Eurobarometer: Europeans See Democracy and Economy as Europe’s Main Strengths

Photo source: European Union

Europeans identify respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law as the main strengths of the European Union, based on data from a new Eurobarometer survey.

More specifically, for 38 percent of Europeans democracy and human rights are strong advantages of the EU, while economic, industrial, and trading power (34 percent), followed by the good relationships and solidarity between the EU Member States (28 percent) are other factors that affect the union’s power.

As areas the EU should address as a priority, respondents most frequently mention the environment and climate change (33 percent) and irregular migration (also 33 percent), followed by security and defense (29 percent) and the war in Ukraine (25 percent).

The main challenges that the EU is facing

Photo source: European Union

The war in Ukraine ranks first in terms of challenges that the EU is facing, mentioned by 50 percent of the respondents. Irregular migration and environmental issues and climate change follow in second and third place, respectively, with 41 percent and 35 percent.

When asked about the values that are best embodied by the EU compared to other countries in the world, Europeans clearly indicate respect for fundamental rights and values and freedom of speech and expression (each at 53 percent).

Overall optimism about the years to come

Photo source: European Union

According to the survey, 58 percent of Europeans tend to be optimistic about the future of the EU, while 37 percent tend to be pessimistic. Additionally, 55 percent of them said they are very or somewhat confident in the strength of the EU’s democracy in the next five years, while 41 percent are somewhat or very unconfident.

Meanwhile, 64 percent of EU citizens tend to be concerned about the EU’s security in the next five years. However, 51 percent express confidence in the performance of the EU’s economy in the next five years, while 45 percent are more skeptical.

The Flash Eurobarometer 550 was conducted between 25 June and 2 July 2024 across the 27 Member States. 25,658 EU citizens were interviewed online.