Eurobarometer: 68% of Europeans feel their country is under threat

2026-02-13 - 12:55

The latest Flash Eurobarometer survey, conducted in early January across all 27 European Union member states, indicates that 68% of Europeans believe their country faces a significant threat. The findings reflect heightened anxiety across the continent amid geopolitical turbulence and the ongoing war at Europe's eastern edge. National Threat Perception Varies Sharply France recorded the highest level of perceived threat at 80%, followed by the Netherlands and Denmark at 77%, and the Greek Cypriot Administration and Germany at 75%. Meanwhile, 42% of respondents expressed concern that their personal safety is at risk—underscoring how geopolitical insecurity has permeated individual consciousness. Trust in EU Defense Role A slim majority (52%) of Europeans said they trust the EU to strengthen security and defense. Trust was particularly pronounced in Luxembourg (76%), Portugal (74%), the Greek Cypriot Administration (73%), and Lithuania (71%). The data suggests that while the EU's defense role has traditionally been limited, public opinion is shifting toward greater acceptance of Brussels in security matters. Defense Spending, Space Policy Priorities Nearly three-quarters (74%) either approve of current EU defense investment levels or believe they should increase. Support for sustained or higher spending peaks in Lithuania (80%), Portugal (89%), Finland (83%), Spain (80%), and Denmark (78%). Additionally, 53% identified security and defense as a key priority for EU space policy, followed by environment and climate (36%), and industrial competitiveness (31%).