Belgians more pessimistic about the future than EU average, poll finds
Belgians are significantly more gloomy about the future of the world than most Europeans, according to a new survey commissioned by the European Parliament.
Almost two in three people in Belgium (65 per cent) said they felt fairly or very pessimistic, compared with 52 per cent across the European Union as a whole.
The latest Eurobarometer poll shows that Europeans are mainly worried about security. The biggest concerns are current conflicts (72 per cent), terrorism (67 per cent), worsening natural disasters linked to climate change (66 per cent), cyberattacks (66 per cent) and what respondents called “uncontrolled” migration (65 per cent).
Nearly nine in 10 people think EU countries should have a more united response to these global threats. Some 86 per cent believe the bloc should speak out more firmly, while 73 per cent want more European funding to tackle such risks.
Across the EU, people say Brussels should focus first on defence and security (40 per cent), followed by competitiveness, the economy and industry (32 per cent), and energy independence (29 per cent). Belgian respondents also placed strong emphasis on education and research.
Economic worries remain high. After France, Belgium and Slovakia are the countries where the most people expect their standard of living to fall, with 40 per cent of Belgians sharing that fear.
Overall, about half of Europeans still have a positive view of the EU, though this has slipped slightly. In Belgium, favourable opinions have fallen to 46 per cent, while negative views have risen to 22 per cent.
The survey was carried out by research firm Verian between 6 and 30 November 2025, with more than 26,000 people questioned across the EU.
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK