Almost two-thirds of EU citizens are concerned about the EU's security in the next five years.
This follows from the results of the Eurobarometer sociological study conducted by the European Union, which was published on July 27.
War in Ukraine and EU security
— The war in Ukraine ranks first on the list of challenges facing the EU, mentioned by 50% of respondents. Illegal migration and environmental issues and climate change rank second and third, respectively, 41% and 35%, — follows from the research data.
In all but three Member States, the war in Ukraine is the most frequently mentioned challenge currently facing the EU, chosen by over 50% of respondents in 20 Member States. The proportion of respondents citing the war in Ukraine as one of the main challenges facing the EU ranges from 28% in Cyprus to 74% in Lithuania.
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In two Member States, respondents most frequently selected illegal migration as one of the main challenges facing the EU: Cyprus (64%) and Austria (48%).
In the Czech Republic (54%) and Slovenia (52%), equal shares chose illegal migration and the war in Ukraine. Illegal migration is also mentioned by a slight majority of respondents in Malta (52%), Croatia (51%) and Poland (51%) — although it is not the top issue in these countries.
In Finland, on the other hand, only 23% of respondents choose illegal migration as one of the EU's top concerns.
However, more than six in ten respondents (64%) are concerned about the EU's securityin the next five years (17% are very concerned and 47% are somewhat concerned).
On the other hand, about one in three respondents indicate that they are not concerned about the EU’s security in the next five years (26% are not very concerned and 6% are not concerned at all).
Priorities and optimism in the EU about the future
The survey results indicate that the environment and climate change are the areas that the EU most often names as priorities (33%) and illegal migration (also 33%), then security and defense (29%) and the war in Ukraine (25%).
When asked about the values that are best embodied in the EU compared to other countries in the world, Europeans clearly point to respect for fundamental rights and values, as well as freedom of speech and expression (53% each).
It is noteworthy that the majority of Europeans (58%) are optimistic about the future of the EU, while 37% ( pessimistic.
55% of them say they are very or somewhat confident in the strength of EU democracy in the next five years, while 41% are somewhat or very unsure.
On the other hand, 64% of EU citizens tend to worry about the security of the EU in the next five years.
Finally, 51% express confidence in the performance of the EU economy in the next five years, while 45% are more sceptical.
Background: The Eurobarometer 550 survey was conducted from 25 June to 2 July 2024 in 27 EU Member States. 25,658 EU citizens were surveyed online.
