Eurobarometer survey: Defence and security as top priorities of the European Union

Citizens in conflict: Security is top priority, but inflation hurts the most

In a Europe marked by profound geopolitical uncertainties and economic pressures, public opinion has shifted decisively. The latest Eurobarometer survey from Spring 2025 paints a clear picture: defense and security have risen to the top priority for European Union citizens, reflecting the new reality since the war in Ukraine.
However, this historic shift in priorities goes hand in hand with a remarkably strong sense of trust in the community. The survey reveals not only one of the highest approval ratings for EU membership in the last two decades and growing optimism for the future, but also the overwhelming desire of 90 percent of Europeans for greater unity and common solutions to global crises. While the major strategic direction is toward a more resilient Union, economic pressures remain palpable in everyday life: inflation and rising living costs are people's most pressing personal concerns. This survey paints a portrait of a Union in transition – a Union whose population demands strength externally and solidarity and economic security internally, and which they trust to overcome these complex challenges.

What is the Eurobarometer?

The Eurobarometer is an important instrument for public opinion research in the European Union, which has been measuring the public opinion of European citizens on various political and social issues since 1973. The survey is commissioned by the European Commission twice a year in all EU member states and serves as a central source for monitoring public opinion trends among the European population. For each biannual standard survey, approximately 1,000 EU citizens aged 15 and over are interviewed per member state; in Germany, the sample is traditionally 2,000 and 1,500, respectively.

The Eurobarometer examines key questions on social and political attitudes to key issues facing the European Union, such as the social situation, the integration of minorities, health, culture, information technology, environmental protection, the euro, and European integration. The methodology includes both consistent standard questions and changing questions on various current topics. Since 2007, the European Parliament has also conducted its own Eurobarometer surveys focusing on specific issues facing the Parliament, including the European elections.

Eurobarometer data are scientifically processed and documented by GESIS and other archives to provide researchers and the public with in-depth analyses. The combination of the diversity of topics consistently surveyed over time, the regularity of publication, and the geographical coverage makes the Eurobarometer a unique source of knowledge and information in the European Union.

The results of the Spring 2025 survey

The latest Eurobarometer survey, conducted between May 5 and 29, 2025, in all EU member states, was based on 26,410 face-to-face video interviews and reveals remarkable shifts in priorities among the European public. Defense and security were cited by 37 percent of respondents as the most important priority for strengthening the EU's global influence. This development reflects the changing geopolitical situation facing Europe in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and other international threats.

Respondents ranked competitiveness, economy, and industry as the second highest priority at 32 percent, followed by energy independence, resources, and infrastructure at 27 percent. These results demonstrate that European citizens consider both military and economic strength to be crucial for the future of the Union.

The geographical distribution of priorities reveals an interesting pattern: In 13 of the 27 EU Member States, including France, Germany, and Poland, defense and security rank first. In ten countries, including Italy and Greece, competitiveness, economy, and industry were named as the most important priorities. In Slovenia, Slovakia, and Romania, food security and agriculture topped the list.

Support for EU membership reaches new heights

The survey also shows a notable improvement in overall perceptions of the EU. More than half of respondents, or 52 percent, have a positive opinion of the Union, an increase of two percentage points since the last survey. This is only the third time in the last two decades that a majority of Europeans have expressed a positive perception of the EU. The previous peaks were recorded in autumn 2021, at 54 percent, during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, and in spring 2022, at 52 percent, immediately after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

A particularly telling finding is that 73 percent of respondents stated that their country had benefited from EU membership. The highest levels of approval were recorded in Denmark, Ireland, and Malta, while the lowest were in Austria, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic. Respondents cited peace and security (37 percent) and better cooperation between European countries (36 percent) as the main benefits.

The call for more unity and common solutions

An overwhelming majority of 90 percent of Europeans believe that EU member states should show greater unity in tackling global challenges. In addition, 68 percent believe that the EU's role in protecting citizens from global crises should be strengthened. These figures demonstrate the strong desire of the European population for a more cohesive and effective Union.

Delphine Colard, spokesperson for the European Parliament, stated that nine out of ten respondents not only demand unity but also want more funding. Seventy-eight percent of respondents believe it would be beneficial to implement projects with joint funding, as this provides greater added value than funding at the national level. These results demonstrate a remarkable willingness among European citizens to accept greater integration and shared responsibility.

Hub for security and defense - Image: Xpert.digital

The hub for security and defense offers well-founded advice and current information in order to effectively support companies and organizations in strengthening their role in European security and defense policy. In close connection to the SME Connect working group, he promotes small and medium -sized companies (SMEs) in particular that want to further expand their innovative strength and competitiveness in the field of defense. As a central point of contact, the hub creates a decisive bridge between SME and European defense strategy.

Suitable for:

• The Working Group Defense of the SME Connect - Strengthening SMEs in European defense

The most important issues for the European Parliament

When it comes to the specific issues the European Parliament should address, 41 percent of respondents cited inflation, rising prices, and the cost of living as the most important challenge. This reflects the direct impact of the current economic situation on citizens' daily lives. Defense and security came in second with 34 percent, followed by the fight against poverty and social exclusion with 31 percent.

