Amid heightened geopolitical tensions, citizens across the European Union, including those in Cyprus, are reporting growing concern about security, stability and global risks. The latest Eurobarometer survey conducted for the European Parliament highlights particularly high levels of anxiety in Cyprus, combined with strong support for deeper European cooperation and action.
Overall climate of concern across the European Union
According to the survey, EU citizens express significant concern over risks linked to international instability and security. At EU level, armed conflicts near the Union’s borders top the list of concerns at 72%, followed by terrorism at 67%, natural disasters exacerbated by climate change at 66%, cyberattacks from non-EU countries at 66% and uncontrolled migration flows at 65%.
Heightened concerns recorded in Cyprus
In Cyprus, concern levels are consistently higher than the EU average. Armed conflicts worry 80% of respondents, while 77% cite terrorism as a concern. Natural disasters linked to climate change are mentioned by 80%, cyberattacks by 70% and uncontrolled migration flows by 86% of those surveyed.
Pessimism about the future at global and European level
Across the European Union, 52% of citizens describe themselves as pessimistic about the future of the world, while 39% express pessimism regarding the future of the European Union. In Cyprus, the corresponding figures rise to 58% for the future of the world and 48% for the future of the EU.
More positive outlook at personal level
Despite broader concerns, respondents remain largely optimistic about their personal circumstances. At EU level, 76% state they are optimistic about their own future and that of their family. In Cyprus, the figure stands at 75%.
Concerns related to information and digital risks
The survey also highlights strong concern regarding information and digital communication risks. Misinformation worries 69% of EU citizens and 82% in Cyprus. High levels of concern are also recorded for hate speech at 68% in the EU and 71% in Cyprus, false content generated by artificial intelligence at 68% and 84% respectively, insufficient protection of personal data at 68% and 82%, and threats to freedom of expression at 67% in the EU and 73% in Cyprus.
Calls for stronger and more united European action
In response to these challenges, citizens express clear expectations for greater unity at EU level. A total of 89% of respondents across the EU believe member states should address global challenges with greater cohesion, rising to 95% in Cyprus. Support for a stronger international role for the EU stands at 86% across the Union and 94% in Cyprus.
Support for increased European resources and security role
The survey shows that 73% of EU citizens and 86% of Cypriot respondents believe the EU requires more European-level resources to respond effectively to global challenges. Additionally, 66% at EU level and 90% in Cyprus consider that the European Union should play a stronger role in protecting citizens’ security.
Priority areas for strengthening the EU’s global position
When asked about priority areas for European action, respondents across the EU place defence and security first at 40%, followed by competitiveness, the economy and industry at 32%, and energy independence at 29%. In Cyprus, defence and security also rank first at 50%, followed by education at 37% and demographic issues and migration at 28%.
Cost of living and internal priorities
The cost of living remains a central concern for citizens. At EU level, 41% identify inflation, rising prices and living costs as the top internal priority for the European Parliament, compared with 34% in Cyprus. The economy and job creation follow, with 35% in the EU and 43% in Cyprus. In Cyprus, public health at 39% and migration and asylum at 39% also emerge as key priorities.
Expectations for living standards
While most citizens expect their standard of living to remain stable over the next five years, 28% at EU level and 33% in Cyprus anticipate a deterioration.
Overall perception of the European Union
Despite widespread concerns, perceptions of the European Union remain largely positive. At EU level, 49% of citizens hold a positive view of the EU, compared with 17% expressing a negative opinion. In Cyprus, 42% view the EU positively, while 18% hold a negative view. A positive perception of the European Parliament is reported by 38% of EU citizens and 30% in Cyprus.
Support for EU membership
A strong majority of respondents consider their country’s membership of the European Union to be positive. This view is held by 62% of citizens across the EU and 65% in Cyprus, representing a notable increase.
Survey methodology
The Eurobarometer survey was conducted in autumn 2025 across all 27 EU member states. A total of 26,453 interviews were carried out, including 501 in Cyprus.