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Most EU Citizens Support Enlargement, Eurobarometer Survey Finds

A new Eurobarometer survey shows that a majority of EU citizens back further enlargement of the European Union, while public opinion in candidate countries also demonstrates strong support for eventual membership. According to the findings, 56% of EU citizens favor expansion, with enthusiasm particularly high among younger Europeans. Around two-thirds of respondents aged 15 to 39 said that candidate countries should join the EU once they meet the necessary conditions. Most respondents also believe enlargement would benefit their own country, citing a stronger global role for the EU, a larger market for businesses, more job opportunities, and enhanced solidarity and security. At the same time, concerns persist over migration, corruption, crime, and the financial costs of admitting new members. Citizens stressed the importance of ensuring that candidates uphold the rule of law, combat corruption, and protect fundamental rights as part of a credible, merit-based accession process. Despite the overall support, 67% of EU citizens said they feel poorly informed about enlargement. The European Commission has pledged to address this gap by providing clearer information and engaging directly with the public across member states. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos underlined the significance of the results: “The survey shows that EU citizens — especially young people — support enlargement. Eurobarometer sends another clear signal: people want a reliable, values-based process, driven by real reforms. Together with the Member States, we will engage directly with citizens, address their concerns, and show how enlargement ensures peace, prosperity, and a more united Europe.” Support for EU accession is particularly strong in the Western Balkans, except for Serbia. Approval rates reach 91% in Albania and 69% in North Macedonia, where citizens associate membership with a better quality of life and open borders. Serbia, however, records the lowest support at just 33%. In the Eastern neighborhood, enthusiasm remains high: 74% of Georgians and 68% of Ukrainians support joining the EU. Moldova also demonstrates moderate backing, although public awareness of the EU remains limited. Overall, perceptions of the EU tend to be more positive in the Western Balkans than in Eastern partners, with Albania registering the strongest positive image (82%) and Serbia the weakest (38%). In Turkey, half of the population (50.7%) has a favorable view of the EU, while support for accession stands at 49.9%. However, only 40.6% consider themselves well informed about the EU, and respondents identified political will, rule-of-law shortcomings, and corruption as the main obstacles to membership. The Eurobarometer survey was conducted between February and March 2025, collecting the views of over 26,300 citizens across the 27 EU member states. Parallel perception surveys were carried out in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine, while a separate study was commissioned in Turkey. The post Most EU Citizens Support Enlargement, Eurobarometer Survey Finds appeared first on Freedom.