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Article by Francesca Moriero – Journalist, Fanpage.it

When it comes to Europe, opinions are often divided between enthusiasm and skepticism. But what do citizens really think? To understand this, every year the European Parliament commissions a series of surveys, the Eurobarometer , which gathers the opinions of citizens of the 27 member states on issues concerning the Union and its role in the world . The 2025 winter edition captures a delicate moment: between international instability, climate change, technological challenges, and economic crises, the European Union is called upon to strengthen its voice and its capacity for action. But what do people expect? Where do they see the EU's strengths? Where do they see its shortcomings?

Looking at the Italian results reveals a widespread feeling: a mix of realism, expectation, but also distance. Comparing them with the European average is useful for understanding not only our own views, but also how we fit into the broader context of European peoples.

The EU's role in the world: growing importance, but Italy remains cautious

When asked how the European Union's role in the world will change in the coming years, 44% of Europeans respond that it will be "more important." This view is also shared in Italy (43%), but it is accompanied by greater caution and uncertainty: a significant percentage of Italians (5%) say they have no opinion, compared to the European average of 3%. This small gap may seem marginal, but it speaks to something deeper: an emotional distance or perhaps a lack of concrete references. In Italy, a certain disconnect is perceived between the institution of "Europe" and daily life; it's as if many citizens struggle to recognize the EU's role in major international scenarios, or at least don't feel fully connected to it.

Defense and Security: Confidence in the EU, but with some reservations

In an increasingly unstable global landscape, the issue of security has forcefully returned to the forefront of debate. And here, the European Union is seen as an important player. 66% of Europeans believe the EU has a fundamental role in protecting against international crises and security threats. In Italy, this view is also shared by 63% of citizens. But, once again, Italian support seems more restrained, more cold. There is no clear rejection, but not even a convinced endorsement. It's as if the Union is seen more as a practical necessity than a heartfelt political project. A useful umbrella, then, but not always reliable.

What should the EU focus on? The priorities of Italians and Europeans

Respondents were then asked what the EU should do to increase its global impact. The responses show a certain consistency across countries: economic and industrial competitiveness is listed as a top priority (32% in Italy, 34% in Europe). In a context where major powers—China, the United States, and India—are vying for economic leadership, strengthening European industry seems almost inevitable. But alongside economic growth, new urgent needs are also emerging: in Italy, for example, 36% of citizens believe it is essential to invest in defense and common security, a percentage higher than the European average (31%). Energy independence is also seen as strategic: 33% of Italians list it as a priority, compared to 27% of Europeans. This is no coincidence: the war in Ukraine and rising energy bills have highlighted how energy is not just an economic issue, but a geopolitical one.

Italy's attention to food safety (25%) is also higher than the European average (23%). This perhaps reflects the centrality of the agri-food supply chain in our country, but also a greater concern for the stability and quality of our food supply.

A more united Europe? Italians say yes.

The idea that the European Union needs to be more cohesive is widely supported: 89% of Europeans, and 88% of Italians, believe that member states should work more closely together to address global challenges. This is one of the clearest and most consistent findings in the survey: unity, therefore, is not just desired, it is felt to be necessary.

But Italy also stands out for another belief: to truly function, the Union needs more tools and resources. 82% of Italians believe this, compared to the EU average of 76%. This figure perhaps reflects a certain frustration: the idea that Europe "could do more" but is not being granted the necessary power.

Citizens' real concerns: inflation, work, poverty

When we move from global strategies to everyday needs, the answers become even more revealing. Italians strongly point to three priorities:

  • The cost of living, driven by inflation, is the primary concern (43%).
  • Next comes work, which in Italy is a much more worrying issue than the European average (37% versus 29%).
  • Third, but not least, is the fight against poverty and social exclusion (31%).

Here, we clearly see how priorities are tangible, everyday, and tied to the quality of real life. We also see greater interest in issues such as development aid and gender equality, which in Italy receive slightly more attention than the European average. Migration, however, bucks the trend: for 22% of Europeans, it is a priority, while in Italy it is only 13%. This data should be interpreted carefully: rather than disinterest, it could indicate a settling of the debate after years of perceived emergencies.

The personal future? Italians have little faith in it.

Finally, perhaps the most bitter statistic: only 11% of Italians believe their standard of living will improve in the next five years. This is one of the lowest percentages in Europe: the majority (76%) think nothing will change, while another 11% expect it to worsen. This isn't necessarily pessimism, but rather a tired and perhaps disillusioned outlook. As if positive change were seen as rare, almost improbable.

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