Some 36% of Europeans view respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law as the EU’s main strengths, a new survey by Eurobarometer has found.
According to the survey, some 31% of respondents see the EU’s economic, industrial, and trading power as a key strength, while 28% cite the ‘good relationships and solidarity’ between EU member states.
As Eurobarometer noted, more than half of respondents state that the EU, rather than any other global actor, best represents respect for human rights, with 55% associating the bloc with fundamental rights and values, freedom of speech and expression, and 52% citing social equality and welfare as a key strength.
Key challenges
When asked about the key challenges the EU currently faces, 47% of respondents cited the war in Ukraine, followed by 41% that mentioned other global conflicts.
Elsewhere, 35% cited irregular migration, 31% mentioned climate change and environmental issues, while concerns that the EU will lose its voice and influence in the world was cited by 30%.
Collective action in economic and trade matters was cited as another positive by respondents, with 79% stating that they believe member states achieve better outcomes in trade negotiations and partnerships when acting together, rather than alone.
A similar percentage (83%), state that the EU should ‘diversify’ its trade relationships around the world to strengthen its economic independence and support EU businesses.
Some four fifths (81%) said that more action should be taken to help EU industries become more competitive and decarbonise, while 82% called for action to support fairness across social groups and generations.
Policy priorities
In terms of overall policy priorities for EU lawmakers, a third (34%) of Europeans mention security and defence among the areas that should be addressed as a priority, followed by 32% who mention irregular migration and 27% who mention the war in Ukraine.
The survey was conducted online by Eurobarometer across all EU Member States and published in November 2025. Read more here.
