DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 28 May 2025
Eurobarometer shows record high trust in the EU, and strong support for the euro and a common defence and security policy
The latest Eurobarometer survey released today reveals the highest level of trust in the European Union in 18 years and the highest-ever support for the euro. In the current geopolitical context, Europeans would also like to see a stronger and more assertive EU through a common defence and security policy, while peace remains the value that best represents the EU.
Trust in the EU is at its highest in 18 years
52% of Europeans trust the EU, the highest result since 2007. The level of trust is highest among young people aged 15-24 (59%). Setting another 18-year record, 52% of Europeans say they trust the European Commission, with scoring again particularly high among young citizens (57%). At the same time, 36% of Europeans say they trust their national government and 37% say they trust their national parliament.
Three quarters of respondents (75%) - the highest level in more than two decades - say they feel they are citizens of the EU.
In addition, more than six in ten EU citizens (62%) are also optimistic about the future of the EU.
Europeans strongly support the euro
The Eurobarometer survey registered the highest support ever for the common currency, both in the EU (74%) and in the euro area (83%). When it comes to the perception of the situation of the European economy, 44% of Europeans find it good while 48% find it bad. A majority of citizens (43%) still think the European economic situation will remain stable in the next 12 months.
Europeans want a stronger and more assertive EU
Almost seven in ten respondents (69%) agree that the European Union is a place of stability in a troubled world.
Nearly nine in ten Europeans (88%) agree that there should be more rules-based cooperation between countries and regions of the world. More than four in five EU citizens (86%) agree that increasing customs tariffs is harmful for the global economy. Nevertheless, if other countries increase their duties on imports from the EU, 80% of respondents agree that the EU should impose customs tariffs in response to defend its interests.
More than eight in ten (81%) support a common defence and security policy among Member States – the highest result since 2004. At the same time, 78% are concerned about the EU's defence and security in the next five years.
When it comes to priorities for the EU budget, European citizens would like the EU budget to be spent on defence and security (43%) employment, social affairs and public health (42%) and education, training, youth, culture and media (34%, stable). With 40%, security and defence is also the top area which citizens think should benefit from more increased EU funding, followed by energy transition/affordable energy (32%).
According to Europeans, the EU should take measures in the medium-term in the area of security and defence (39%), followed by the economy (29%), migration (24%) and climate and the environment (24%). At the same time, 44% of European citizens think that ensuring peace and stability will have the highest positive impact on their life in the short term, followed by securing food, health, and industry supplies in the EU (27%) and creating more job opportunities (26%).
Peace (41%, +2 pp) remains the value that best represents the EU, followed by democracy (33% - 2pp) and respect for rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights (28%, new item).
Continued and stable support for the EU's response to the war in Ukraine
In the face of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, 80% of European respondents agree with welcoming into the EU people fleeing the war, while over three quarters of Europeans (76%) support providing financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine. 72% of EU citizens back economic sanctions on the Russian government, companies, and individuals while six in ten (60%) approve of the EU granting candidate status to Ukraine and 59% agree with the EU financing the purchase and supply of military equipment to Ukraine.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues to be considered as the most important issue at EU level (27%) out of 15 items (followed by the international situation at 24% and security and defence at 20%. 77% of European respondents agree that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a threat to the security of the EU.
Background
The Standard Eurobarometer 103 (Spring 2025) was conducted between 26 March and 22 April 2025 across the 27 Member States. Overall, 26,368 EU citizens were interviewed face-to-face. Interviews were also conducted in nine candidate and potential candidate countries (all except Ukraine) and the United Kingdom.
For More Information
Standard Eurobarometer 103
EU closing in on the 2030 climate and energy targets, according to national plans
EU Member States have significantly closed the gap to achieving the 2030 energy and climate targets, according to the European Commission's assessment of the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). EU countries have substantially improved their plans following Commission recommendations in December 2023. As a result, the EU is closing in collectively on a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as committed in the European Climate Law, and reaching a share of at least 42.5% of renewable energy.
The Commission's assessment shows that the EU is currently on course to reduce net GHG emissions by around 54% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, if Member States implement fully existing and planned national measures and EU policies. In the current geopolitical context, this demonstrates that the EU is staying the course on its climate commitments, investing with determination in the clean energy transition and prioritising the EU's industrial competitiveness and the social dimension.
