DID Press: Unprecedented rise in the European Union’s military budget has sparked mixed reactions across public opinion and political circles. A new survey conducted by DID Press Agency shows society is almost evenly split between supporters and opponents of the move.
According to the poll, 40 percent of respondents view the decision as “essential for Europe’s security against external threats.” This group argues that geopolitical shifts, wars, and instability along Europe’s borders necessitate a significant strengthening of the Union’s defense capabilities to protect its borders, infrastructure, and citizens. They point to today’s global circumstances—particularly the war in Ukraine, tensions in the South China Sea, and rising cyber threats—as requiring substantial investment in defense.
Conversely, another 40 percent consider the policy “provocative and a driver of international crises.” In their view, the EU’s militarized approach not only fails to reduce risks but can also intensify the arms race and deepen mistrust among global powers.
Meanwhile, 20 percent of participants took a more skeptical stance, describing the decision as merely “symbolic, with no real impact on security.”
Notably, none of the respondents selected the option linking higher defense spending to “increased inflation and economic crisis in Europe.” This suggests that, in this debate, economic concerns rank lower than security and geopolitical considerations.