Europeans Want More Europe: What the Eurobarometer Revealed

Wars at the borders, terrorism, climate disasters, cyberattacks, and migration crises — against the backdrop of increasing global turbulence, citizens of the European Union are feeling growing anxiety. However, this anxiety does not lead to a rejection of the European project. On the contrary — it strengthens the demand for a stronger, more decisive, and more autonomous European Union.

These are the findings of the latest Eurobarometer survey conducted by the European Parliament.

The World Is More Frightening Than One's Own Life

More than half of EU citizens (52%) are pessimistic about the future of the world. Nearly 40% express concern about the future of the European Union itself. In Cyprus, the mood is even more tense: 58% view the planet's future skeptically, while 48% are skeptical about the EU's prospects.

At the same time, paradoxically, personal expectations remain steadily positive. Three-quarters of Europeans — and almost as many Cypriots — look at their own future and the future of their families with optimism.

This gap between personal optimism and global anxiety says one thing: people are not so much disillusioned with their daily lives as they are concerned about the instability of the outside world and Europe's vulnerability in the face of these challenges.

The Main Fear Is Security

Armed conflicts at the EU borders concern 72% of Europeans and 80% of Cypriots. Terrorism concerns 67% and 77%, respectively. Uncontrolled migration concerns 65% across the EU and 86% in Cyprus.

For Cyprus, located at a geopolitical crossroads, threats are felt more acutely. However, in general, the structure of fears is similar across the Union. Europe is perceived as a space that must be protected — physically, economically, and electronically.

The digital environment is becoming a separate concern. Disinformation worries 69% of EU citizens and 82% of Cypriots. Concern about fake content created by artificial intelligence is even higher (68% and 84%). Concerns are also raised about personal data protection and freedom of speech.

The digital space has become a new security front — and citizens increasingly expect the EU to take on the role of regulator and protector.

Economy Remains a Pain Point

Inflation and the rising cost of living are the top internal priority for 41% of EU citizens and 34% of Cypriots. Issues of employment and the economy concern 35% of Europeans and 43% of Cyprus residents.

On the island, healthcare and migration topics are particularly sensitive — at 39% each. At the same time, almost a third of EU citizens and a third of Cypriots predict a deterioration in their standard of living over the next five years.

Economic anxiety strengthens the general demand for a more active common European policy.

Europe Must Be Stronger

The most telling result of the survey is the near-consensus support for the idea of unity.

89% of EU citizens believe that global challenges must be addressed jointly. In Cyprus, it's 95%. 86% of Europeans and 94% of Cypriots support strengthening the EU's voice in the world. 73% in the EU and 86% in Cyprus support increasing European resources. 66% of Europeans and 90% of Cypriots want the Union to play a greater role in ensuring their security.

Priorities are also changing. Defense and security are in first place. Then come competitiveness, industry, and energy independence. Europe is gradually ceasing to be perceived solely as a market and increasingly as a political subject.

Critical but Not Disillusioned

Despite the anxious background, the attitude toward the EU remains predominantly positive. Almost half of the Union's citizens view it positively, and only about 17% negatively. The balance in Cyprus is similar.

This is not a crisis of trust. It is a demand for transformation.

A New Stage of the European Project

The Eurobarometer captures an important trend: citizens of Europe — and especially of peripheral states like Cyprus — are increasingly realizing that modern threats cannot be effectively solved within the framework of national states alone.

Hence the demand for greater coordination, shared resources, a more active foreign policy, and a real security system at the EU level.

Essentially, this is about expanding the functions of the Union in areas traditionally associated with statehood: protection, strategic management, and international influence.

And a logical question arises: if the citizens of Europe want a more united, stronger, and more autonomous Union — does this not indicate a gradual movement toward a new form of political union?

The history of the European project continues. And judging by the mood of the citizens, its next stage will be associated not with the weakening but with the strengthening of Europe as a whole.

Author: Valery Lyashenko (former diplomat)