75% of Europeans believe that the European Union (EU) offers stability in an increasingly uncertain world, according to the results of the European Parliament’s latest Eurobarometer survey, published today.
This figure is up by 8 percentage points compared to the fall of 2025 and represents the second-highest level in the last decade. In Greece, the corresponding figure stands at 71%, while 28% disagree with this view.
Despite geopolitical uncertainty and growing economic concerns, Europeans continue to value the EU’s peaceful, protective, and cooperative nature, while also recognizing the quality of life it offers.
Defense and energy are top priorities
In a context of shifting international balances, 74% of Europeans believe that their country’s membership in the EU is beneficial. In Greece, that figure stands at 63%.
Citizens believe the EU should focus primarily on defense and security (39%), followed by energy independence (35%)—a figure that has risen by 6 percentage points since the fall of 2025. Competitiveness and the economy rank third.
In Greece, competitiveness, the economy, and industry are the top priority at 42%, followed by defense and security (37%) and energy independence (32%).
A Stronger Role for the EU in Addressing Crises
68% of Europeans believe that the EU should strengthen its role in protecting citizens from global crises and security threats.
In Greece, this figure reaches 81%, while 82% of citizens believe the EU should have more resources to address global challenges. At the same time, 92% of Greeks support the unity of member states and the promotion of respect for international law.
At the European level, 83% of citizens say they are satisfied with their quality of life, compared to 63% in Greece.
For Europeans, the key factors for a good quality of life are physical and mental health (51%) and financial situation (49%). In Greece, the ability to cover daily expenses ranks first (72%), followed by access to healthcare (68%) and physical and mental health (66%).
At the same time, nearly three in ten Europeans (29%) believe their standard of living will deteriorate in the coming years. In Greece, that figure rises to 37%, while 46% believe it will remain unchanged.
Cost of living is the top concern
When asked about the European Parliament’s priorities, citizens rank inflation, rising prices, and the cost of living as their top concerns.
The EU-wide figure stands at 47%, up 6 percentage points from the fall of 2025, while in Greece it reaches 52%.
The survey was conducted from April 9 to May 4, 2026, across the 27 EU member states, with a total of 26,421 interviews, 1,007 of which were conducted in Greece.
Source: APE-MPE