A new Eurobarometer reports a striking increase in public trust in the European Union, with a majority of Europeans calling for a more assertive bloc capable of delivering on security, defence, and geopolitical stability. According to the Standard Eurobarometer 103, trust in EU institutions has reached its highest point since 2007, a rare moment of unity in a political landscape often marked by division.
Fifty-two percent of Europeans now say they trust the EU, a figure that climbs to 59 percent among young people aged 15–24. Trust in the European Commission mirrors this trend, also hitting 52 percent. In contrast, national governments and parliaments continue to trail behind, with only 36 percent and 37 percent of citizens, respectively, expressing confidence in their domestic institutions.
Optimism about the EU’s future is also on the rise, with 62 percent of respondents expressing hope. And for the first time in over two decades, a record 75 percent of people say they feel they are EU citizens. In an age of global insecurity and economic fragility, the EU appears to be regaining credibility not only as a policymaker but as a political identity.
The euro, too, has gained support amid economic uncertainty. Across the EU, 74 percent of citizens back the common currency, an all-time high. In the eurozone itself, support reaches 83 percent. These are not marginal increases; they are foundational shifts that suggest the euro is no longer seen merely as a technical instrument, but as a political glue holding the union together.
And while 44 percent say the European economy is in good shape, nearly matching the 48 percent who say the opposite, there is a prevailing belief in stability. Forty-three percent expect the economy to remain steady over the next 12 months.
Faced with global instability, Europeans rally behind a stronger EU
The most striking finding in the Eurobarometer, however, is the surge in support for a common EU defence and security policy. A commanding 81 percent of Europeans now favour joint military and security initiatives, the highest level of support since the question was first posed in 2004. This sentiment appears to be driven by deep concerns: 78 percent of respondents say they are worried about the EU’s security in the next five years.
“The European Union is seen as a place of stability in a troubled world,” the survey notes, with 69 percent of respondents agreeing with that statement. A resounding 88 percent call for more rules-based cooperation globally, and 86 percent oppose protectionism, warning that tariff increases harm the global economy. Still, in a sign of growing pragmatism, 80 percent support retaliatory tariffs if EU interests come under threat.
In terms of spending priorities, Europeans now want the EU to direct its budget towards defence and security (43 percent), public health and employment (42 percent), and education and youth (34 percent). Defence tops the list of areas where citizens believe increased EU investment is most needed, followed by the energy transition.
There is also clear public direction for where the EU should focus in the medium term. Security and defence lead (39 percent), followed by the economy (29 percent), and then migration and climate (24 percent each). When asked what would have the most immediate positive impact on their lives, 44 percent of Europeans chose peace and stability, ahead of supply chain resilience (27 percent) and job creation (26 percent).
The values that citizens believe best define the EU remain consistent: peace (41 percent), democracy (33 percent), and rule of law and fundamental rights (28 percent).
Support for Ukraine remains strong. Eight in ten respondents support hosting refugees fleeing the war. Seventy-six percent back financial and humanitarian aid, while 72 percent support sanctions against Russia. Even military aid , a contentious issue early in the conflict, now receives 59 percent approval.
In short, the survey paints a picture of a public willing to back a more self-reliant and geopolitical European Union. Russia’s war in Ukraine remains the most important issue at EU level (27 percent), with the international situation (24 percent) and security and defence (20 percent) close behind. More than three-quarters (77 percent) believe Russia’s actions are a direct threat to EU security.
The surveyed 26,368 people between 26 March and 22 April 2025 across all 27 EU member states. Its findings may not predict the outcome of future elections, but they do suggest that in the face of crisis, the EU has gained trust.
