February 4, 2026 Photo: EU audiovisual service
The vast majority of EU and Dutch citizens believe that the European Union should have a stronger voice in the international arena and that EU countries should be more united to face current global challenges, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey.
The research shows 86% of EU citizens and 88% of Dutch nationals want an EU with a stronger voice, with percentages ranging from 94% in Cyprus to 69% in Romania. Some 92% of Dutch respondents – compared to 89% across the EU – also said EU countries should be more united to deal with current geopolitical challenges.
The most important areas of focus to strengthen the EU position in the world is defence and security, according to both Dutch and EU citizens.
The new Dutch minority government has a clear pro-European agenda, stating that “we opt for a strong Netherlands in a strong Europe,” in its coalition programme.
EU membership
Some 81% of Dutch respondents said membership of the EU is positive for their country, a one percentage point increase for Dutch voters from the last survey. Dutch nationals were also among the most likely to say they would be worried if their country were not in the EU.
The survey, which was carried out last November, also explored views about the future.
Dutch respondents were the most pessimistic about the future of the world (72%) but were above the EU average when it came to having a positive outlook about the EU and the Netherlands. Most of all, they had a positive view about their own future and that of their family (84%).
In terms of security, Dutch citizens were mostly concerned about cyber-attacks, wars near the EU and drones from non-EU countries operating in the EU territory. A majority of Europeans saw terrorism, natural disasters and “uncontrolled immigration” as more or equally important.
Dutch citizens are also very concerned about disinformation and fake content spreading online, according to the research.
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