Europeans Perceive Security Threats
Analysis based on 7 articles · First reported Feb 13, 2026 · Last updated Feb 15, 2026
The survey results indicate a strong public mandate for increased defense spending and a greater role for the European Union in security, which could lead to increased investment in defense industries. However, the high perception of threat in key economies like France and Germany might signal underlying economic anxieties or geopolitical instability, potentially affecting investor confidence in those nations.
A recent Flash Eurobarometer 574 survey, conducted by Demoscopy at the request of the International — European Commission, revealed that 68% of Europeans perceive their countries as facing security threats, with 42% concerned about personal safety. Threat perception was highest in France (80%), the Netherlands (77%), Denmark (77%), and Germany (75%). Despite these concerns, 52% of Europeans trust the European Union to strengthen security and defense, with high confidence in Luxembourg (76%), Portugal (74%), and Lithuania (71%). Support for defense spending is robust, with 74% of respondents backing current or increased investment, particularly in Portugal (89%), Finland (83%), Lithuania (80%), Spain (80%), and Denmark (78%). The survey also highlighted security and defense as a key priority for European Union space policy.
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