European leaders seem to be failing to get the message across, as EU citizens rank defence only seventh out of 10 investment priorities.

Brussels

A Eurobarometer poll indicates that defence ranks seventh out of ten investment priorities for EU citizens, with fewer than one in four supporting increased spending in this area. Despite warnings from NATO and EU leaders about potential future conflicts, public opinion remains divided, with the highest support for defence spending found in countries near Russia, such as Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania. 

In contrast, most respondents prioritise health, education, and climate action, with Denmark leading in climate concern. Job creation and housing also rank higher than defence, while tourism is the least supported area for public investment.

Are EU citizens on board with higher defence spending?

Most EU citizens don't view defence as a top investment priority. A recent Eurobarometer poll showed EU citizens are not exactly eager to spend money on defence, despite growing warnings from NATO and the EU about the risk of future conflicts. Fewer than one in four people want the bloc to pour money into defence. In fact, defence infrastructure and capabilities rank only seventh out of ten proposed areas of investment. However, public opinion across the bloc seems deeply fractured. Unsurprisingly, support is highest among Russia's close neighbours, 50% in Estonia, 46% in both Finland and Lithuania, while backing is much lower in countries like Italy, Bulgaria, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and Hungary. Instead of defence, respondents point to areas like health and education as top priorities. These are followed by climate action and environment protection. Denmark is the most climate-concerned country before Malta and Italy. Job creation is the third most pressing issue across the bloc, followed by housing. On the other hand, amid growing pressure from mass travel, tourism received the least support for public investment.

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