Croatians more optimistic than most Europeans, latest EU survey finds

Pula

ZAGREB, 1 July 2026 (Hina) – A growing number of Croatian citizens view the European Union as a stable refuge from geopolitical uncertainty, while expecting the European Parliament to place inflation and the rising cost of living at the top of its agenda, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey published on Wednesday.

The survey, commissioned by the European Parliament and carried out by Verian, involved 26,000 face-to-face interviews across all 27 EU member states between 9 April and 4 May.

According to the findings, 81 per cent of Croatians believe the EU is a stable place to live in an uncertain world, an increase of six percentage points compared with autumn last year. The EU-wide average stands at 75 per cent.

Across the bloc, more than two-thirds of respondents want the EU to play an even greater role in protecting citizens from global crises and security risks, while almost three-quarters believe the Union should have more resources to do so.

When asked how the EU could strengthen its global role, Europeans ranked defence and security first (39 per cent), followed by energy independence (35 per cent). Competitiveness and the economy came third.

Inflation the top concern in Croatia

In Croatia, 71 per cent of respondents said they were satisfied with their quality of life, with financial security cited most often as a key factor.

However, Croatians were significantly more likely than the EU average to identify inflation and the cost of living as the European Parliament’s priority. 61 per cent of Croatian respondents selected this issue, compared with 47 per cent across the EU.

Croatians also want the Parliament to focus more on:

• poverty and social exclusion
• agriculture and food security
• public health
• EU defence and security

The survey found that 81 per cent of Croatians believe their country has benefited from joining the EU, particularly through improved business opportunities and the preservation of peace and security.

At EU level, positive responses to the question of whether membership has benefited a country reached their highest level since the question was first asked in 1983.

Croatia joined the European Union in 2013 as its 28th member. Following the United Kingdom’s departure from the bloc, the EU now has 27 member states.

Respondents across Europe increasingly see the EU’s contribution to peace and security as the main benefit of membership, followed by stronger cooperation among member states. Citizens also expect EU countries to act more united on the global stage.

Croatians more optimistic than most Europeans

Across the EU, public sentiment is almost evenly divided between insecurity (44 per cent) and hope (43 per cent).

In contrast, Croatians are generally more optimistic about the future. 52 per cent describe themselves as optimistic, with hope identified as the dominant emotion, followed by determination and self-confidence.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the survey showed that public trust in Europe came with a clear expectation that the EU should act decisively to provide security, prosperity and new opportunities for its citizens.

Key points

• 81% of Croatians see the EU as a stable place to live (+6 percentage points from last autumn).
• 61% of Croatians want the European Parliament to prioritise inflation and living costs.
• 71% are satisfied with their quality of life.
• 81% believe Croatia has benefited from EU membership.
• 52% of Croatians are optimistic about the future.
• Defence, security and energy independence are seen as the EU’s most important strategic priorities.