Citizens’ high expectations of Europe amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty are reflected in the latest Eurobarometer survey of the European Parliament, released on Wednesday (3 September 2025). Europeans are calling on the EU to prioritize defence and security, while Greeks place greater emphasis on competitiveness, the economy, and industry.

According to the findings, 68% of Europeans believe the EU should play a stronger role in protecting its citizens from global crises and security risks. In Greece, this view is even more widespread, with 77% in agreement.

At the same time, nine out of ten EU citizens — and 92% in Greece — call for greater unity among member states. Furthermore, 77% of Europeans believe the EU needs more resources to address global challenges, with the figure rising to 81% in Greece.

The survey was carried out between 5 and 29 May 2025 in all 27 member states by research firm Verian, with interviews conducted primarily in person.

Greeks Prioritize Competitiveness, Economy, and Industry

The data also highlights widespread concern among Europeans about the political and economic situation. At the EU level, 37% of respondents believe the Union should focus on defence and security, while 32% prioritize competitiveness, the economy, and industry.

In Greece, the picture is reversed: 38% of respondents put competitiveness, the economy, and industry first, followed by defence and security at 32%.

As for the European Parliament’s priorities, citizens overall say it should concentrate on tackling inflation and the cost of living (41%), strengthening defence and security (34%), and fighting poverty and social exclusion (31%).

In Greece, the top concerns are shared between supporting the economy and creating jobs, and addressing inflation and the cost of living. These are followed closely by calls for greater investment in public health (44%).

The economy continues to dominate concerns across Europe, echoing the findings of the post-election Eurobarometer survey.

Common Funding for Common Projects

Europeans are also calling for more joint investment at the EU level. Nearly eight in ten respondents (78%) say projects should be financed collectively by the EU rather than by individual member states. In Greece, support is even stronger at 82%.

Focus on Transparency

A large majority — 91% of EU citizens, and 96% in Greece — want the European Parliament to oversee EU spending.

Moreover, 85% of Europeans (with support exceeding 50% in every member state) believe EU funds should be allocated only to countries that respect the rule of law and democratic principles. In Greece, an overwhelming 95% agree.

EU Membership and Citizens’ Lives

Almost three in four respondents (72%) across the EU say that EU actions affect their daily lives. Of these, half view the impact as “positive,” 31% as “neither very positive nor very negative,” and 18% as “negative.” In Greece, 83% say EU actions have an impact, with 34% viewing it as positive, 38% as neutral, and 28% as negative.

A majority of Europeans also believe that EU membership provides stability. Specifically, 73% of citizens across the EU (66% in Greece) say their country benefits from membership. They cite peace and security (37%), improved cooperation between member states (36%), and economic development (29%) as key advantages. In Greece, 45% rank peace and security as the most important benefit, followed by improved cooperation between member states (34%) and the EU giving Greece a stronger global voice (34%).

“European Citizens Want Europe to Focus on Security and the Economy”

“Parliament has received the message,” said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, stressing that priorities and the next long-term budget must enable the EU to navigate the new geopolitical reality.

“European citizens want Europe to focus on security and the economy. They look to the EU for stability and expect a strong, united European voice in today’s uncertain world. Our priorities and the next long-term EU budget must therefore allow us to deliver. Parliament has heard the message, and now we must match words with action, invest in what matters, and honour our commitments to citizens,” Metsola concluded.