Citizens of the European Union are calling for a cohesive and effective EU, with the issue of creating a defense framework proving more urgent than ever. In a period of increasing geopolitical challenges where diplomatic tectonic plates have clearly shifted, the political landscape resembles shifting sand, and the next day remains uncertain due to attacks and direct territorial challenges, the European Parliament’s autumn Eurobarometer survey shows that the majority of EU citizens, at 72%, are concerned about security issues, particularly active conflicts. Subsequently, a large portion of citizens – more than six out of ten, 67% – express concern about terrorism issues. Concern about natural disasters worsened by climate change is evident with 66% expressing it, as well as anxiety caused by cyberattacks (66%) and uncontrolled migration, with 65% deeply worried about the problem.
What deserves emphasis is that European citizens are increasingly worried about their future and want the EU to act with unity and ambition. When the discussion turns to how Greeks and Cypriots prioritize problems, the findings according to the Eurobarometer are as follows: active conflicts 79% / 80%, terrorism 73% / 77%, natural disasters 83% / 80%, cyberattacks 54% / 70%, and uncontrolled migration 84% / 86%. As shown, eight out of ten express their anxiety about security issues.
However, 89% of EU respondents believe that member states should address global challenges with greater unity, with corresponding percentages reaching 93% in Greece and 95% in Cyprus.
Citizens express support for an EU with a stronger voice (86% EU, 90% Greece, 94% Cyprus) and more European resources to address challenges at the international level (73%, 82%, and 86% respectively).
Eurobarometer: What citizens believe about challenges and geopolitical upheavals
According to the latest European Parliament Eurobarometer survey published on Wednesday, global developments are intensifying feelings of concern among European Union citizens. Geopolitical upheavals significantly affect Europeans’ perceptions, with 52% declaring themselves pessimistic about the world’s future. The percentage is slightly higher in Greece (56%) and Cyprus (58%). Pessimism is also expressed by 39% of respondents about the European Union’s future (53% in Greece and 48% in Cyprus), as well as 41% about their country’s future (56% and 50% respectively). At a personal level, however, the picture is more positive. More than three-quarters of EU citizens (76%) declare themselves optimistic about their personal future and their family’s future, with percentages at 69% in Greece and 75% in Cyprus.
The challenges are numerous, as confirmed by the survey results. Citizens express intense concern about security and protection across all examined issues. At the top of the list are armed conflicts near the EU (72%), terrorism (67%), cyberattacks from countries outside the EU (66%), natural disasters worsened by climate change (66%), and uncontrolled migration flows (65%). Additionally, significant concern is caused by risks related to communication. It should be noted that for Greece, unlike the EU average, at the top of the list are first uncontrolled migration flows (84%), natural disasters worsened by climate change (83%), followed by active conflicts and wars near the EU (79%), terrorism (73%), and the EU’s energy dependence on countries outside the Union (71%).
Disinformation concerns 69% of EU citizens, with higher percentages in Greece (77%) and Cyprus (82%). Corresponding levels of concern are recorded for hate speech online and offline (EU 68%, Greece and Cyprus 71%), fake content created by artificial intelligence (EU 68%, Greece 70%, Cyprus 84%), inadequate data protection (EU 68%, Greece 79%, Cyprus 82%), and threats to freedom of expression (EU 67%, Greece and Cyprus 73%).
The call for a united Europe
In an environment of multiple challenges, EU citizens are calling for strengthening the European Union’s role. 66% of respondents (Greece 78%, Cyprus 90%) believe the EU must contribute more actively to their security, highlighting its protective role in today’s political framework. Citizens also believe unity is vital: 89% of EU respondents state that member states must be more united, with corresponding percentages reaching 93% in Greece and 95% in Cyprus. Meanwhile, 73% agree that the EU needs more resources to address current global challenges, with higher percentages in Greece (82%) and Cyprus (86%). According to citizens, to strengthen its position in the world, the EU must focus mainly on defense and security (40% at EU level, 32% in Greece and 50% in Cyprus), competitiveness, economy and industry (32%, 46% and 16% respectively), and energy independence (29%, 32% and 25%). In Greece and Cyprus, demographics, migration and population aging are also mentioned (30% and 28% respectively), as well as education (31% and 37%).
