The latest Eurobarometer reveals a heightened awareness among EU citizens regarding the significance of the upcoming elections amidst escalating global instability.

A striking 81% of respondents acknowledged the increasing importance of voting in the current geopolitical climate compared to 2019. A substantial 60% expressed interest in participating in the European elections in June, with 71% confirming their intention to vote.

The survey also shed light on citizens' priorities for the next mandate, with 37% prioritizing defense and security, followed closely by energy and food security at 30%. Other crucial areas highlighted included the fight against poverty and social exclusion, public health, and job creation.

Belgian respondents echoed these sentiments, with 58% expressing interest in the elections, marking an 11% increase from 2019. Tackling poverty and social exclusion emerged as the top priority, followed by asylum and migration policy, climate change mitigation, and agricultural policy.

President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola (EPP), urged citizens to exercise their voting rights to bolster European democracy and shape the continent's future.

However, the survey indicated dissatisfaction with the EU's crisis management. Only 36% were content with the bloc's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while satisfaction levels stood at 50% for the COVID-19 pandemic and dropped to 38% for Brexit.

Despite these concerns, optimism prevailed among respondents, with 81% holding a positive view of the European Parliament. A majority (56%) advocated for a more significant role for the Parliament, while opinions were divided on the EU's global influence, with 40% perceiving it to have increased, 35% believing it remained the same, and 22% feeling it had diminished.