Plenary Insights – May 2025 

Each plenary session, DG COMM assembles public opinion data related to key agenda topics:

• A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world: A majority of EU citizens (44%) think the role of the European Union in the world will become more important over the next years. To reinforce its position in the world, citizens say that the EU should focus on defence and security (36%) and competitiveness, economy and industry (32%). Three-quarters (76%) of Europeans believe that the European Union needs more means to face current global challenges. (EP Winter 2025 Eurobarometer survey)
• A unified EU response to unjustified US trade measures and global trade opportunities for the EU: Around three in four European citizens (74%) agree that the EU is more effective to defend trade interests of its Member States around the world than individual Member States when they act on their own. Out of several answers, close to one in four (23%) EU citizens agree trade agreements strengthen the EU’s position in the world as an economic power, 22% think that they benefit businesses more than consumers and workers, while one in five (19%) believe they help to create jobs in the EU and bring more choice and lower prices for consumers and businesses. (Eurobarometer survey on Europeans' attitudes on trade and EU trade policy)
• Preparation of the EU-UK summit: Since the Brexit-referendum, the percentage of people in the United Kingdom with a negative view of the EU has more than halved, from 36% in 2016 to now 17%. Currently, more people in the UK put trust in the European Union (38%) than in their own country’s parliament and government (both 31%). (Standard Eurobarometer - Autumn 2024) The European Parliament’s recent Youth survey 2024 shows that the issue of youth mobility is high on the agenda for young citizens (age 15-30). For them, the main benefits of being part of the EU are increased opportunities to study, volunteer work and travel abroad.
• Commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe: When asked which values the European Parliament should defend in priority, 45% of Europeans say that the focus should be on peace. The second most cited value is democracy (32%), followed by the protection of human rights in the EU and worldwide (22%). Older respondents are more likely to mention peace than younger ones. (EP Winter 2025 Eurobarometer survey)