Strategic initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan will complement NECPs in mobilising investments in industrial decarbonisation and clean technology, making the best use of Europe's homegrown renewable potential and energy efficient solutions, helping to deliver lower and more stable energy prices over time.
Member States are demonstrating political resolve to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve the resilience and security of energy supplies and infrastructure, accelerate the integration of the internal energy market and support those who need it the most with investments and skills development.
The Commission's assessment provides a solid foundation for discussions on the next steps in the EU's decarbonisation journey towards 2040 and reaching climate neutrality by 2050. The Commission will intensify work with Member States to close the remaining gaps and implement additional guidance, set out in today's assessment.
Next Steps
The next phase should focus on turning plans into action to ensure stability and predictability. This involves directing public funds to effectively support transformative investments, encouraging private investment, and coordinating efforts at both regional and European levels. The Commission will therefore continue to support Member States' efforts in implementation and in addressing the remaining gaps.
Member States that have not yet submitted their final plans – Belgium, Estonia and Poland – must do so without delay. While their overall targets have been included in the EU assessment, the European Commission will review each of their plans individually soon after their formal submission. Additionally, the Commission is working on the individual assessment of Slovakia's final NECP, which was submitted on 15 April 2025.
The Governance Regulation of the Energy Union and Climate Action requires the Member States to regularly submit NECPs, outlining how they intend to meet the 2030 climate and energy targets and Energy Union objectives. These are critical to deliver a fair, resilient, and climate-neutral Europe, and to steer the much-needed investments for the climate and energy transition. They were first finalised in 2020 but needed to be updated to take account of the agreed 2030 legislative package and targets, so called Fit for 55 package.
Draft updated NECPs were due by 30 June 2023. The Commission published an EU-wide assessment, accompanied by country-specific assessments and recommendations, in December 2023. Taking these recommendations into account, Member States were then required to submit their final NECPs by 30 June 2024.
The package published today includes an EU-wide assessment and a Staff Working Document, with the individual assessment of 23 national plans and guidance to facilitate implementation.
NECPs as a governance tool will be reviewed for the post-2030 period as part of the forthcoming revision of the Governance Regulation.
For more information
Communication: An EU-wide assessment of the final updated NECPs
Staff Working Document
Questions and answers
National energy and climate plans
European Climate Law
Quote(s)
Europe is proving that reliable and predictable science-based targets and adequate regulation deliver. The updated National Energy and Climate Plans show that the green agenda is not just a target but a way to modernise our economies and to bet on industrial innovation and more opportunities for Europeans. Our task now is to deepen in our capacities and boost action with no delays. We can deliver 55% and we need to build the conditions to reach 90% by 2040. Competitiveness, security, wealth creation and inclusiveness depend on our capacities to move forward a consistent and comprehensive political action plan.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
The final National Energy and Climate Plans show the EU is well on track to achieve its 2030 emission target. Emissions are down 37% since 1990, while the economy has grown nearly 70% — proving climate action and growth go hand in hand. Now we must build on this momentum. Investing in clean technologies and innovation is essential for industrial competitiveness and opens new markets for EU companies. Our commitment to the clean transition gives investors clarity and strengthens Europe’s resilience and prosperity. This is a decisive moment — every sector in every Member State must contribute to delivery.
Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth
The updated National Energy and Climate Plans confirm Member States’s strong commitment to deliver on our 2030 targets and making Europe’s energy transition a reality. Renewable energy is becoming the leading source of electricity in the EU and we are reducing our final energy consumption. We will deliver decarbonisation, because it delivers not only clean energy, but also quality jobs, growth and energy security. But we must do more to fast track the benefits of the transition, cut energy demand, improve energy efficiency and ensure that these ambitions materialise while completing our Energy Union.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing
NOTE TO EDITORS Wednesday, 4 June, at 12:00EEST - fire season preparedness briefing
PRESS INVITATION:
The European Commission representation in Nicosia is organizing an on the record fire season preparedness briefing by a senior Commission Official, on Wednesday 04 June 2025 at 12:00 EEST (EU HOUSE - 2nd floor conference room)
To participate, please reply to this email by Friday 30 MAY at midday indicating the following: full name, email, GSM and which media you represent,
Duration 1hour including Q&A session.
The fire preparedness briefing will be followed by an off the record briefing on the Spring-PACK of the European Economic Semester.