the protection of citizens against global crises and safety risks should be more relevant. At the same time, 50% of respondents recognize that this role has become more significant in recent years.
