In a world marked by growing instability, EU citizens hold varying opinions on the level of funding Brussels should allocate to its own defence and security.
Amid historically low transatlantic relations, Europe is urgently striving to regain, fortify, and assume control over its defence capabilities.
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Although the continent has recently made several efforts to enhance its security, most Europeans seem skeptical about their governments’ capacity to provide protection, as revealed by the latest Eurobarometer statistics.
Specifically, over two-thirds of Europeans consider their nation to be threatened: France (79%), the Netherlands (77%), and Denmark (76%) report the highest shares of respondents with this perception, whereas Slovenia (50%), Croatia (52%), and the Czech Republic (52%) show the lowest percentages.
At the same time, EU citizens clearly differentiate between risks to their countries and risks to themselves, with the majority (51%) rejecting the view that their personal safety is endangered.
Stimulated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU has accelerated measures in recent years aimed at strengthening its defence, emphasizing joint procurement and boosting the defence industry.
Among these efforts are the ReArm Europe initiative, created to increase defence expenditures, and the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) loan scheme, which enables member states to secure funds for joint acquisition and the reinforcement of Europe’s defence sector.
These programs seem to have gained public support, as many believe in Brussels’ ability to improve defence capabilities: Eurobarometer data shows that a majority of Europeans (52%) trust the EU to enhance security and defence, particularly in countries such as Luxembourg (76%), Portugal (74%), Cyprus (73%), and Lithuania (71%).
The youngest group of EU respondents, aged 15 to 24, place greater trust in the EU’s role in security and defence compared to older demographics, mainly those aged 55 and above.
Still, a notable portion of Europeans express dissatisfaction with the current level of military investment made by Brussels.
Nearly one-third of citizens feel the EU’s investment in defence and security is insufficient, whereas 14% believe it is excessive, according to the report.
The desire for increased EU spending increases with age: 27% of respondents aged 15 to 24 want more, rising to 35% among those aged 55 and older.
Space: Europe’s next frontier in defence and security?
Europeans are considering not only terrestrial defence measures but also prioritizing the dimension of space.
About 53% of respondents indicated to Eurobarometer that security and defence should be a focus for the EU’s space policy programs, followed by priorities like environmental and climate issues, along with the expansion of European industry.
Among the EU’s recent space projects is IRIS² — a secure, multi-orbital satellite constellation aiming to enhance cyber resilience and provide strategic, high-speed communications between EU governments and citizens, thereby reducing dependence on external providers.
The system is scheduled to become fully operational between 2027 and 2030, a few years following the launch of the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence, which aims to protect the bloc’s space infrastructure from threats such as anti-satellite attacks.