72% of Europeans fear conflicts, while the demand for EU unity is growing

Brussels, February 4, 2026 – The results of the latest Eurobarometer survey by the European Parliament, published today, outline the image of citizens who are deeply concerned about geopolitical turmoil but are increasingly seeking protection in Brussels. With war at the doorstep of the continent and the climate impact worsening, a vast majority of Europeans are calling for a more united, better-funded, and "more assertive" European Union. In short 72% of citizens are worried about active conflicts, closely followed by fears related to terrorism (67%) and natural disasters exacerbated by climate change (66%). An overwhelming 89% of respondents believe that EU member states need to be more united to effectively face these global threats. Although pessimistic about the future of the world, support for the EU remains resilient, with 62% stating that their country's membership in the EU is a "good thing." The survey highlights a widespread sense of insecurity. "Geopolitical tensions shape the daily sense of security for Europeans," noted the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. This anxiety is quantified in data: 72% of respondents cite conflicts near the EU as a major concern, while 66% fear natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. Cyberattacks and uncontrolled migration also rank high among fears. However, pessimism about the state of the world (52%) has not translated into euroscepticism. On the contrary, it has fueled the demand for a stronger community bloc. 86% want the EU to have a stronger voice on the international stage, and 73% agree that the Union needs more resources to address these threats. Defense and security have risen to the top of the areas where citizens want the EU to focus (40%), surpassing economic concerns. Domestically, the cost of living remains the undeniable priority that Europeans want Parliament to address (41%), with significant anxiety regarding the decline in living standards observed especially in France, Belgium, and Slovakia. Despite these economic pressures, fundamental values remain central, with peace being the value that citizens most want Parliament to defend (52%).