Filenews 3 September 2025
Amid geopolitical uncertainty, a majority of Europeans believe that the EU should play a greater role in protecting its citizens from global crises and security risks (68%). The percentage is higher in Cyprus and is close to unanimity (91%). At the same time, nine out of ten EU citizens call for greater unity among member states (95% for Cyprus), while more than three out of four (77%) believe that the EU needs more instruments to address the current global challenges (85% for Cyprus).
Citizens' priorities reflect concern about the political and economic situation
According to the survey respondents, the EU needs to focus on defence and security (37%), as well as competitiveness, economy and industry (32%) in order to strengthen its position in the world and adapt to the current political and economic context. Defence and security are preferred by respondents in Cyprus (46%), with education and research occupying second place (33%). On the issues on which the European Parliament should give particular emphasis, citizens mention inflation, the cost of living (41%), defence and security (34%), and the fight against poverty and social exclusion (31%). The fight against poverty and social exclusion is in first place for Cyprus (42%), followed by inflation and high prices (39%), while 36% note both support for the economy and the creation of new jobs, as well as greater support for public health. The economic situation continues to be a major issue for many Europeans. Controlling inflation and the cost of living was already an important issue for citizens in the last European elections, as the post-election Eurobarometer survey showed.
Joint funding for joint projects
To invest in what matters, almost eight out of ten Europeans believe that more projects should be financed jointly by the EU, rather than by individual Member States (78%). The corresponding percentage for Cyprus is 87%.
Transparency is of paramount importance
91% of citizens (94% in Cyprus) believe that the European Parliament should have all the necessary information and means to effectively control EU spending. In addition, 85% of Europeans, and more than 50% in each EU country, agree that funds should only be allocated to Member States on condition that they respect the rule of law and democratic principles. 91% of respondents in Cyprus agree with this position.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: "European citizens want Europe to focus on security and the economy. They look to the EU for stability and expect a strong and united European voice in today's uncertain world. Our priorities and the EU's next long-term budget must therefore enable the EU to successfully manage the new geopolitical reality. Parliament got the message and now we need to back up our words with action, invest in what matters and be consistent with our commitments to citizens."
A country's membership of the EU affects citizens' lives
Almost three out of four respondents (72%) say that EU actions have an impact on their daily lives, with half of them considering this impact "positive", 31% "neither particularly positive nor particularly negative" and 18% "negative". 86% of respondents in Cyprus state that EU actions have an impact on their daily lives, with 36% of them considering this impact "positive", 44% "neither positive nor negative" and 20% "negative".
At the same time, the majority of Europeans believe that the EU offers stability to its member states. In particular, 73% of European citizens (71% in Cyprus) state that their country benefits from its membership of the EU for the following reasons: the EU contributes to the protection of peace and the strengthening of security (37%), improves cooperation between its Member States (36%) and contributes to their economic development (29%). The protection of peace and the strengthening of security are prioritized by respondents in Cyprus (39%). This is followed by the contribution to the country's economic development and the fact that the EU brings new job opportunities to the Cypriot people (33% both).
You can see the results of the survey in detail here. https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3572?etrans=el
The survey for the European Parliament's Spring Eurobarometer for 2025 was conducted by the research company Verian from 5 to 29 May 2025 in the 27 EU Member States. Interviews with participants were mainly conducted in person, while in some Member States (Denmark, Malta, the Netherlands, Finland and Sweden) interviews were also conducted online. A total of 26,410 interviews were conducted, 501 of which were conducted in Cyprus. The "EU-wide percentages" reported have been weighted on the basis of each country's population.
