A Eurobarometer survey published on May 23 shows that 77% of Europeans support a common defense and security policy among EU countries, and 71% agree that the EU should strengthen its capacity to produce military equipment. More than two-thirds of respondents agree that the EU is a place of stability in a troubled world and that the EU has sufficient powers to protect Europe's economic interests in the global economy.
According to 34% of Europeans, security and defense should be the EU's priority area for action in the medium term, followed by climate and environment (30%), health (26%) and the economy and migration (25% each).
87% of European citizens agree with providing humanitarian support to people affected by Russia's war against Ukraine, and 83% agree with the EU accepting people fleeing the war. 72% support economic sanctions against Russia and 70% agree with providing financial support to Ukraine.
Sentiment about the state of the European economy has improved since autumn 2023, with 47% of respondents currently rating it as 'good' - the highest level since 2019. 45% believe that the economic situation in Europe will remain stable over the next 12 months. The positive trend is also reflected in the stable high support for the euro both in the EU as a whole (70%) and in the euro area (78%).
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The Standard Eurobarometer 101 - Spring 2024 survey was conducted by personal interviewing 26,399 European citizens in the 27 Member States in the period 3-28 April 2024.