European Union
Celebrating 50 years of Eurobarometer, the EU’s public opinion service
The history of the European Union is the history of its citizens. Their opinions and perceptions, concerns and hopes have always played an important role in shaping our Union.
Half a century ago, the European public opinion survey was created to help collect, understand, and track over time what Europeans think about their present and expect for the future. This has accompanied the transformations we have gone through together.
“Revealing Europeans to themselves” was the goal the founders of the Eurobarometer set 50 years ago.
This is the story of the Eurobarometer.
In July 1974, we published the first ever Standard Eurobarometer survey.
It was preceded in 1973 by the first study on the satisfaction with life in the countries of the European Communities.
“Just as a barometer can be used to measure the atmospheric pressure and thus to give a short-range weather forecast, this Euro-barometer can be used to observe, and to some extent forecast, public attitudes towards the most important current events connected directly or indirectly with the development of the European Community and the unification of Europe.”
Foreword to the Standard Eurobarometer #1
Through seven successive waves of enlargement, the EU family grew from six to 27 members. As their number grew, the life satisfaction of EU citizens increased as well; from 79% in 1973 to 86% in 2024.
Times of crisis have undoubtedly impacted EU citizens, as dips in life satisfaction are noted between 2011 and 2014, (the economic and financial crisis), and again in March 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lowest level was noted in 1988, with only 69% of EU citizens being satisfied with the lives they lead, whereas the highest level is in 2024, with 86% of EU citizens expressing satisfaction.
In 1992, when first asked, 53% said to favour a European economic and monetary union with one single currency, the euro.
Support rose to 61% the year of its adoption, and after a marked decrease in support during the economic crisis, Europe’s single currency has regained its appeal.
70%
of EU citizens are now Historically, the attitude towards unification has been a good indicator of the popular wish to bring together the people of Europe.
In 1975, as the dream of a growing community was taking shape, 69% of the respondents were in favour of Europe’s unification. Over time, our sense of belonging to the EU has increased: in 2024, 74% feel that they are citizens of the EU. This is the highest-level ever recorded and 12 percentage points higher than in 2010.
This is in particular the case of the youngest Europeans: with 81%, the 15-24-year-olds are the ones who share this view the most.
Testimonials of the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement
EU citizens are more and more convinced that their country is better in the EU – an opinion expressed by 63% in 2024. This trend has consistently increased since 2016 – then at 55% – and peaked in 2022, when 69% held this view.
Democracy is a process we are collectively working on.
Today, 57% voice their satisfaction with the way democracy works in the EU.
A great majority of EU citizens believe that EU membership has shown its value and brought benefits over time. In 2024, 71% agree that, taking everything into account, their country has, on balance, benefitted from being a member of the EU. This is a staggering increase from 46% in 1984.
In 1975, the Eurobarometer study “European men and women” noted that 57% of EU citizens believed that women should play the same role as men in politics.
In 2023, the Eurobarometer survey on discrimination showed that 87% feel comfortable with a woman holding the highest elected position in their country.
In 2024, 88% of EU citizens consider a social Europe personally important to them. At a regional level, economy, social justice, and jobs is considered the most important issue for the future of Europe.
69% agree that the EU has sufficient power to defend the economic interests of Europe in the global economy, up from 61% when first asked in 2009.
We have achieved this sense of unity while also catering to Member States’ individual interests.
In 2024, 59% hold the view that the interests of their country are taken into account in the EU.
When first asked, in 2005, only 37% agreed.
More needs to be done for Europeans to feel that their voice counts in the EU.
In 2024, 47% agree that their voice counts in the EU versus 49% who think the opposite.
This marks an improvement since 2004, when only 39% agreed.
We have kept the promise: for years, Europeans consider achieving peace as one of the most positive results of the EU – it ranks consistently among the first two EU achievements. The diploma of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the European Union in 2012
The diploma of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the European Union in 2012
With war raging at our border, the EU continues to be seen by its citizens as a place of stability in a troubled world.
67% agree with this statement in 2024.
As new challenges await us, the Eurobarometer will keep on capturing Europeans’ main concerns, perceptions, and opinions about the present and the future.
Our story continues
How everything started
A project of
wellbeing and stability
1973 – 2024
Europeans increasingly satisfied with the life they lead 
Overcoming crises together
The euro: a success story
in favour of it.
A project of
belonging
20 years together
A project of
rights, equality and inclusion
Europe has come a long way in addressing women’s rights and roles.
A project of
strength through unity
A project of
peace
Built with ShorthandLink: https://ec.europa.eu/stories/50-years-eurobarometer/, dated June 3, 2024 2:22 pm
