Majority of EU citizens support further EU enlargement, new Eurobarometer survey shows, while perception surveys in candidate countries point to overall support for EU accession

Special Eurobarometer

A newly published Special Eurobarometer survey reveals that 56% of EU citizens are in favour of further EU enlargement. Support is particularly high among young people: around two-thirds of respondents aged 15 to 39 believe the (potential) candidates should join the EU once they meet the necessary conditions.

A majority (56%) also believe their own country would benefit from future enlargement. The most widely recognised advantages include stronger global influence, a larger market for EU businesses, more job opportunities and greater solidarity and security.

At the same time, 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, all essential elements of a credible and merit-based accession process.

Notably, 67% of citizens say they do not feel well informed about enlargement. The Commission is committed to strengthening public awareness by providing clear, accessible information and engaging with citizens across the Union.

Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said: "The results show EU citizens, and especially younger people, support enlargement. The Eurobarometer sends another clear message: people want a credible, 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 delivers peace, prosperity, and a more united Europe.

The survey was conducted between February and March 2025, gathering the views of over 26,300 citizens across all 27 EU Member States. The full results and country-specific factsheets are available online.

Perception surveys in candidate countries and potential candidates

In addition, perception surveys were conducted in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine. A sample of 1,000 individuals per partner was selected using a two-stage stratified sampling method; and face-to-face interviews (CAPI method) were carried out between May and June 2025.

Moreover, a similar poll in Türkiye was directly commissioned by the EU Delegation to Türkiye. However, these poll results cannot be compared with those of other countries/entities since the methodology, the sample, and the questions differed.

In general, the surveys reveal overall support for EU accession in the Western Balkans, with the exception of Serbia. Support for EU accession is notably 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%. In the Eastern Neighbourhood, candidate countries Georgia and Ukraine lead with respectively 74% and 68% support for EU membership. Overall, the enthusiasm for EU accession is robust whilst at the same time influenced by each country's specific economic and geopolitical concerns.

In the Western Balkans, a positive image of the EU is highest in Albania (82%), where citizens value EU support for economic development and anti-corruption efforts. Meanwhile, the EU's image in Serbia (38%) is affected by low levels of trust. In the Eastern Neighbourhood candidate countries, the image of the EU is also challenged: Moldova (55%), Ukraine (49%), and Georgia (43%). Overall, the image of the EU tends to be more positive in the Western Balkans than in the Eastern Neighbourhood, with the exception of Serbia.

Low levels of awareness about the European Union and enlargement policy is a common challenge in all candidate countries and potential candidates, with a significant share of citizens feeling not well informed. Only 48% in Moldova and 39% in Montenegro feel well or very well informed, while figures drop to 23% in Ukraine and 20% in Serbia. This points to the need for stronger, more locally tailored EU communication efforts.

In Türkiye, 50.7% of citizens report having a positive view of the EU, yet only 40.6% feel well informed about the EU and its policies. Support for EU membership stands at 49.9%. According to respondents, the main obstacles to Türkiye's accession remain the lack of political will, deficiencies in the rule of law, and widespread corruption.

More information:

• Eurobarometer results
• Perception Survey results Western Balkans
• Perception Survey results Eastern Neighbourhood
• Perception Survey results Türkiye