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The European Union has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but according to the latest Winter 2025 Eurobarometer, support for EU membership is at an all-time high. 74% of EU citizens now believe their country benefits from being part of the bloc—the highest level recorded since this question was first asked in 1983.
But where does support vary the most, and why are some countries more enthusiastic than others?
Where Support for the EU is Strongest (and Weakest)
According to a map created by Reddit user xMusa24, Maltese citizens are the most supportive, with a staggering 92% believing their country benefits from EU membership. Other high-support nations include Ireland, Lithuania, Estonia, and Denmark, where 90% or more of people see membership as a positive.
On the other end of the spectrum, Bulgaria has the lowest percentage, with just 61% of respondents saying EU membership benefits their country. While still a majority, this figure highlights that some populations remain skeptical.
Why Has EU Support Reached a Record High?
Several key factors have contributed to the surge in positive sentiment toward the EU:
Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery Many EU countries saw significant financial aid and economic stimulus from NextGenerationEU, the bloc’s €800 billion recovery plan. This funding has helped rebuild economies, boosting public confidence in EU cooperation.
The War in Ukraine and Security Concerns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has reinforced the EU’s role as a stabilizing force. Countries close to Russia, such as Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland, have seen growing support for the EU, largely due to its economic and security assistance.
Brexit’s Lessons The UK’s exit from the EU provided a real-world case study of the difficulties of leaving the bloc. With economic downturns and trade complications in the UK, citizens of other EU countries may now view membership as more beneficial than ever.
Climate and Energy Policies The EU’s commitment to green energy and sustainability has been widely supported. Countries that receive substantial EU funding for environmental projects, like Portugal and Denmark, tend to have higher approval ratings.
Strong Youth Support Younger Europeans, particularly in urban areas, have expressed growing pro-EU sentiment, seeing it as a gateway to travel, education, and job opportunities (source).
Why Is Bulgaria the Least Enthusiastic?
While 61% of Bulgarians still believe EU membership benefits their country, support is lower than in other EU nations. Some reasons include:
Economic Disparities: Despite being an EU member since 2007, Bulgaria remains the poorest EU country, with wages significantly lower than the EU average.
Corruption Concerns: Many Bulgarians feel that EU membership has not effectively tackled corruption and governance issues.
Brain Drain: A significant portion of Bulgaria’s young and educated population has emigrated to Western Europe, fueling concerns that the EU benefits wealthier member states at Bulgaria’s expense.
Final Thoughts
With 74% of EU citizens now seeing membership as a net positive, Europe appears more united in its support for the EU than ever before. However, regional differences remain, influenced by economic conditions, security concerns, and national politics.
What do you think? Do you agree that the EU has been beneficial for its members? Share your thoughts in the comments!
