Nearly seven in ten Europeans believe their country faces threats, according to a new Eurobarometer survey released as the Munich Security Conference gets underway, underscoring mounting public concern over defense and security across the European Union.
The survey, commissioned by the European Commission to coincide with the high-profile gathering of global leaders, paints a picture of widespread unease. 68% of respondents say their country is under threat, while 42% report concerns about their own personal safety.
These findings mark the first since the most serious crisis in transatlantic relations in recent years. Against that backdrop of tensions surrounding Greenland, a clear majority of Europeans are calling for a more active role by the EU and its member states in security and defense. Overall, the survey highlights that the European public is increasingly focused on security, supportive of higher defense spending, and monitoring how both Brussels and national capitals respond to evolving global threats.
Strong support for defense spending
As EU leaders accelerate defense initiatives heading into 2025, public backing for military investment remains high. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (74%) say they approve of the current level of EU defense spending or believe it should increase further.
Support is especially strong in Lithuania (80%), Portugal (89%), Finland (83%), Spain (80%), and Denmark (78%).
Trust in the EU as a security actor also stands at a majority level, with 52% of Europeans expressing confidence in the bloc’s role in strengthening security and defense. The highest levels of trust are recorded in Luxembourg (76%), Portugal (74%), Cyprus (73%), and Lithuania (71%).
Mixed confidence in major member states
However, attitudes are more divided in the EU’s largest economies. In Germany and Italy, 47% of respondents say they do not believe the EU sufficiently strengthens security. In France, 40% share that view.
Across the bloc, 32% of citizens consider the EU’s actions on security inadequate so far, while 34% level the same criticism at their own national governments. In Greece, only four in ten respondents express trust in the EU in the field of security and defense.
Space policy and economic impact
Security and defense also emerge as the top priority for EU space policy, cited by 53% of respondents. Environmental and climate issues follow at 36%, while 31% point to competitiveness and the development of European industry.
Younger Europeans, in particular, recognize the economic benefits of EU space programs, with 55% saying they see their positive financial impact.
