Eurobarometer: People are concerned about security and defense

Brussels – The current uncertain geopolitical situation apparently leads to 78 percent of Europeans worrying about the “defense and security” of the EU. According to the latest Eurobarometer survey published by the EU Commission on Wednesday, the economic situation is also a concern; however, support for the EU has increased. In Austria, 54 percent of respondents have confidence in the EU, which is 4 percentage points more than last autumn.

About half of the respondents perceive the state of the European economy as “bad.” For the national economies, 60 percent see it that way, with 56 percent in Austria. The outlook for the next twelve months is also bleak: One third expects a deterioration of the economic situation at the European level, and 40 percent at the national level. 86 percent believe that rising tariffs harm the global economy. If other countries increase their tariffs on imports from the EU, 80 percent of respondents agree to EU counter-tariffs.

The future of the EU is viewed optimistically despite poor economic expectations

The EU Commission emphasizes that trust in the EU is at its highest level in 18 years: About half of Europeans trust the EU. About two-thirds see the future of the EU as optimistic despite poor economic expectations, with 60 percent in Austria. Three-quarters of respondents, the highest value in more than two decades, indicate that they feel like citizens of the EU. According to Eurobarometer, 81 percent support a common defense and security policy for EU member states.

The willingness of the European population to help Ukraine and its people remains high according to the survey: 80 percent of respondents support taking in people fleeing the Russian war of aggression in the EU. 72 percent of EU citizens favor economic sanctions against Russia. About 60 percent agree that Ukraine should receive the status of an EU candidate country and that the EU should finance the purchase and delivery of military equipment to Ukraine.

“The EU is a reliable partner, especially in times of global turbulence,” said EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner according to the press release. More cooperation within the EU – for example, in security and defense – and the completion of the internal market are central to strengthening Europe.

The Standard Eurobarometer survey 103 (Spring 2025) was conducted between March 26 and April 22, 2025, in the 27 member states. A total of 26,368 EU citizens were surveyed in person. Interviews were also conducted in nine candidate and potential candidate countries (all except Ukraine) as well as in the United Kingdom.