As the European Union gears up for upcoming elections, Eurobarometer's latest findings shed light on a burgeoning interest among European citizens, driven in part by heightened geopolitical

tensions. In Belgium, while the enthusiasm for voting sees a slight dip, a significant majority remains steadfast in their belief that EU membership brings substantial advantages.

From June 6th to 9th, citizens across EU member states will once again cast their ballots to elect representatives to the European Parliament for the next five years. Eurobarometer's recent survey not only measures interest in the upcoming elections but also delves into public sentiment towards the EU as a whole. Remarkably, Belgians exhibit a higher level of confidence in the EU compared to the European average, with a striking 80% expressing belief in the benefits their country derives from EU membership. Moreover, a solid majority of 67% express optimism regarding the EU's future trajectory.

The survey also underscores a notable level of engagement with EU affairs among Belgians. A significant 45% are already aware of the scheduled European elections in June, surpassing the European average of 29%. This heightened awareness could be attributed, in part, to concurrent federal and regional elections taking place on the same day. Interestingly, Belgium is among the few nations where the intention to vote has seen a marginal decrease compared to five years ago, dropping from 77% to 75%, although this remains higher than the European average of 71%. Notably, Belgium stands out as one of the countries where compulsory voting is in effect.

Overall, the survey suggests that burgeoning interest in EU elections is closely intertwined with prevailing geopolitical tensions and the broader international landscape. Respondents prioritize peace as the paramount concern for the European Parliament in the coming years, with democracy, human rights, freedom of speech, and the rule of law following at a distance.

Eurobarometer, a long-standing EU-wide survey tracking public opinion across 27 member states since 1973, conducted interviews with over 26,000 individuals between February and March as part of its latest data collection effort.