A majority of Europeans support expanding the European Union, a new Eurobarometer survey shows, with younger generations particularly in favour of welcoming new member states.
According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, 56% of EU citizens believe the Union should open its doors to new member states. The most positive attitudes are found in Sweden (79%), Denmark (75%) and Lithuania (74%), while people in Austria (45%), the Czech Republic (43%) and France (43%) remain more sceptical.
Young people in favour of a larger EU
Younger Europeans are particularly supportive of the idea of a larger Union: 67% of those aged 15 to 24 and 63% of those aged 25 to 39 are in favour of enlargement.
Many citizens see benefits for the EU in expanding, with 37% believing it would strengthen the bloc’s global influence and another 37% seeing a boost to the European market.
For 30%, a larger Union would also mean greater solidarity between member states.
Concerns over migration and costs
However, there are also worries: 40% fear uncontrolled migration, 39% are concerned about corruption and crime, and 37% worry about the financial burden on taxpayer
To ensure enlargement succeeds, Europeans are calling for clear rules on the rule of law and stronger controls against corruption.
Some 38% believe candidate countries should commit to EU reforms, while many call for stricter additional criteria to ensure EU standards are upheld.
Who could join next?
At present, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine are hoping to join the EU.
These countries are at different stages of the accession process, with the Western Balkan states, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia the furthest along and currently the most integrated with the Union.
