Approximately two -thirds of respondents aged 15 to 39 years believe that (potential) candidates must join the EU, once they fulfill the necessary conditions.
EU citizens support the further expansion of the EU, public opinion polls indicate general support for EU joining. This has been proven by the results of the recently published special Eurobarometer survey.
It is noted that 56% of EU citizens support the EU further expansion. Support is especially high in young people: about two -thirds of respondents aged 15 to 39 years believe that (potential) candidates should join the EU once they fulfill the necessary conditions.
Most (56%) also believe that their home country will benefit from the EU’s future expansion. The most recognized gain is a stronger global influence, a larger market for EU businesses, more working opportunities and greater unity and safety.
At the same time, respondents expressed concerns about transplantation, corruption and crime, as well as financial expansion costs. They emphasize the importance of ensuring that candidate countries observe the rule of law, fight corruption and protect the basic rights, which is an important element of the reliable and desired process of entry.
67% of citizens note that they are not knowledgeable about expanding. In this regard, the European Commission aims to increase public awareness, providing clear and affordable information and contact with citizens throughout the EU.
The results show that EU citizens, and especially young people, support expansion. The Eurobarometer sends another clear signal: people want a reliable process based on values, controlled by real reforms. Together with members, we will directly contact citizens, solve their problems and show how expansion provides peace, prosperity and more united Europe, “said European Commissioner for expanding Marta Kos.
The polls show general support for entering the EU into Western Balkans, except Serbia. Support for entry into the EU is noteworthy as high in Albania (91%) and northern Macedonia (69%), as citizens expect benefits such as improving quality of life and open borders. At the same time, Serbia has shown the lowest support for EU joining the region – 33%. In the east of the candidate’s country, Georgia and Ukraine lead 74% and 68% EU membership support. In general, the enthusiasm for joining the EU remains strong, as it is affected by specific economic and geopolitical problems of each country.
In Western Balkans, a positive EU image is the highest in Albania (82%), where citizens value the support of the EU economy development and corruption resistance. Meanwhile, the EU image in Serbia (38%) is due to a low level of trust. In the candidates of eastern processing countries, the EU image is also not perfect: Moldova (55%), Ukraine (49%) and Georgia (43%).
Generally, the EU image, as a rule, is more positive in the western Balkans than in the East of the EU, other than Serbia, the European Commission admitted. The low -level awareness of the European Union and the expansion policy are a common problem for all candidates and potential candidates, while a significant part of citizens feels insufficient knowledge. Only 48% in Moldova and 39% in Montenegro consider themselves “good” or “very good” to know, while in Ukraine these indicators fell to 23%, and up to 20% in Serbia. This indicates the need for more active, more adapted to local conditions of EU communication efforts.
In Turkey, 50.7% of citizens report a positive attitude to the EU, but only 40.6% will consider themselves well known about the EU and its policy. EU membership support is 49.9%. According to respondents, the main obstacles to Turkey’s entry are the lack of political will, the shortcomings of law management and common corruption.
The survey was conducted from February to March 2025 in addition to more than 26,300 citizens in 27 EU member states. Understanding surveys are conducted in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine. The sample of 1000 people was selected using a two -stage stratified sample method; And personal interviews (CAPI ways) were held from May to June 2025.
Remember, as European Council President Antoniu Costa said, thanks to the introduction of reforms, Ukraine’s entry into the EU could be a fact before 2032.
Ukraine is not likely to be in EU until 2034 – Merts
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.