Survey: Majority of EU citizens want stronger EU role in security

Yahoo! News - Mar 25th, 2025

A recent Eurobarometer survey reveals that a majority of European Union citizens believe the EU should adopt a more proactive stance in addressing global crises and security risks. In Germany, 73% of respondents support this stance, which surpasses the EU average of 66%. Conducted with over 26,000 participants, the survey highlights a strong sentiment among EU citizens for the bloc to enhance its protective measures. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola responded to the survey, emphasizing the need for a stronger EU to ensure citizen safety. The survey also shows varied priorities across member states, with Germans focusing on defense and security, Italians on competitiveness, and Spaniards on education and research.

The Eurobarometer survey, which was commissioned by the European Parliament and conducted between January 9 and February 4, underscores a significant expectation for the EU to bolster its global standing through increased security and crisis management. The survey also touches on the perceived benefits of EU membership, with 76% of Germans acknowledging its advantages, slightly above the EU average of 74%. These findings reflect a growing desire among EU citizens for a more unified and responsive European Union capable of addressing contemporary global challenges effectively.

Italy Germany European Union Spain Security Risks Eurobarometer Survey Roberta Metsola Global Crises Eu Membership Benefits

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RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively communicates the findings of a recent Eurobarometer survey, highlighting the majority support among EU citizens for a more active role in global security. It is accurate in its reporting and uses a credible source, though it could benefit from more diverse perspectives to enhance balance. The article is timely and relevant, addressing significant public interest topics. Its clarity and readability are strengths, though it lacks depth in exploring potential controversies or opposing views. Overall, the article provides a solid overview of the survey findings but could be improved with additional context and analysis.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports that a majority of EU citizens believe the EU should take a more active role in security, with the Eurobarometer survey supporting this claim. The specific statistic that 66% of EU citizens support this is verified by the survey, as is the higher percentage of 73% for Germany. The survey methodology, including the number of respondents and the timeframe, is correctly detailed. However, the story could have included more specific country comparisons to enhance precision, as only Germany's data is explicitly compared against the EU average.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the survey results and the perspective of EU citizens wanting a stronger security role for the EU. It includes a statement from European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, which adds an institutional perspective. However, it lacks viewpoints from critics or those who might oppose a stronger EU role, which could have provided a more balanced view. The emphasis on EU citizens' desires without counterpoints suggests a slight imbalance.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow from the survey results to the implications as stated by Roberta Metsola. It effectively communicates the main findings and their significance to the EU's strategic positioning. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to grasp the key points.

Source quality

The source of the data, the Eurobarometer survey, is a credible and authoritative source, regularly used to gauge EU citizens' opinions. The European Parliament's involvement in commissioning the survey lends it further credibility. However, the article does not mention any independent verification or critique of the survey methodology, which could strengthen the reliability of the reporting.

Transparency

The article is transparent about the source of its information, clearly stating that the data comes from a Eurobarometer survey. It provides details on the number of respondents and the timeframe of the survey. However, it could improve by explaining the survey's methodology, such as how respondents were selected and the margin of error, to give readers a clearer understanding of the data's reliability.