The results of an exclusive Euronews poll conducted by Ipsos among almost 26,000 respondents across 18 European Union member states revealed that while European citizens recognize the need for the EU to have a stronger role in international affairs, this goal is not considered a top priority. 40% of Europeans see the strengthening of the EU’s global weight as a “priority,” while 42% believe it should be “important but not a priority.” Only 18% of respondents see the objective as “secondary.” This growing awareness of the importance of diplomacy comes after several crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war, which have seen the EU taking a more prominent role in international relations.
Challenges such as climate change, irregular migration, fake news, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence have reinforced the narrative that Europe cannot manage the 21st century alone and must engage actively on the global stage. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to make the EU more “geopolitical” and to have a greater influence globally. The survey results show that Europeans generally share this view, although with varying levels of intensity. Portugal, Bulgaria, and Spain have the most passionate proponents for a stronger Global Europe, while countries like Poland, Romania, and France are more hesitant. In Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has diverged from Brussels on foreign policy, a majority of respondents believe that strengthening the EU’s international role is “important but not a priority.”
When looking at voting intention ahead of the June elections, supporters of pro-European parties are more likely to prioritize enhancing the EU’s international role. The European People’s Party, the Socialists & Democrats, Renew Europe, and the Greens all have a majority of supporters who see this as a “priority.” In contrast, fewer supporters of right-wing groups like the European Conservatives and Reformists and the Identity and Democracy party view this ambition as a top priority. Overall, among the 10 courses of action surveyed, strengthening the bloc’s global clout ranks eighth, above aid to Ukraine and the protection of minorities.
The survey results indicate a recognition among European citizens of the importance of the EU playing a more active role in international affairs. While the goal of strengthening the bloc’s global weight is not considered a top priority for most respondents, there is a growing awareness of the need for Europe to engage more actively on the global stage. Ursula von der Leyen’s pledge to make the EU more “geopolitical” seems to resonate with Europeans, although opinions vary across different member states. Pro-European parties have more supporters who prioritize boosting the EU’s international role, while right-wing groups are less inclined to see this as a top priority. Overall, the survey sheds light on the varying perceptions of European citizens regarding the EU’s role in international affairs and the challenges ahead in defining Europe’s position on the global stage.
