Confidence in the European Union and its institutions is at its highest level in almost 20 years, according to a report published on Wednesday the 28th of May. The European Commission’s Eurobarometer survey shows that 52% of Europeans trust the EU, the highest level since 2007, according to Reuters.
Young people aged 15-24 were the most trusting – 59%.
Only 36% of respondents said they trusted their government.
The survey was carried out between the 26th of March and the 22nd of April in all 27 EU Member States, interviewing 26 368 respondents face-to-face.
Support for the euro also reached an all-time high, with 74% of EU citizens and 83% of euro area citizens in favour of European Economic and Monetary Union with a single currency.
Despite the high level of support for the single currency, Europeans remained divided on the current economic situation, with 44% describing the European economy as good and 48% negative.
However, 43% expect economic conditions to remain stable in the coming year.
The survey also revealed strong support for other areas of EU integration, in particular security and defence, with 81% of respondents in favour of a common policy between Member States, the highest since 2004.
Support for the EU’s Ukraine policy remains strong, with 77% of respondents believing that the Russian invasion threatens EU security and 72% supporting economic sanctions against Russia.
“The Russian invasion of Ukraine is still considered the most important issue at EU level,” said Eurobarometer.
The survey comes at a time of unprecedented trade tensions between the EU and the US, and at a time when the EU’s eastern region is facing threats from Russia.
The EU on Tuesday approved a 150 billion euro arms fund, prompted by fears of a future Russian attack and uncertainty over US security support for Europe.