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European Union

Majority of EU Citizens Support Further EU Enlargement

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

EU citizens, particularly young people, largely support the idea of further EU enlargement, with a majority believing that candidate countries should join the EU once they meet the necessary conditions. A Special Eurobarometer survey reveals that 56% of respondents are in favor of further EU enlargement, with support being particularly high among young people aged 15-39, who are more likely to believe that the potential candidates should join the EU. However, concerns related to migration, corruption, and crime, and the financial cost of enlargement are also expressed.

Key Takeaways:

  • A Special Eurobarometer survey reveals that 56% of EU citizens support further EU enlargement, with support being particularly high among young people.
  • Around two-thirds of respondents aged 15-39 believe that the potential candidates should join the EU once they meet the necessary conditions.
  • A majority (56%) of respondents also believe that their own country would benefit from future enlargement.
  • The most widely recognized advantages of EU enlargement include stronger global influence, a larger market for EU businesses, more job opportunities, and greater solidarity and security.
  • However, respondents express concerns related to migration, corruption, and crime, and the financial cost of enlargement.
  • They underline the importance of ensuring that candidate countries uphold the rule of law, fight corruption, and protect fundamental rights.
  • The Commission is committed to strengthening public awareness by providing clear, accessible information and engaging with citizens across the Union.
  • Perception surveys in candidate countries and potential candidates reveal overall support for EU accession in the Western Balkans, with the exception of Serbia.
  • The surveys also show that support for EU accession is high in Albania (91%) and North Macedonia (69%), with citizens anticipating benefits such as improved quality of life and open borders.
  • In contrast, Serbia displays the lowest support for EU accession in the region at 33%.

Statistics:

  • 56% of EU citizens support further EU enlargement (Special Eurobarometer survey)
  • 67% of citizens say they do not feel well informed about enlargement
  • 56% of respondents believe their own country would benefit from future enlargement
  • 91% of Albanians support EU accession
  • 69% of North Macedonians support EU accession
  • 33% of Serbians support EU accession
  • 74% of Georgians support EU membership
  • 68% of Ukrainians support EU membership

Sources:

  • European Commission
  • Special Eurobarometer survey (September 2025)
  • Perception surveys in candidate countries and potential candidates (May-June 2025)
  • Original text here: https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/special-eurobarometer-and-perception-surveys-2025-09-02_en

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