13/10/2025
The European Council on Foreign Relations’ new Sentiment Compass confirms what we’ve been sensing since early 2025: Europeans are rallying behind the EU like never before, and yet national leaders fail to put the European general interest before their domestic, often mundane, priorities.
Despite recent stumbles, the asymmetric tariff deal with Washington, inaction over Gaza, and hesitation on Ukraine, public trust in the EU is at its highest since 2007. Majorities across almost all member states feel attached to the Union, identify as EU citizens, and want Europe to do more to protect them in a volatile world. This is not naïve idealism. It is pragmatic recognition that only collective action works. Years of crises, capped by Trump’s renewed cultural offensive, have clarified what Europeans want the EU to embody: the rule of law, protection of rights, and strategic autonomy.
The ECFR report underlines three key points:
- A decade of crises has strengthened European sentiment. Far from weakening Europe, shocks such as Russia’s war, the pandemic, and Trump’s return have reinforced citizens’ sense of belonging to the EU.
- Most governments remain pro-European. Despite the rise of the new right, almost all EU member states are still led by mainstream, pro-European Union coalitions, providing an anchor for stability.
- Europeans see themselves as global actors. Large majorities believe the EU’s voice counts in the world and support a stronger role in defending against crises and security risks.
But sentiment alone won’t suffice. Citizens are quick to notice when Europe falls short, whether in Gaza, Ukraine, or at the negotiating table with the US. Expectations are high, and unmet promises risk feeding frustration.
Trump’s culture war makes this moment even more urgent. By casting Europe as weak or illegitimate, MAGA forces are testing whether the EU can defend its identity and values.
The public has already chosen: they want Europe to stand tall, even if it means diverging from Washington.