12 February 2026 23:00 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission says Europeans see growing security threat

Key points

68% of Europeans feel their country is under threat
52% trust the EU to strengthen security and defence

TL;DR

Eurobarometer reports 68% of Europeans believe their country is under threat.
European Commission says 52% trust the EU to strengthen security and defence.
Survey finds 74% approve current defence investment level or want increases.
Survey indicates 53% view EU space programmes as key for security and defence.
Survey included 27,292 interviews across the EU-27.

Original text

European Commission - Press release Europeans perceive growing threat to their security and trust EU to do more in this field, according to latest Eurobarometer Brussels, 13 February 2026 A new Eurobarometer survey released today, ahead of the Munich Security Conference, shows Europeans' growing perception of threat for their countries in the current international situation. The majority of them would also entrust EU with strengthening defence. Investment in this field is also seen as important. EU space programmes are perceived as essential instruments for addressing defence and security, environment and climate and competitiveness. Perception of threat The most notable result is that more than two thirds of Europeans (68%) believe their country is under threat. Member States with the highest threat perception are France (80%), followed by Netherlands and Denmark (77%), and Cyprus and Germany (75%). At the same time, 42% of citizens believe their personal safety is at risk. Trust in Europe's capacity The majority of Europeans trust the EU to strengthen security and defence (52%), especially in countries like Luxembourg (76%), Portugal (74%), Cyprus (73%) and Lithuania (71%). Investment in defence Amid the roll-out of several related initiatives over the past year, nearly three-quarters of respondents (74%) approve of the EU's current level of defence investment or believe that spending should be increased. Support is particularly high in countries such as Lithuania (80%), Portugal (89%), Finland (83%), Spain (80%) and Denmark (78%). Space is essential for defence and security Security and defence is also considered as a key priority for EU space policy, by 53% of Europeans, followed by environment and climate (36%), and competitiveness and growth of European industry (31%). Moreover, EU space programmes' positive economic impact is widely recognised by youngest respondents (55%). Background This Flash Eurobarometer launched at the beginning of January 2026 aimed to gauge EU citizens' sense of security, their trust in the EU as a defence actor, and their support for increased investment in collective defence. It also assessed awareness of EU space programmes and identified priority areas for future space policy. The results will guide the Commission and support evidence-based policymaking. It included 27,292 interviews across the EU-27. For more information Standard Eurobarometer 104 Factsheet: European Defence - Protect What Matters IP/26/403 Press contacts: Thomas REGNIER (+32 2 29 91099) Marine STRAUSS (+32 2 29 89103) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

European Commission says Europeans see growing security threat

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