By Euronews, the results of a recent Eurobarometer survey conducted among 26,368 European citizens in May 2025 highlight the evolving sentiments surrounding the European Union. The survey, conducted over the period of late March to late April 2025, provides insights into the EU’s public perception and perceptions of its members and partners.
Trust and Image of the EU: Over 52% of Europeans trust the European Commission and EU membership, representing the highestjoiêu since 2007. However, the survey also revealed rising concerns, or fears, for the EU’s economic outlook. In terms of image, 57% feel it’s an achievable target, as opposed to 38% who feel it’s familiar and 18% who feel it’s problematic. These findings suggest that while many remain uncertain, the EU’s image is steadily improving on an international scale.
Understanding the EU and its Image: Many Europeans are well-aligned with the EU’s image, with 57% finding the EU a good provider of benefits, while 38% perceive it as familiar and 18% as negative. The EU’s image is shaped by how its members perceive it, but its appeal is notable due to a reputation of being reliable and having made significant contributions to the EU’s reform efforts.
Long-term Cooperation in the EU: The survey highlights a growing trend towards more rule-of-the-crowd approaches to cooperation, with 88% of respondents supporting increased cooperation between countries and regions. This aligns with the previous round of the Eurobarometer, which found that 78% believed the EU needed to improve mutual dialogue. 74% felt they are citizens of the EU, supported by 83% who supported the single currency, the EBP, representing the highest support in decades.
Economic sentiment influencing views toward the EU: The survey revealed contrasting views on the economy, with 44% believing the EU’s economy is good, a decrease of 4 percentage points, and 48% viewing it as bad, an increase of 5 percentage points. This broader economic uncertainty poses a significant threat to the EU’s stability in the upcoming 5-year period, as it identified the EU’s defense and security as a critical issue.
Underlying Geopolitical Tensions: The report underscores the mainstream effects of recent geopolitical tensions, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the growing focus on its role in the EU context. Russia has been a key player in the EU’s geopolitical significance, a dominant threat to the EU’s sovereignty and security. According to the survey, 77% of respondents shared this view, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine holding the highest priority.
Demographic Trends and Optimism: With 62% of EU citizens feeling they are citizens of the EU and 83% in the euro area expressing support for the single currency, these findings reflect a trend of increased optimism amid the EU’s significant challenges and opportunities. uncertainty, as seen in Russia’s actions, casts doubt on the EU’s future security. Despite concerns, the survey continues to show a robust, though cautious, confidence in the EU’s ability to navigate the world.
Summary of Key Findings: The Eurobarometer survey reveals a complex interplay of trust, fear, and optimism, with increasing uncertainty amid geopolitical tensions and economic instability. The EU enjoys a healthy image, with 67% of Europeans aligning with the EU, driven by its reputation as a reliable and transiêu organization. The survey highlights long-term trends toward more rule-of-the-crowd cooperation, while simultaneously raising concerns about the EU’s economic well-being and migration dynamics.
