Cypriots strongly support a greater role for the European Union in addressing international challenges and protecting citizens, according to a Special Eurobarometer survey for Cyprus published on Wednesday by the European Parliament.
The survey found that 92% of respondents in Cyprus believe the EU's role should become more important in the future, compared with an EU average of 68%. At the same time, 56% of Cypriots identified “uncertainty” as the feeling that best describes their outlook on the future, compared with 44% across the EU.
The survey was conducted between April 14 and May 3, 2026, among 504 respondents in Cyprus. Across the EU, 26,421 citizens from all 27 member states participated. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews, including computer-assisted video interviews in some countries, among them Cyprus.
Outlook for the future
Cypriots expressed higher levels of uncertainty and negative emotions than the EU average.
When asked which emotions best describe their current state of mind, 56% cited uncertainty, followed by disappointment (42%), hope (39%) and anxiety (38%).
By contrast, only 15% reported feeling secure, compared with 33% across the EU, while 8% described themselves as happy, compared with the EU average of 22%. Feelings of calm were reported by 24% of Cypriots, close to the EU average of 27%.
A majority of Cypriots were pessimistic about the future of the world, with 56% expressing pessimism and 36% optimism. Across the EU, pessimism stood at 58%.
Views were more positive regarding the future of the EU, Cyprus and respondents' own families. Some 56% were optimistic about the EU's future, 53% about Cyprus and 74% about their own family and personal future.
Strong backing for a bigger EU role
The survey found broad support for greater European unity and a stronger EU role in responding to crises.
Some 69% of Cypriots agreed that the EU is a source of stability in a turbulent world, while 92% said the Union should play a more important role in protecting citizens from global crises and security threats.
Only 2% believed the EU's role should become less important.
Meanwhile, 94% agreed that EU member states should be more united in addressing global challenges, while 87% said the EU needs additional tools to confront international threats.
A further 94% agreed that the EU should promote respect for international law by all countries.
When asked where the EU should focus its efforts to strengthen its global position, Cypriots placed defence and security first at 53%, followed by education and research (41%), energy independence and infrastructure (30%), demographic and migration issues (24%) and competitiveness, the economy and industry (23%).
Quality of life
Overall satisfaction with quality of life remained high.
Among men, 85% said they were satisfied with their quality of life, while 79% of women gave the same response.
However, 34% of Cypriots said their quality of life had worsened over the past year, compared with 27% across the EU.
Women reported a greater deterioration than men, with 40% saying their quality of life had worsened, compared with 28% of men.
The most important elements of a good quality of life, according to respondents, were:
- Financial stability and the ability to cover daily expenses (65%)
- Physical and mental health (62%)
- Affordable, quality housing (61%)
- Education and learning opportunities (52%)
- Social life and job security (51%)
Citizens’ priorities
For Cypriots, the top priorities for the European Parliament were:
- The economy and job creation (45%)
- Inflation, rising prices and the cost of living (43%)
- EU defence and security (37%)
- Public health (37%)
- Migration and asylum (32%)
- Poverty and social exclusion (31%)
On living standards over the next five years, 38% expected no change, 34% feared a decline and 21% anticipated improvement.
Women were notably more pessimistic than men, with 41% expecting their standard of living to fall.
Attitudes towards the EU
The survey found that 80% of Cypriots had recently seen, heard or read something about the European Parliament, compared with 66% across the EU.
Some 35% held a positive view of the Parliament, 49% a neutral view and 15% a negative one.
Despite the predominance of neutral views, 93% said they would like the European Parliament to play a more important role, compared with an EU average of 60%.
As for the EU itself, 48% of Cypriots held a positive view, 35% a neutral one and 16% a negative one.
A total of 77% said Cyprus had benefited from EU membership, compared with 74% across the bloc.
The main benefits identified by Cypriots were:
- Protection of peace and security (49%)
- New employment opportunities (37%)
- Economic growth (34%)
- Improved cooperation with other EU countries (31%)
- A stronger voice internationally (23%)
- The protection of democracy (22%)
- Improved living standards (21%)
Source: CNA
