Irish put ‘defence and security’ top for EU’s global standing

Some 83% of Irish people agreed with this, compared to the EU average of 68%.

Just over 1,000 face-to-face interviews were conducted in Ireland last May, out of almost 24,500 across the 27 members.

Nine out of 10 EU citizens (93% in Ireland) said members should be “more united” to face current global challenges. 

More people in Ireland (85%) than the EU average (73%) said the EU needs “more means” to face those challenges.

Under the section Facing Global Challenges, people were asked: Thinking about the future, which of the following aspects should the EU focus on in order to reinforce its position in the world?

People were asked to give their first, second, and third preference. The results show:

Irish people said “defence and security” was the top priority, at 28% (EU average 37%);
“Education and research” was second priority for Irish people, at 27% (EU av 25%);
“Competitiveness and economy” and “energy independence and resources” were joint third on the list for Irish people, both at 25% (EU average 32% and 27% respectively);
“EU values and human rights” and “Food security and agriculture” were joint fourth at 24% (EU 23% for both);
“International trade” was fifth on the list for Irish people, at 22% (EU average 16%) 
Irish people said “foreign policy and diplomacy” was the tenth most important tool that the EU uses to boost its reputation.

People were also asked should the role of the EU to protect European citizens against global crises and security risks become “more important” in the future.

Some 83% of Irish people agreed, second behind Cyprus, and significantly ahead that of the EU average, of 68%.

Seven out of 10 said they had a positive view of the EU compared to around half of EU people on average;
Some nine out of 10 said that, taking everything into account, the EU has benefited their country, compared to the EU average of 73%;
The top two benefits Irish people cite are economic growth (53% compared to EU average of 29%) and improvement to standard of living (46% to 18%);
The top benefit for the average EU citizen is the union’s contribution to peace and strengthening security (37% compared to 16% in Ireland);
In terms of priorities, 54% said they would like to see the European Parliament deal with “inflation and cost of living” (EU average 41%).

The next biggest issue was “public health” (40% compared to EU 24%). 

The third issue for Irish people was “immigration and asylum” (38%, compared to EU 23%).

Irish people said “defence and security” was the sixth main issue in this question, at 21% (EU average 34%).