Defence and security are on citizens' minds before the EU Parliament elections, a survey finds
CTV
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is at the forefront of European Union citizens' minds, with defence and security seen as key campaign issues ahead of the June elections, according to a study published Wednesday.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is at the forefront of European Union citizens' minds, with defence and security seen as key campaign issues ahead of the June elections, according to a study published Wednesday.
At national level, the EU's defence and security is mentioned first in nine countries, in contrast with sentiments five years ago when the last EU Parliament elections were held.
"The EU's defence and security was far from a prominent topic in 2019, before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022," the latest edition of the EU Parliament's Eurobarometer said.
The report, a collection of opinion surveys across the 27 EU nations, showed that defence and security -- alongside the economy and jobs -- now come in third place.
Climate change and the future of Europe follow closely.
The Eurobarometer also noted that EU citizens put defence and security as first priorities in reinforcing the EU's global position, ahead of food security and agriculture.
Looking at the next legislative mandate, peace and democracy are considered the main values to defend in the coming years, ahead of the protection of human rights, freedom of speech and thought and the rule of law.
