Amid rising geopolitical tensions, EU citizens—including those in Cyprus—are increasingly anxious about the future, while also expressing stronger expectations for united and more decisive European action, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey by the European Parliament.
EU citizens express strong concern over a range of risks linked to international instability and security. In Cyprus, anxiety levels are particularly high: armed conflicts worry 80% of respondents, terrorism 77%, natural disasters linked to climate change 80%, cyberattacks 70%, and uncontrolled migratory flows 86%.
At the EU level, the top concerns are armed conflicts near the EU’s borders (72%), terrorism (67%), natural disasters worsened by climate change (66%), cyberattacks from non-EU countries (66%), and uncontrolled migratory flows (65%).
Fifty-two per cent (52%) of EU citizens feel pessimistic about the future of the world, while 39% express pessimism about the future of the European Union itself. In Cyprus, pessimism about the future of the world reaches 58%, and 48% are pessimistic about the EU’s future.
On a personal level, however, the outlook is much more positive. Seventy-six per cent (76%) of EU citizens feel optimistic about their personal future and that of their family, while in Cyprus, the figure is 75%.
There is also significant concern about risks related to information and digital communication. Misinformation worries 69% of EU citizens and 82% in Cyprus. Similarly high percentages are recorded for hate speech (68% in the EU and 71% in Cyprus), AI-generated false content (68% and 84%), inadequate protection of personal data (68% and 82%), and threats to freedom of expression (67% and 73%).
In this environment of multiple challenges, citizens are calling for a stronger and more united European Union. Eighty nine per cent (89%) of respondents at the EU level believe member states should address global challenges with greater unity, while in Cyprus, this figure rises to 95%.
Additionally, 86% of EU citizens and 94% in Cyprus support the prospect of a Union with a stronger voice on the international stage. Furthermore, 73% at the EU level and 86% in Cyprus believe the EU needs more European resources to effectively respond to global challenges. There is also a strong expectation for a more active EU role in citizen security: 66% of respondents in the EU think the European Union should do more to protect them, while in Cyprus, this figure reaches 90%.
Regarding the key areas where European action should focus to strengthen the EU’s global position, citizens prioritize defense and security (40%), competitiveness, economy, and industry (32%), and energy independence (29%). In Cyprus, defense and security also top the list (50%), followed by education (37%) and demographic and migration issues (28%).
The cost of living remains a major concern for citizens. At the EU level, 41% cite inflation, high prices, and the cost of living as the top internal priority for the European Parliament, while in Cyprus, the figure is 34%. This is followed by the economy and job creation, with 35% in the EU and 43% in Cyprus. In Cyprus, public health (39%) and migration and asylum (39%) are also significant priorities. Although most citizens believe their standard of living will remain stable over the next five years, 28% in the EU and 33% in Cyprus anticipate a decline.
Despite these concerns, the overall image of the European Union remains positive. 49% of EU citizens have a positive view of the Union, compared to just 17% who express a negative opinion. In Cyprus, 42% maintain a positive image of the EU, while negative views stand at 18%. Similarly, 38% of EU citizens and 30% in Cyprus have a positive view of the European Parliament.
A strong majority of citizens consider their country’s membership in the European Union to be positive. This figure reaches 62% at the EU level and 65% in Cyprus, marking a significant increase.
The survey was conducted in autumn 2025 across all 27 EU member states, with a total of 26,453 interviews, 501 of which in Cyprus.
(Source: CNA)
