Spaniards are more concerned than the European average about international conflicts near the European Union and the risks of the digital environment, such as hate speech or threats to freedom of expression, while maintaining one of the highest levels of personal optimism in the EU, according to the latest Eurobarometer published by the European Parliament.
84% of Spaniards say they are concerned about conflicts and wars near European borders, twelve points above the EU average (72%), while 80% highlight their concern about terrorism, compared to 67% in the EU as a whole. This trend also extends to the digital realm, where Spain stands out with some of the highest levels of concern in the entire Union. 82% say they are very concerned about hate speech, 14 points above the European average, and 85% fear threats to freedom of expression, almost 20 points above the EU average.
However, the survey, conducted in autumn last year and involving more than 26,000 people, shows that Spaniards maintain a high degree of confidence on an individual level. Eighty-one per cent say they are optimistic about their personal future and that of their families, a figure higher than the European average (76 per cent) and significantly higher than that recorded in other areas, such as their view of the future of the world, the European Union or their own country.
Spain remains the only country that prioritises education and research as the main area on which the Union should focus in order to strengthen its position in the world, while most Europeans, such as Lithuania, Denmark and Germany, see greater emphasis on defence and security as more important.
40% of Europeans believe that security and defence are the main issues on which the EU should focus in order to strengthen its global role, in contrast to the opinion of Spaniards, only 27% of whom consider this to be the most important issue facing the bloc.
Forty-three per cent of those surveyed in Spain say that education and research should be the priority for the EU-27, an opinion with which only 25% of European citizens agree. Where both agree is in placing competitiveness, the economy and industry as the second priority for the European Union, also agreeing to place energy independence, resources and infrastructure high on the list.
When asked about the issues that the European Parliament should address as a priority, public health occupies a particularly prominent place in Spain, mentioned by 56% of respondents, which represents an increase of thirteen points compared to the previous survey and a figure significantly higher than the EU average of 32%.
Spaniards are also above average on issues such as support for the economy and job creation (50% compared to 35%); and the fight against poverty and social exclusion (30% compared to 28%).
Inflation, rising prices and the cost of living also remain among the main concerns in both Spain and the EU as a whole, with 42% of Spaniards mentioning them and 41% on average across Europe.
The differences are more pronounced, however, when it comes to European defence and security, as only 15% of Spaniards believe that the European Parliament should treat these issues as a priority – seven points less than in the previous Eurobarometer – compared to 34% of Europeans who do believe this to be appropriate.
The survey also reflects widespread demand for a more active European Union in the face of crises, with 79% of citizens in Spain believing that the bloc’s role in protecting against global risks and security threats should become more important in the future. Support for greater unity among Member States is equally widespread, with 95% of Spaniards believing that EU countries should be more united in order to face current challenges.
When asked whether the European Parliament should take on a more prominent role, 77% of Spaniards and 59% of Europeans believe it should, although only 49% of Spaniards and Europeans have a positive image of the European Parliament. Support is higher when asked about the European Union in general and their sense of belonging to the bloc, as 72% of Spaniards and 62% of Europeans in general believe that EU membership has benefited their countries.