The Voice News:Trust in the European Union has reached its highest level in nearly two decades, according to a new Eurobarometer survey published on Wednesday. The report shows that 52% of Europeans now trust the EU—its strongest support since 2007. Confidence is particularly high among young people aged 15 to 24, with 59% expressing trust in the bloc.
By contrast, only 36% of respondents said they trust their national governments.
The poll results come during heightened tensions between the EU and the United States. Just days ago, U.S. President Donald Trump delayed—but did not withdraw—a threat to impose 50% tariffs on EU imports, extending the deadline for a trade deal to July 9. Though Trump was not named directly in the survey, his administration’s policies have reshaped global trade dynamics, influencing public perception across Europe.
Conducted between March 26 and April 22, the poll included 26,368 face-to-face interviews across all 27 EU member states.
Support for the euro also reached a record high. About 74% of EU citizens—and 83% of those in the eurozone—back the common currency and the idea of a unified European economic and monetary union.
Despite strong support for the EU and the euro, opinions about the economic situation remain mixed. While 44% view the European economy as good, 48% see it negatively. Still, 43% believe the economic outlook will remain stable over the next year.
The survey also highlights growing public support for deeper EU integration, particularly in security and defense. A record 81% of respondents favor a unified defense policy among member states—the highest approval since 2004.
This sentiment is reinforced by the EU’s recent approval of a €150 billion ($170 billion) arms fund, a move driven by concerns over potential Russian aggression and uncertainty about U.S. defense commitments in Europe.
Support for the EU’s stance on Ukraine also remains strong. About 77% of Europeans consider Russia’s invasion a direct threat to EU security, while 72% back the continuation of economic sanctions against Moscow. According to Eurobarometer, the conflict in Ukraine remains the most pressing issue for the bloc.
