BRUSSELS: More than two-thirds of Europeans believe their country is under threat, while a majority trust the European Union to take a stronger role in defense and security, according to the latest Flash Eurobarometer survey released on Friday.
The poll, conducted in early January across the EU’s 27 member states, found that 68% of respondents think their country faces a threat.
France recorded the highest perception of risk at 80%, followed by the Netherlands and Denmark at 77%, and the Greek Cypriot Administration and Germany at 75%.
At the same time, 42% of respondents said they believe their personal safety is at risk.
A slim majority, 52%, expressed trust in the EU’s ability to strengthen security and defense. Confidence was particularly high in Luxembourg (76%), Portugal (74%), the Greek Cypriot Administration (73%), and Lithuania (71%).
Support for defense investment also remains robust. Nearly three-quarters of respondents — 74% — either approve of the EU’s current level of defense spending or believe it should be increased.
Backing for sustained or higher spending was especially strong in Lithuania (80%), Portugal (89%), Finland (83%), Spain (80%), and Denmark (78%).
The survey further highlighted the perceived importance of EU space policy in addressing security challenges. Some 53% of respondents identified security and defense as a key priority for EU space policy, followed by environmental and climate concerns (36%) and boosting competitiveness and industrial growth (31%).
The findings reflect growing security concerns across Europe amid heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing debates over the bloc’s strategic autonomy and defense capabilities.
