A new continent-wide survey reveals overwhelming public support for a bolder European Union role in security, diplomacy, and economic resilience.

European citizens are sending a clear message to Brussels: in a world marked by instability and accelerating change, they want a European Union that acts with greater unity, confidence, and strategic ambition.

According to a newly released EU-wide survey, an overwhelming majority of respondents believe the Union must step up as a coherent global actor. Nine out of ten Europeans support deeper political unity among member states, while nearly as many favor a more assertive diplomatic posture on the international stage. The findings point to a public increasingly aware that fragmented responses are no longer sufficient in the face of mounting global risks.

The survey comes at a moment of heightened anxiety across the continent. Geopolitical tensions have intensified on Europe’s borders and beyond, regional conflicts continue to disrupt global trade routes, and cyberattacks targeting public institutions and critical infrastructure have grown more frequent and sophisticated. Against this backdrop, Europeans appear to be reassessing what they expect from the Union that binds them together.

One of the strongest signals from the poll is support for a reinforced EU role in global security. More than two-thirds of respondents say the Union should expand its security presence beyond its borders, whether through coordinated defense initiatives, crisis management missions, or enhanced cooperation with international partners. This sentiment reflects a growing perception that security threats are no longer distant or abstract, but directly linked to everyday life, economic stability, and democratic resilience within Europe itself.

Economic concerns are also driving demands for stronger leadership. Persistent inflationary pressures, supply chain vulnerabilities, and technological competition with global powers have underscored the limits of purely national responses. Survey participants expressed broad backing for common European strategies on industrial policy, energy security, and digital infrastructure. Many see coordinated EU action as the only viable way to protect competitiveness while preserving social and environmental standards.

Climate change remains another central factor shaping public opinion. Extreme weather events, rising energy costs, and the global race for clean technologies have reinforced the idea that Europe must act collectively to remain credible and effective. Respondents largely agree that the Union should not only meet its internal climate goals but also play a leading role in shaping international climate action, using its economic and diplomatic weight to influence global outcomes.

The call for unity does not imply blind trust. The survey also reveals expectations of clearer decision-making, faster responses to crises, and stronger political accountability at the European level. Citizens want institutions that are capable of acting decisively while remaining transparent and closely connected to public concerns. In this sense, the demand is not simply for “more Europe,” but for a Europe that works better.

Analysts note that public opinion has shifted noticeably in recent years. Issues once considered the domain of specialists—such as cybersecurity, strategic autonomy, or geopolitical risk—are now part of everyday conversation. This broader awareness appears to be translating into support for collective solutions, even in policy areas traditionally guarded by national governments.

For EU leaders, the message is both an opportunity and a challenge. The political space for bolder, more unified action seems to be widening, but expectations are high. Failure to translate public support into tangible results could deepen frustration and skepticism, while decisive action could strengthen the Union’s legitimacy at a critical juncture.

As Europe navigates an increasingly volatile global environment, the survey suggests that its citizens are ready for a Union that speaks with one voice and acts with purpose. Whether European institutions and national leaders can rise to that expectation may define the next chapter of the European project.