“Geopolitical tensions shape Europeans’ daily sense of security. Citizens expect the European Union to protect, be prepared, and act united. This is exactly what a stronger and more decisive Europe is called to offer. Europe is our strongest shield,” declared European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
Cost of living remains key priority
High prices continue to hit citizens’ living standards. Regarding the EU’s internal policies, 41% of respondents cite inflation, high prices, and cost of living as the top priority they want the European Parliament to address, with percentages reaching 53% in Greece and 34% in Cyprus. This is followed by economy and job creation (35% at EU level, a percentage five points higher than May 2025), with particularly high percentages in Greece (60%) and Cyprus (43%). In Greece and Cyprus, significant priorities also include public health (54% and 39% respectively), migration and asylum in Cyprus (39%), as well as poverty and social exclusion in Greece (46%). Although most respondents expect their living standards to remain stable over the next five years, a significant percentage predicts deterioration (28% at EU level, 39% in Greece and 33% in Cyprus), especially in countries where economic uncertainty prevails. Fear of declining living standards is greatest in France (45%), Belgium and Slovakia (both 40%).
Strengthening the EU’s international role is also an intensifying priority for citizens, especially through defense and security, as the percentages mentioned above show an increase of three percentage points at European level, four points in Cyprus, while the percentage in Greece remains the same compared to the previous survey.
Meanwhile, citizens confirm the importance of fundamental values. Peace emerges as the value citizens most want the European Parliament to defend (52% at EU level, 60% in Greece and 48% in Cyprus), reflecting the current geopolitical climate. This is followed by democracy (35% in the EU, 37% in Greece and 40% in Cyprus), freedom of speech (23% in the EU and Greece, 20% in Cyprus), human rights (22%, 25% and 29% respectively), and rule of law (21% in the EU, 38% in Greece and 35% in Cyprus), which also remain important expectations of Europeans.
Increasing support for EU membership
Citizens’ attitudes toward the EU and its institutions remain positive, despite a slight deterioration compared to May 2025. The largest group of EU citizens maintains a positive image of the European Union (49%, -3 percentage points), while only 17% express negative views. In Greece, 34% have a positive image of the EU, while in Cyprus 42%, with negative percentages remaining low (29% and 18%). Similarly, for the European Parliament, positive views outweigh negative ones, with 38% of EU citizens stating they have a positive image (-3 percentage points), versus 20% expressing negative views. In Greece and Cyprus, 31% and 30% of citizens respectively maintain a positive image of the European Parliament, while negative views reach 28% and 14%. Meanwhile, a strong and growing majority considers their country’s EU membership positive (62%, up two points compared to February/March 2024, when this question was last asked). In Greece, the corresponding percentage is 40% (down 5 points), while in Cyprus it’s 65% (up 14 points).
From a sociodemographic perspective, young people continue to be among the EU’s most enthusiastic supporters and have high expectations regarding its role. Citizens aged 15 to 30 are more likely to have a positive image of both the EU (58% versus 49% and 43% in older age groups) and the European Parliament, while 68% want its role strengthened (versus 58% and 54%). Among younger Europeans, there’s also very strong support for greater unity among member states in today’s environment (90%), more resources for the European Union (78%), and a stronger EU voice internationally (87%).
The European Parliament’s autumn 2025 Eurobarometer survey was conducted by polling company Verian from November 6-30, 2025, in all 27 EU member states. Interviews were conducted mainly face-to-face, while in some member states (Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Malta, Netherlands, and Sweden), online interviews were also conducted. A total of 26,453 interviews were conducted, including 1,007 in Greece and 501 in Cyprus. The “EU-level percentages” mentioned have been weighted based on each country’s population.
*See here the Eurobarometer findings