The survey also found that 72 percent of people believe that EU policies have an impact on their daily lives. Half viewed this impact as positive, 31 percent as neutral, and 18 percent as negative. These figures demonstrate that the EU is increasingly perceived as a relevant player in citizens' lives.

Optimism for the future of Europe

A particularly encouraging finding of the survey is the increased optimism regarding the future of the EU. 66 percent of respondents expressed positive views about the Union's future prospects, the highest level since 2020-2021. Optimism is even greater among younger Europeans aged 15 to 24, with 72 percent believing that things are moving in the right direction in the EU.

These high levels of optimism among young people are particularly noteworthy, as they represent the generation that will have to live with current EU policy decisions the longest. Their trust in European integration and their positive attitude towards the future of the Union are important indicators of the long-term stability and legitimacy of the European project.

The geopolitical dimension of security priorities

The emphasis on defense and security as a top priority reflects the dramatically changed geopolitical situation in which Europe finds itself since the Russian attack on Ukraine in February 2022. EU Member States have already taken significant steps to strengthen their defense capabilities and increase their strategic autonomy.

In March 2025, the European Commission presented the ReArm Europe plan, later renamed Preparedness 2030. This ambitious program aims to mobilize up to €800 billion for European defense. The plan includes five key measures: activating the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact, using the SAFE instrument for loans of up to €150 billion, using cohesion policy programs for defense purposes, expanding lending by the European Investment Bank Group, and mobilizing private capital.

National responses to security challenges

Individual EU member states have responded differently to the new security challenges, with defense spending increasing dramatically across the EU. Germany has undertaken a fundamental reversal in its fiscal policy and, in March 2025, adopted a far-reaching reform of the debt brake, which exempts defense spending above one percent of GDP from the constitutional debt rule. The German defense budget is expected to increase from approximately €52 billion in 2024 to a planned €152.8 billion in 2029.

With the 2024-2030 Military Programming Law, France has earmarked a total of €413 billion for the years 2024 to 2030, representing a nominal increase of approximately 40 percent over the previous plan. Poland, which already spends 4.2 percent of its GDP on defense—the highest of all NATO allies—has requested €45 billion from the EU SAFE program.

The role of the European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank has significantly expanded its role in strengthening European defense capabilities. The EIB Group has raised its lending ceiling for 2025 to a record EUR 100 billion and introduced new programs aimed at strengthening Europe's competitiveness, technological leadership, and security. The financing program for European defense suppliers has been tripled to EUR 3 billion.

The EIB is focusing on three core areas: increased support for infrastructure to counter various threats, investments in modern key technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones, and access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises in the security and defense sectors. Importantly, arms and ammunition remain excluded from EIB financing.

Economic benefits of EU membership

Despite the new focus on security and defense, the fundamental economic benefits of EU membership should not be overlooked. All member states benefit from the common EU internal market, not just the net recipients. In 2019, approximately two-thirds of total trade between EU member states was with other member states.

Studies show that Germany is one of the biggest winners among the member states, with an annual welfare gain of €1,046 per capita. Abolishing the EU's internal market would lead to a 25 to 35 percent decline in trade between EU members and reduce German GDP by 7.9 percent. Southern European countries such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal also benefit greatly from the EU's infrastructure measures. Without EU funding and connections to European transport and telecommunications axes, many of these states would never have financed the expansion of their infrastructure.

Challenges and future developments

The high level of support for defense and security as priorities does not mean that other important areas should be neglected. The EU faces the challenge of finding a balance between its various policy areas while responding to the changing needs and expectations of its citizens. The survey results clearly show that Europeans want an EU that protects them and acts in unity.

Support for a common defense and security policy reached 81 percent, the highest level since 2004. At the same time, 78 percent expressed concern about the EU's security and defense over the next five years. These figures underscore the urgency with which European citizens expect a strengthening of defense capabilities.

The EU must also take citizens' concerns on other important issues seriously. Inflation and rising living costs remain the top concerns for many Europeans. The Union must demonstrate that it can guarantee both the security and economic well-being of its citizens.

Eurobarometer 2025: High approval, demand for unity and stronger security policy

The Spring 2025 Eurobarometer survey paints a picture of an EU facing fundamental change. The prioritization of defense and security reflects the new geopolitical reality in which Europe must assert itself. At the same time, the high approval ratings for EU membership and increased optimism for the future demonstrate that citizens have confidence in the Union's ability to meet these challenges.

The overwhelming demand for greater unity and joint solutions is a clear mandate for the European institutions to act more decisively and in a more coordinated manner. Citizens' willingness to accept more joint funding opens up new opportunities for ambitious European programs.

The coming years will be crucial for whether the EU can meet its citizens' expectations. This high level of support represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. The Union must prove that it has the right answer to the challenges of the 21st century—both in security and defense policy and in all other areas that matter to the lives of European citizens.

Markus Becker

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

Head of Business Development

Chairman SME Connect Defense Working Group

LinkedIn

Konrad Wolfenstein

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

contact me under Wolfenstein ∂ Xpert.digital

call me under +49 89 674 804 (Munich)

LinkedIn