The Eurobarometer shows that Europeans see the EU as a source of stability and security

Almost three-quarters of Europeans believe that their country has benefited from membership in the European Union, according to the Standard Eurobarometer 105 published by the European Commission ahead of Europe Day. In brief 75% of respondents say they feel like citizens of the European Union, a level equal to the record set in the spring of 2025.

73% of Europeans consider the EU a force for stability in an uncertain world, an increase of 6 percentage points.

81% support a common defense and security policy among member states, the highest level in the last two decades.

76% of respondents say that the EU should continue its support for Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved.

The cost of living remains the main concern at the national and personal level, indicated by 36% and, respectively, 52% of respondents. The Standard Eurobarometer 105, published ahead of Europe Day, shows that almost three-quarters of Europeans believe that their country has benefited from membership in the European Union. The survey also indicates a strengthening of the perception of the EU as a source of stability and security in a difficult global context. 75% of respondents say they feel like citizens of the European Union, a level equal to the highest recorded result, reached in the spring of 2025. 73% of Europeans consider the European Union a force for stability in an uncertain world, 6 percentage points more than in the previous measurement. Support for a common defense and security policy among member states has reached 81%, an increase of 2 percentage points, returning to the highest level in the last two decades. About eight in ten Europeans believe that the EU should strengthen and diversify trade relations, 80%, and build partnerships with countries outside the Union, 79%. The survey shows that support for the EU's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine remains high. 76% of respondents agree that Russia's invasion represents a threat to the security of the European Union. Support for the EU's response to the invasion is at 55%, an increase of 2 percentage points. A large majority supports key measures such as receiving people fleeing from the war, 80%, providing financial and humanitarian support, 75%, and maintaining sanctions against Russia, 70%. 76% of respondents agree that the European Union should continue its support for Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved. 57% approve granting candidate status to Ukraine, and 56% support EU funding for the purchase and delivery of military equipment to Ukraine. Trust in the European Union has increased to 51%, 3 percentage points above the level in the Eurobarometer from the fall of 2025. The largest increases were recorded in France, plus 11 percentage points, Denmark, plus 9 percentage points, and Portugal, plus 8 percentage points. Trust in the EU is highest among young people aged 15 to 24, reaching 61%. The main reason indicated for trust in the EU is the protection of democracy and fundamental values, 42%, followed by protection against external threats, 33%, and the idea that the EU is the right level to address global challenges, 31%. Optimism about the future of the European Union is at 60%, an increase of 1 percentage point. Young people aged 15 to 24 are the most optimistic, at 68%. 57% of EU citizens express satisfaction with how democracy functions in the European Union. The values that best represent the EU, according to respondents, are peace, 41%, democracy, 32%, and respect for the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights, 28%. Concerns among Europeans are increasingly marked by global developments. At the EU level, the conflict in the Middle East is the main concern, indicated by 25% of respondents, followed by the broader international situation, 23%, and Russia's war against Ukraine, 20%. The cost of living remains the main concern at the national and personal level. 36% of respondents indicate it as the main concern at the level of their country, and 52% at the personal level. The survey also shows a significant deterioration in opinions about the United States. 74% of EU citizens have a negative opinion of the US, an increase of 14 percentage points, compared to 24% who have a positive opinion. In the case of China, 61% have a negative opinion and 33% a positive one. In the case of Russia, 83% have a negative opinion and 14% a positive one. India has a more balanced perception, with 48% positive opinions and 41% negative opinions. Support for the euro remains at 74% across the EU, the highest level since the introduction of the common currency in January 2002. In the euro area, support is at 82%. In Bulgaria, the most recent country to join the euro area, support for the common currency has increased by 13 percentage points compared to the previous Standard Eurobarometer, and a majority of 55% now express support for the euro. Perceptions regarding the economic situation have slightly deteriorated. 44% of interviewed Europeans believe that the EU economy is in good shape. A relative majority, 42%, believes that the European economic situation will remain unchanged in the next 12 months, while 36% believe it will worsen and 15% believe it will improve. Regarding priorities for investments from the EU budget, 41% of citizens would like the European budget to be spent primarily on employment, social affairs, and public health. Security and defense are in second place, with 38%, followed by education, training, youth, culture, and media, with 37%. The Standard Eurobarometer 105, spring 2026 edition, was conducted between March 12 and April 5, 2026, in the 27 member states of the European Union. In total, 26,415 EU citizens were interviewed face to face. Interviews were also conducted in nine candidate and potential candidate countries, excluding Ukraine, as well as in the United Kingdom. The publication of the survey ahead of Europe Day places the results at a symbolic moment for assessing citizens' perceptions of EU membership, European security, support for Ukraine, the economy, and democratic values.