Eurobarometer 2026: 73% of citizens call for increased EU resources to tackle global instability
A new Eurobarometer survey released today, Wednesday, February 4, reveals a deepening sense of geopolitical anxiety across the European Union, contrasted by a surprising wave of optimism in Romania.
While 52% of Europeans express pessimism regarding the world’s future, Romanians surpass the 50% optimism threshold across all categories. Romanian citizens appear significantly less concerned with terrorism or climate issues compared to their EU peers.
A mandate for security and defense
Collective security has become the primary concern for EU citizens. Approximately 72% of respondents cite ongoing conflicts as their top safety worry, followed closely by terrorism and cyberattacks at 66%.
To address these threats, 73% of Europeans agree the Union requires more resources. Furthermore, 40% of citizens believe the EU must prioritize security and defense to strengthen its global standing.
Unity amidst global instability
Despite individual anxieties, 89% of respondents insist that member states must act with greater unity. Support for EU membership remains robust, with 62% of citizens viewing their country’s belonging to the Union as a positive factor.
The survey, conducted by Verian in late 2025, highlights a "generational hope." Citizens aged 15 to 30 maintain a more favorable view of the European Parliament than older demographics.
Individual versus global outlook
A stark contrast exists between personal and global perspectives. While 76% of Europeans remain optimistic about their family's private future, nearly half harbor a negative outlook for the world at large.
This "resilience gap" suggests that while Europeans trust their immediate environment, they look to Brussels for a more ambitious, unified response to external geopolitical pressures.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
