Standard Eurobarometer 103 - Spring 2025
Abstract
52% of Europeans tend to trust the EU, the highest result since 2007. In another 18 year-record, 52% of Europeans say they trust the European Commission. At the same time, 43% of EU citizens continue to have a positive image of the EU, while 38% have a neutral image and 18% have a negative image of the EU and 62% of EU citizens are also optimistic about the future of the EU. Nearly nine in ten Europeans (88%) agree that there should be more rules-based cooperation between countries and regions of the world and 78% are concerned about the EU’s defence and security in the next five years, while 81% are for a common defence and security policy among EU Member States – the highest result since 2004. According to Europeans, the EU should take measures in the medium-term in the area of security and defence (39%), followed by the economy (29%), migration (24%) and climate and the environment (24%). 74% in the EU as a whole and 83% in the euro area are for the single currency, the euro, representing the highest support ever. However, when it comes to the perception of the situation of the European economy, 44% of Europeans find it good while 48% find it bad. A plurality of citizens (43%) think the European economic situation will remain stable in the next 12 months. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to be considered as the most important issue at EU level (27%) followed by the international situation at 24% and security and defence at 20%, while 77% of European respondents agree that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a threat to the security of the EU.
Key findings
Over half of Europeans tend to trust the EU
52% of Europeans tend to trust the EU, the highest result since 2007. 52% of Europeans say they trust the European Commission, the highest result in 18 years.
In the meantime, 43% of EU citizens continue to have a positive image of the EU, while 38% have a neutral image and 18% have a negative image of the EU and 62% of EU citizens are also optimistic about the future of the EU.
EU defence and security
78% of Europeans are concerned about the EU’s defence and security in the next five years. 81% are for a common defence and security policy among EU Member States – the highest result since 2004.
Highest support in 21 years for the euro
74% in the EU as a whole and 83% in the euro area are for the single currency, the euro, representing the highest support ever.
Support for Ukraine continues
In the face of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, 80% of European respondents agree with welcoming into the EU people fleeing the war, 76% agree with providing financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine. 72% of EU citizens support economic sanctions on the Russian government, companies, and individuals while six in ten approve of the EU granting candidate status to Ukraine and 59% agree with the EU financing the purchase and supply of military equipment to Ukraine.
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