A new Eurobarometer survey on defence highlights strong concern among European citizens regarding national and personal security, alongside elevated expectations of the European Union’s role in this field. In Cyprus, perceptions of threat and levels of trust in the European Union are significantly higher than the EU average.
The survey was conducted between 5 and 12 January 2026 and included 513 Cypriot citizens aged 15 and over, as part of a total sample of 27,292 respondents across all European Union Member States.
Trust in the European Union on defence and security
According to the findings, 52% of Europeans trust the European Union regarding its ability to strengthen Europe’s security and defence.
In Cyprus, the level of trust is notably higher at 73%, placing it among the highest rates recorded within the European Union.
The survey confirms that defence and security constitute key priorities for European citizens. It also indicates that European space policy is directly linked, in public perception, to strengthening European security.
Perception of national and personal security threats
Across the European Union, 27% of respondents strongly agree and 41% tend to agree that their country’s security is threatened in the current international environment, totalling 68%.
In Cyprus, the corresponding figures are higher. A total of 23% strongly agree and 53% tend to agree that national security is under threat, bringing the total to 76%.
Regarding personal security, 12% of Europeans strongly believe that their personal safety is at risk and 30% agree to some extent, totalling 42%.
In Cyprus, 17% strongly agree and 35% agree to some extent that their personal security is at risk, resulting in a total of 52%.
Views on investment in defence and security
On the question of defence and security investment, 32% of Europeans consider that the European Union does not invest enough, while 42% believe it invests approximately the right amount.
In Cyprus, 26% consider that the European Union does not invest enough, while 47% believe that investment levels are approximately correct.
At national level, 26% of Cypriot respondents believe that Cyprus itself does not invest enough in defence and security, while 51% consider that it invests approximately the right amount.
Among Cypriots who believe that their country’s security is under threat, 29% consider that the European Union does not invest enough. The corresponding figure across the European Union is 32%.
Survey methodology
The survey was conducted on a sample of 513 Cypriot citizens aged 15 and above. In total, 27,292 citizens from all European Union Member States participated.
The findings indicate that public opinion in Cyprus is particularly positive towards the role of the European Union in strengthening defence and security, especially during a period described in the survey as one of increased geopolitical uncertainty.