At the beginning of September, the latest Eurobarometer 2025 survey highlights Europeans’ expectations for security, unity, and more resources to address global challenges. In the face of geopolitical uncertainty, citizens across the Union are calling for stronger protection and greater solidarity.
Stronger Security, Unity, and More Resources for Global Challenges
According to the survey, 68 percent of Europeans believe the EU should play a greater role in protecting citizens from global crises and security risks. Nine out of ten citizens — 90 percent — want stronger unity among EU Member States, while 77 percent say the Union needs more financial resources to face international challenges.
In Slovenia, three out of four respondents (75 percent) share the same view on protection. An overwhelming majority — 92 percent — support deeper unity, while two-thirds (66 percent) agree that the EU needs more funds to address today’s global challenges.
Inflation, Rising Costs, and Economic Competitiveness
Concerns about the current political and economic situation are clearly reflected in citizens’ priorities. Europeans believe the EU should focus on defense and security (37 percent) and on competitiveness, economy, and industry (32 percent).
When asked about the priorities of the European Parliament, respondents highlighted inflation, rising prices, and the cost of living (41 percent), defense and security (34 percent), and tackling poverty and social exclusion (31 percent). Inflation and the cost of living were already key issues during the most recent European elections, and they remain among the top concerns today.
In Slovenia, food security and agriculture ranked first (39 percent), followed by competitiveness, economy, and industry (37 percent), and energy independence (32 percent). Slovenians also believe the European Parliament should prioritize food security and agriculture (38 percent), inflation and rising prices, as well as stronger support for public health (both 37 percent).
Common EU Funding and Transparency
The survey also highlights strong support for common EU financing. Nearly 8 in 10 Europeans — 78 percent — believe that more projects should be funded collectively by the EU instead of individual Member States. In Slovenia, this position is supported by 84 percent of respondents.
Transparency remains crucial. A total of 91 percent of Europeans say the European Parliament must have all the necessary tools to oversee EU spending properly. In addition, 85 percent — including 92 percent in Slovenia — insist that EU funding should be conditional on respecting the rule of law and democratic principles.
Metsola: “A Strong and United European Voice”
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stressed the importance of responding to citizens’ demands:
“EU 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 allow the Union to tackle new geopolitical realities. Parliament has listened, and now we must deliver by investing in what matters and bringing results to our citizens.”
EU Membership Makes a Difference in Daily Life
Almost three-quarters of Europeans — 72 percent — say EU decisions impact their daily lives. Half describe this impact as positive, 31 percent as neutral, while 18 percent see it as negative.
A strong majority, 73 percent of Europeans, believe their country benefits from EU membership, citing the Union’s role in protecting peace and security (37 percent), closer cooperation between Member States (36 percent), and contributions to economic growth (29 percent).
In Slovenia, 76 percent say EU membership affects their daily lives. 42 percent describe the impact as positive, 38 percent as neutral, and 14 percent as negative. Meanwhile, 80 percent of Slovenians believe their country benefits from EU membership, mainly through economic growth (44 percent), job creation (38 percent), and stronger cooperation among Member States (33 percent).
The spring Eurobarometer 2025 survey was conducted from May 5 to May 29 in all 27 member states of the Union. A total of 26,410 interviews were conducted. The results at the level of the European Union are weighted according to the population of individual countries. A total of 1,013 people participated from Slovenia.
