Support for Europe is growing: 8 out of 10 Italians see the EU as a “source of stability”

BRUSSELS – Against a backdrop where the 27 Member States are struggling to agree on the next EU budget as well as on a common defence framework, the latest Eurobarometer survey, published on Wednesday 1 July by the European Parliament, highlights an extraordinary desire for Europe among the public, particularly in Italia.

For 75 per cent of those surveyed, the European Union is ‘a source of stability’. In Italia, this figure rises to 81 per cent, an increase of 11 percentage points compared with the previous opinion poll (autumn 2025). For 68 per cent, the European Union’s role in protecting citizens from global crises and security risks should be more significant. The figure in Italia stands at 71 per cent, up by four percentage points.

According to 90 per cent of those surveyed, member states should be more united in tackling the international situation. In Italia, this figure rises to 91 per cent. 73% of those surveyed believe that the European Union should have more resources to tackle current challenges. In Italia, this figure rises to 80%. Finally, 90% believe that the EU should promote respect for international law (92% of Italians).

The areas on which the Union should focus in order to strengthen its position in the world are defence and security, energy independence, economic competitiveness, food security and the protection of human rights. Climate change ranks ninth, ahead of international trade, technological innovation, enlargement to neighbouring countries, the future of the euro and the promotion of culture.

According to those surveyed, the priorities the European Parliament should focus on are, in order of importance: inflation, the economy, defence, public health, poverty, and the environment (in sixth place out of 15). Curiously, immigration, which has become a key issue for many national governments, ranks only ninth among European citizens’ priorities.