Amid rising geopolitical tensions, EU citizens, including those in Cyprus, express growing concerns about the future while expecting more decisive and unified European action, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey by the European Parliament.
Security and global risks worry citizens
Across the EU, citizens report strong concern over international instability and security risks. In Cyprus, 80% worry about armed conflicts, 77% about terrorism, 80% about climate-related disasters, 70% about cyberattacks, and 86% about uncontrolled migration flows.
At the EU level, top concerns include armed conflicts near EU borders (72%), terrorism (67%), climate-related natural disasters (66%), cyberattacks from non-EU countries (66%), and uncontrolled migration flows (65%).
While 52% of EU citizens feel pessimistic about the world’s future, 39% express concern about the EU’s future. In Cyprus, 58% worry about global developments, and 48% about the EU’s trajectory.
Personal optimism remains high
On a personal level, optimism prevails. Across the EU, 76% feel positive about their own and their family’s future, while 75% of Cypriots share this view.
Citizens also voice strong concerns about information and digital communication risks. Misinformation worries 69% of EU citizens and 82% in Cyprus. Similar concern exists for hate speech (68% EU, 71% Cyprus), AI-generated false content (68% EU, 84% Cyprus), inadequate data protection (68% EU, 82% Cyprus), and threats to freedom of expression (67% EU, 73% Cyprus).
Strong demand for a united European Union
In this environment, citizens seek a stronger and more united EU. At EU level, 89% believe member states should act together on global challenges, rising to 95% in Cyprus.
Similarly, 86% of EU citizens and 94% of Cypriots support a more prominent EU voice internationally. Moreover, 73% in the EU and 86% in Cyprus believe the EU needs more resources to respond effectively to global challenges. A strong majority also expects the EU to play a greater role in citizen security: 66% across the EU and 90% in Cyprus.
Priority areas for EU action
Citizens identify defence and security as the top area for European action (40% EU, 50% Cyprus). Other priorities include competitiveness, economy, and industry (32% EU) and energy independence (29% EU). In Cyprus, education (37%) and migration/demographic issues (28%) follow.
Cost of living remains a major concern. Inflation and living costs rank as the top domestic priority for 41% of EU citizens and 34% in Cyprus, followed by economic growth and job creation (35% EU, 43% Cyprus). Public health and migration also rank highly in Cyprus (39% each). While most citizens expect living standards to remain stable over the next five years, 28% in the EU and 33% in Cyprus anticipate deterioration.
Positive view of the EU persists
Despite concerns, EU sentiment remains largely positive. Across the EU, 49% hold a favourable view of the Union versus 17% negative; in Cyprus, 42% positive versus 18% negative. Similarly, 38% of EU citizens and 30% of Cypriots view the European Parliament positively.
Encouragingly, a strong majority see their country’s EU membership as beneficial: 62% EU-wide and 65% in Cyprus, showing significant growth.
The survey took place in autumn 2025 across all 27 EU member states, with 26,453 interviews, including 501 in Cyprus.
Also read: Cypriots increasingly use digital payments, study shows
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