site.btaMost Bulgarians Optimistic about EU, Give Priority to Peace, Shows Eurobarometer Survey

The majority of Bulgarians remain optimistic about the European Union (EU) and expect the Community to ensure peace as its foremost priority, according to data from a Eurobarometer survey presented by the European Commission here on Wednesday.

When asked which action at the EU level would have the highest positive impact on their lives in the short term, 45% of Bulgarians and 44% of other EU citizens pointed to the ensuring of peace and stability. Most respondents (78% in the EU and 73% in Bulgaria) expressed concern about European defence. A large share of respondents are fully optimistic about the future of the EU — 62% across the Union and 57% in Bulgaria.

Positive attitudes toward the EU were expressed by 51% of Bulgarians (compared to 43% of other EU citizens), while 26% in Bulgaria and 38% in the rest of the EU held neutral views.

Trust in the EU stands at 53% in Bulgaria, one percentage point higher than the EU average. The most important issues cited by Bulgarians today include the international situation and immigration (26%), whereas across the EU, 27% identify Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as the primary concern (23% of Bulgarians share this view). The international situation ranks as the second largest concern for other Europeans, with 24%.

Trust in the national Parliament is at 37% across the EU but only 21% in Bulgaria. Trust in the Government reaches 36% in the EU and 27% in Bulgaria. The most pressing issue for their country, according to respondents, is the rising cost of living — 31% in the EU and 47% in Bulgaria. Other concerns include the state of the economy (20% in the EU and 25% in Bulgaria) and security (15% in the EU and 11% in Bulgaria).

Most Bulgarians (62%) expect the national economy to improve in the next 12 months, compared to 57% optimism among other Europeans. Regarding the EU economy, 66% of Bulgarians and 60% of other Europeans anticipate improvement.

Notable differences emerge in opinions on the war in Ukraine and European support. Acceptance of Ukrainian people fleeing the war is supported by 80% of people in the EU but only 69% in Bulgaria. Humanitarian support to Ukrainians has the backing of 76% in the EU and 64% in Bulgaria. Imposing economic sanctions on Russian government is supported by 72% of EU citizens, but only by 45% of Bulgarians. Support for granting Ukraine candidate status for EU accession stands at 60% across the Union and 43% in Bulgaria. About 59% of EU citizens support financing the purchase and supply of military equipment to Ukraine, compared to 32% in Bulgaria, the survey shows.