Amid sliding optimism in the EU's future, almost half of EU citizens believe the war in Ukraine remains the bloc's top challenge, as European leaders warn Trump's peace plan needs work.

Brussels

A recent survey shows that more than half of EU citizens feel optimistic about the future of the European Union, though this optimism has declined by six percentage points compared to the previous year. The largest drops in optimism were observed in Malta, Austria, Italy, and Greece.

The war in Ukraine is identified as the most pressing challenge for the EU by 47% of respondents, particularly in Lithuania and Finland. Other significant concerns include irregular migration, the cost of living, and climate change. The majority of Europeans also support diversifying trade relations and taking action to enhance economic competitiveness, decarbonisation, and social fairness.

Ukraine or climate: Which challenges feel most urgent to Europeans?

Are EU citizens optimistic about the bloc's future? More than half of EU citizens feel optimistic about the future of the EU. However, this figure has decreased six percentage points since last year, with Malta, Austria, Italy and Greece having the biggest drops. Europeans think that the main strength of the EU is its respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law, an opinion held most strongly by respondents in Luxembourg, Denmark and Portugal. Europeans also praise the EU's economic, industrial and trading power and the good relationships and solidarity between its member states. On the other hand, the war in Ukraine remains the EU's main challenge, according to 47% of Europeans. Respondents in Lithuania and Finland think this should be the EU's top priority. The other main challenges cited by Europeans are irregular migration at 38%, the cost of living and climate change and environmental issues, both at 29%. A large majority of Europeans believe the EU should diversify its trade relations with countries all over the world to strengthen its economic independence and support EU businesses. 81% of respondents agree that the EU should take action to help EU industries become more competitive and decarbonise, while 82% agree that the EU should take action to support fairness across social groups and generations.

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot and critically wounded while on duty in Washington, D.C. They were ambushed just blocks from the White House, and the suspect was taken into custody.

Washington

Two National Guard members shot in targeted D.C. attack

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Tai Po District

Death toll in Hong Kong residential high-rise fires rises to 36

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Suspect in custody after National Guardsmen shot in Washington, D.C.

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Rio de Janeiro

Brazil's Bolsonaro begins 27-year jail term for coup bid

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Tsim Sha Tsui

Thirteen dead as blaze engulfs Hong Kong residential complex

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Brasília

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Caracas

U.S. labels Maduro-tied Cartel de los Soles as terror organization

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Khartoum

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Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

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Darfur

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Moscow

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Nha Trang

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Beirut

Middle East Conflict

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Madrid

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Al Fashir

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Peshawar

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London

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Niger

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Johannesburg

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Belém

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Breakdown