In a striking demonstration of renewed confidence in European unity, the latest Standard Eurobarometer 103 (Spring 2025) survey reveals that trust in the European Union has reached its highest level in nearly two decades. Amid an increasingly turbulent global landscape, citizens across the bloc are calling for a more assertive and coordinated EU presence on the world stage—particularly in defense, security, and economic resilience.
The survey, conducted between March 26 and April 22, 2025, interviewed over 26,000 EU citizens face-to-face across all 27 member states, as well as in candidate and potential candidate countries. Its findings underscore a pivotal shift in public sentiment—one marked by optimism, strategic awareness, and a desire for collective action.
Trust in the EU at Highest Level Since 2007
A full 52% of Europeans now trust the European Union , marking the highest level since 2007. This figure mirrors trust in the European Commission , which also stands at 52%—again, the highest since 2007. Young people aged 15–24 show even stronger support, with 59% trusting the EU and 57% trusting the Commission .
“This is not just a statistic—it reflects a real change in how people see the EU,” said one Brussels-based analyst. “After years of crises, from Brexit to the pandemic, people are seeing results from common policies and leadership.”
At the national level, trust remains lower, with only 36% trusting their national governments and 37% trusting their national parliaments —a gap that highlights growing reliance on supranational institutions amid domestic political fragmentation.
Meanwhile, 75% of respondents feel they are citizens of the EU , the highest level in more than two decades. And 62% express optimism about the future of the European project.
Strongest Ever Support for the Euro
The survey also records the highest-ever approval for the euro , with 74% of all EU citizens supporting the common currency and 83% in the eurozone backing it. Despite mixed views on the current state of the economy—with 44% finding it good and 48% bad—nearly half (43%) expect the situation to remain stable over the next year.
This enduring faith in the euro comes at a time when inflationary pressures have eased, and the European Central Bank has signaled cautious optimism in recent months.
Europeans Want a More Assertive EU
Against a backdrop of war in Ukraine, rising geopolitical tensions, and increasing trade protectionism, 69% of Europeans agree that the EU is a place of stability in a troubled world . The demand for a stronger EU voice and role in global affairs is clear.
- 88% support more rules-based international cooperation
- 86% believe increased tariffs harm the global economy
- However, 80% agree that the EU should respond with retaliatory tariffs if others impose them
This nuanced stance suggests a public that values free trade but recognizes the need for strategic autonomy and defensive tools in a multipolar world.
Defense Takes Center Stage
Perhaps most notably, 81% of Europeans support a common defense and security policy among Member States , the highest level since 2004. At the same time, 78% express concern about the EU’s defense and security over the next five years .
When asked where the EU should focus additional funding, 43% cited defense and security , making it the top priority ahead of employment and social affairs (42%), and education and culture (34%). Furthermore:
- 39% want the EU to take medium-term measures in security and defense
- 44% believe ensuring peace and stability will have the greatest short-term impact on their lives
“Peace remains the value that best represents the EU,” said a spokesperson for the European Commission. “But there’s also recognition that peace must be defended.”
Indeed, peace (41%) continues to be the value most associated with the EU, followed by democracy (33%) and respect for the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights (28%) .
Public Stands Firm on Ukraine
With the war in Ukraine entering its fourth year, European solidarity remains strong. The survey found that:
- 80% support welcoming Ukrainian refugees into the EU
- 76% back financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine
- 72% approve of sanctions against Russia
- 60% support granting Ukraine EU candidate status
- 59% agree with financing military equipment purchases for Ukraine
These figures reflect sustained public commitment to both humanitarian principles and strategic deterrence. A large majority (77%) sees Russia’s invasion as a threat to EU security , and it remains the top concern at the EU level (27%), followed by the international situation (24%) and security and defense (20%).
Conclusion: A Europe Reawakened
The 2025 Eurobarometer paints a picture of a continent reasserting itself—not just economically or politically, but morally. With record trust in the EU, strong support for the euro, and a clear mandate for greater defense integration, European citizens are signaling a desire for a stronger, more unified, and more resilient Union.
“Europeans want the EU to act,” said one EU official. “They want it to protect, to lead, and to defend shared values. They’re ready for a new chapter—and they expect their leaders to deliver.”
As the EU prepares for key summits later this year—including the EU-CELAC summit in Colombia and the upcoming EU-Brazil Summit—the message from citizens is unmistakable: the European project is alive, trusted, and ready to step up .
The latest Eurobarometer survey shows the highest level of trust in the EU in 18 years and highest-ever support for the euro. It also reveals that Europeans would like to see a stronger and more assertive EU through common defence. Also, peace remains the value that best represents the EU.
