A new Eurobarometer survey for the European Parliament shows that a majority of Bulgarians still view EU membership positively, but the country remains the most skeptical in the bloc when compared to other member states. The poll was conducted between January and February 2025 across all 27 EU countries.
According to the data, 61% of Bulgarians say that EU membership has been beneficial for the country. However, despite this majority, Bulgaria ranks last in the EU on this indicator. The EU average stands significantly higher at 74%, with Malta recording the highest level of perceived benefit at 93%, followed by Ireland at 91% and Luxembourg at 88%.
When asked about the main advantages of EU membership, 54% of respondents in Bulgaria pointed to new job opportunities. A further 29% highlighted contributions to peace and security, while another 29% emphasized improved cooperation between member states.
Across the European Union as a whole, the most commonly cited benefit is the EU's role in maintaining peace and security, mentioned by 35% of respondents.
On expectations regarding the EU's role in global affairs, 62% of Bulgarians believe the Union should take on a stronger role in addressing global crises and security risks. This figure remains slightly below the EU average of 66%. At the same time, Sweden shows the highest level of expectation at 87%, while Romania (47%) and Poland (44%) record the lowest.
When it comes to policy priorities, Bulgarians place competitiveness, economy, and industry at the top with 35%. Energy independence and infrastructure follow closely at 34%, while demographic challenges, migration, and food security each register 28%. Defense and security rank lower, cited by 26% of respondents, placing the topic in fifth position nationally.
At EU level, however, defense and security is the leading priority, selected by 36% of respondents, followed by competitiveness and economic issues at 32%.
Despite mixed views on EU policy areas, Bulgarians are relatively more optimistic about their personal economic outlook compared to the European average. About 25% expect their standard of living to decline over the next five years, compared with 33% across the EU. Meanwhile, 46% believe their situation will remain stable, and 20% expect improvement.
