Eurobarometer Survey: This is What Austria Currently Demands from the EU

To address the current geopolitical crises and challenges, 90 percent of Europeans (83 percent of Austrians) call on the European Union to present a more united front.

Survey: The EU needs more money, but only a third in Austria for new sources of revenue

77 percent of those surveyed across the EU say in the new Eurobarometer survey published on Wednesday (65 in Austria) that the EU needs more money for this. In Austria, however, only a third are convinced of new EU sources of revenue.

Another third is "somewhat in favor." Across Europe, slightly more than half are "fully in favor" of the EU receiving more new sources of revenue (own resources), such as based on greenhouse gas emissions or corporate profits. The discussion on this is gaining momentum again, as the EU Commission plans new own resources, such as taxes, in its proposal for financing the next multi-annual EU budget of 2 trillion euros. Austria is traditionally skeptical here.

Linking the allocation of EU funds to the rule of law

Only a quarter of European - and a fifth of Austrian - survey participants are "definitely" in favor of more projects being jointly financed by the EU as a whole, instead of by individual member states. Around half say "probably" here. The budget proposal also provides that the allocation of EU funds is more strongly linked to the principle of the rule of law. Around 45 percent in the EU and in Austria agree with this.

Half of Austrians for more crisis aid from the EU

68 percent of Europeans, but only just over half of Austrians want the EU to play a stronger role in the future in protecting European citizens from global crises and security threats. Defense and security rank first among the areas the EU should focus on (for 37 percent of respondents), followed by competitiveness, economy, and industry (32). Next is secure energy supply (27). In Austria, the first and second places are reversed with 32 percent for more competitiveness and 30 percent for defense.

Austrians traditionally on the EU-skeptical side

73 percent of those surveyed across the EU, but only 60 percent of locals, are convinced that their home country benefits from EU membership. In Austria, this is five percentage points less than in the last survey six months earlier. Around half of those living in the EU, but only 38 percent of those surveyed in the Alpine Republic, have a positive image of the EU. Just as many think that the EU is "moving in the right direction" - this is five percentage points more than in the last survey.

Inflation and Migration Important for Austrians

As the most important issues that the EU Parliament should address, inflation and rising prices remain in first place (41 and 42 percent in the EU and Austria, respectively). This is followed by security and defense for 34 percent of respondents EU-wide, while in Austria, migration and asylum are more pressing. Promoting the economy and fighting poverty are other priorities for the people.

The survey was conducted by the opinion research institute Verian between May 5 and 29, 2025, in all 27 EU member states. It was carried out in the form of personal interviews as well as video interviews. A total of 26,410 interviews were conducted, and the EU results were weighted according to the population size of each country. In Austria, 1,003 people were surveyed.

Reactions from Politics

"It is good that a majority of 60 percent see benefits from Austria's EU membership and that young people have an even more positive image. However, I take very seriously that skepticism towards the EU has increased in Austria," said ÖVP delegation leader Reinhold Lopatka to APA.

For the SPÖ-EU deputies Evelyn Regner and Elisabeth Grossmann, the survey is an unmistakable signal that effective measures against inflation are finally needed. For them, it is clear that the determined fight against the "Austria surcharge" at the EU level plays a central role. The SPÖ-EU deputies emphasize what is important now: "Product manufacturers must be obliged to demand uniform wholesale prices within the EU, regardless of which member country is being supplied."

The NEOS delegation leader in the EU Parliament, Helmut Brandstätter, said according to a release: "For years, Brussels was used as a scapegoat. This leaves scars that do not heal on their own." Brandstätter sees a clear mandate to act: "The unanimity principle must fall. We must end blockades through national vetoes and move to majority decisions. Only then will Europe make quick joint decisions." The recent crises have clearly demonstrated the lack of ability to act.

(APA/Red)

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