Spaniards appear more serene than the European average, but not immune to global uncertainty. The spring survey by the European Parliament, released this Wednesday, reflects a dual movement: pessimism about the future of the world is growing, but the perception of the European Union as a space of tranquility and stability is also increasing.
Across the EU, pessimism about the global future has risen six points since November, reaching 58%. At the same time, 75% of Europeans consider the EU to represent "a space of tranquility in a turbulent world", eight points more than in the previous survey.
In Spain, this support has grown even more. The perception of the EU as a space of stability has risen 14 points in six months, reaching 74%. This figure shows that, in an international scenario marked by conflicts, geopolitical tension, and security crises, the European Union is gaining importance as a reference for political and economic protection.
Support for the EU reaches record levels
Support for membership in the European Union is also at historic levels. 74% of Europeans believe their country has benefited from being part of the community bloc. In Spain, the percentage is even higher: 79%.
The survey also includes for the first time a question on respect for international law, in the context of the conflicts in Ukraine, Iran, and Lebanon. 90% of Europeans believe the EU should promote that all countries respect international law.
This data reinforces a central idea of the poll: citizens not only see the EU as a market or an economic structure, but also as a tool for stability, rules, and protection in a world perceived as more unstable.
Spaniards calmer, less anxious, and more satisfied
One of the most striking elements of the report is the emotional profile of Spaniards. 89% declare themselves satisfied with their quality of life, six points above the European average, which stands at 83%.
Spain ranks below countries such as Denmark, with 96% satisfaction; Slovakia, with 94%; or Ireland, with 93%, but remains clearly above the community average.
Furthermore, Spaniards score better than the European average in positive emotions such as confidence, serenity, and happiness. A 38% of Spaniards report feeling confident, compared to 33% in the European average. Serenity reaches 32% in Spain, compared to 27% in the EU. And happiness reaches 27%, five points above the European average.
The contrast is even more evident in negative feelings. Only 9% of Spaniards declare feeling anxious, compared to an average of 21% in the community. They also rank lower in frustration, with 17% compared to 23%, and in helplessness, also with 17% compared to 23% in Europe.
Uncertainty remains the dominant feeling
Despite this more serene profile, uncertainty remains the most shared feeling among Spaniards. A 38% mention it as their main emotion, although this figure is below the European average of 44%. The survey thus paints a picture of a Spanish society relatively satisfied with its daily life, less anxious than the community average, but still marked by a sense of uncertainty about the future.
In terms of personal evolution, 20% of Spaniards state that their quality of life has worsened in the last year. In the EU as a whole, this perception reaches 27%. Spain therefore again finds itself in a somewhat less negative position than the European average.
The wallet, healthcare, and housing continue to set the agenda
Emotional serenity does not eliminate material concerns. When asked what changes would most improve quality of life, Europeans place financial situation and cost of living first, with 42% of responses. In Spain, this figure is 39%.
Healthcare accessibility also appears as one of the major concerns: 37% in the EU and 39% in Spain. In the Spanish case, this area is practically on par with physical and mental health, cited by 38%.
Housing is another sensitive point. 29% of Spaniards believe that housing affordability and quality is an area where there is room for improvement, three points above the European average, which stands at 26%.
The result confirms that the main concerns of Spaniards remain concentrated on their finances, public services, and access to decent housing.
Spain looks to the future with less fear than France
Medium-term prospects generate more concern in some countries than in others. France is the only member state where a relative majority, 44%, expects their standard of living to worsen in the next five years.
In Spain, the scenario is more balanced. Only 23% fear that their standard of living will decrease, while another 23% expect it to improve. That percentage of optimists is five points above the EU average.
The data does not point to Spanish euphoria, but rather to a less pessimistic perception than in other major European countries. Spain appears as a concerned country, but not one settled in a majority expectation of deterioration.
Less defense, more education and research
The survey also shows clear differences in the priorities of Spaniards compared to the EU as a whole. When it comes to strengthening Europe's position in the world, Europeans prioritize defense and security, with 39%;energy independence, with 35%; andeconomic competitiveness, with 32%.
Spain shares part of that agenda, but introduces a notable difference:education and researchappears cited by 34%of Spaniards, compared to 21%of the European average.
The gap reflects a different sensitivity. While the EU as a whole places defense at the center of the geopolitical response, Spaniards give more weight to knowledge, training, and investment in civilian capabilities.
This difference is also evident in the importance attributed to defense. Only 22%of Spaniards place it among their priorities, compared to 34%of the European average.
Inflation, healthcare, and employment: priorities for the European Parliament
When asked about the priorities that citizens want the European Parliament to address,inflationand thecost of livingappear first, both in the EU and in Spain, with 47%.
In Spain,public healthcarestands out particularly, cited by 45%of respondents, eleven points above the European average. Concern aboutthe economy and employmentalso stands out, with 47%in Spain compared to 35%in the EU.
In contrast, Spaniards give less weight than the European average todefense, with 22%compared to 34%, and toclimate change, with 14%compared to 22%.
A pro-European, serene, and everyday-concerned Spain
The survey paints a clear picture: Spain reinforces its support for the European Union, feels relatively satisfied with its quality of life, and shows a more tranquil emotional profile than the EU average. But this serenity coexists with very specific concerns: prices, healthcare, employment, housing, and mental health.
The international context weighs heavily. Conflicts in Ukraine, Iran, and Lebanon increase the perception of a more unstable world and make the EU more attractive as a space of order and security. But, for Spaniards, the European response is not just about more defense. It is also about more education, research, healthcare, and social protection.
The result is a nuanced snapshot: more confidence than anxiety, more pro-Europeanism than withdrawal, and more concern about the cost of living than about tanks. Spain looks at the world with unease, but still perceives itself with more serenity than a good part of Europe.