Europeans continue to view democracy and economic power as EU’s main strengths, according to latest Flash Eurobarometer survey

According to the results of the latest Flash Eurobarometer survey on ‘EU challenges and priorities’ published today, respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law (36%) and the economic, industrial, and trading power of the EU (31%) remain the EU’s main strengths, followed by the good relationships and solidarity between the EU’s Member States (28%).

When asked about values, over half of Europeans say that the EU rather than other countries in the world best embodies respect for fundamental rights and values, freedom of speech and expression (55% for each) and social equality and welfare (52%).

The war in Ukraine remains the current main challenge that the EU is facing, mentioned by 47% of Europeans.

When asked about global challenges for the future of the EU, conflicts in the world is the most mentioned issue (41%), followed by irregular migration (35%) and climate change and environmental issues (31%). The fourth most mentioned issue is a new one, namely the risk that the EU will lose its voice and influence in the world (30%).

A large majority of Europeans believe that Member States can achieve better outcomes in trade negotiations and economic partnerships by working together at the EU level rather than acting on their own (79%) and that the EU should diversify its trade relations with countries all over the world to strengthen its economic independence and support EU businesses (83%).

Similar large majorities support EU action to reinforce the economy domestically. 81% of respondents agree that the EU should take action to help EU industries become more competitive and decarbonise, while 82% agree that the EU should take action to support fairness across social groups and generations.

In terms of overall policy priorities, 34% of Europeans mention security and defence among areas the EU should address as a priority, followed by 32% who mention irregular migration and 27% who mention the war in Ukraine.

Views about the years to come

52% (representing a six point drop since summer 2024) of Europeans are optimistic about the future of the EU, while 43% are pessimistic.

52% of them say they are confident in the strength of the EU’s democracy in the next five years, while 44% are unconfident.

At the same time, 48% of Europeans say they are confident in the performance of the EU’s economy in the next five years while 48% are not confident.

Finally, two thirds (66%) of EU citizens are concerned about the EU’s security in the next five years.

Background

The Flash Eurobarometer 569 was conducted between 3 and 10 September 2025 across the 27 Member States. 25,893 EU citizens were interviewed online.

More information: European Commission