Two out of three young citizens of European Union Member States (aged 15 to 39) support EU enlargement, Special Eurobarometer survey reveals.
General support for candidates joining the EU in all age groups is 56 percent. The survey was conducted between February and March 2025, gathering the views of over 26,300 citizens across all 27 EU Member States.
Serbia`s EU membership is supported by 47 percent of respondents. Candidacy has the most supporters in Sweden, where three out of four people answered in favour. The Nordic country is followed by two Mediterranean Member States – Cyprus and Greece, while the support is over 60 percent in two neighbouring countries – Romania and Bulgaria.
A majority of EU citizens 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, while a third of respondents sees solidarity between countries a clear benefit of the process.
Main concerns are related to migration, corruption and crime, and the financial cost of enlargement. They underline the importance of ensuring that candidates uphold the rule of law, fight corruption and protect fundamental rights.
“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”, said the EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
Perception surveys were conducted in six Western Balkans partners Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
In Serbia, the overall trust towards the EU was measured at 38 percent, while one in three respondents would vote in favour of the country joining the EU if the referendum was held today, one third is against, while the last third is undecided.
Over 40 percent of citizens believe that the EU membership would bring more advantages than disadvantages. Health-care system, fighting corruption and better law enforcement, as well as economic development and trade were identified as the top areas where citizens say the EU should play a greater role in supporting Serbia.
At least 8 of 10 citizens claimed that they are aware of EU’s financial support, while 60 percent rate the EU support as either high or moderate.
Support for EU accession is notably high in Albania, where 9 in 10 citizens support the future membership, and North Macedonia with almost 70 percent in favour. Citizens in these countries specially emphasise benefits such as improved quality of life and open borders.
The surveys on perceptions in the candidate countries and potential candidates were carried out between May and June 2025 on a sample of 1000 individuals per survey, using a two-stage stratified sampling method; and face-to-face interviews (CAPI method).
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