A new EU-wide survey published today (Tuesday), March 25, has revealed that 59% of Irish citizens would like to see the European Parliament play more of an important role, while 91% indicated that they believe Ireland has benefited from EU membership.

According to the survey this is because the EU has contributed to economic growth in Ireland, improved Irish people's standard of living, created new employment opportunities for Ireland and granted Ireland a stronger voice in the world.

These statistics were just some of the results of the EU Parliament’s Winter 2025 Eurobarometer survey, which was carried out via 26,354 face-to-face interviews across all 27 EU member states between January 9 and February 4, 2025.

The survey documented record-level approval ratings across the bloc, with 74% of respondents indicating that their country has benefitted from EU membership -  the highest rate since this question was first asked in 1983.

According to the survey, 93% of Irish respondents - versus an average of 89% across the bloc - believe that greater unity among the member states is required to face current global challenges, while 76% said that the EU needs more means to tackle the challenges ahead.

'Inflation, rising prices and the cost of living' was flagged by all respondents as the number one priority to be addressed by the EU Parliament.

This was followed by 'the fight against poverty and social inclusion' and 'the EU's defence and security', when looking at the EU average.

However, the second and third spots differed among the Irish survey contingent, who deemed 'more support for public health' and 'migration and asylum' more of a priority.

48% of Irish citizens surveyed believe that that their standard of living will not change over the course of the next five years, while 24% said it will increase and 25% said it will not.

In comparison, 51% of EU citizens reportedly believe that there will be no change to their standard over the course of the next five years, while 14% said it will increase and 33% said it will decrease.

'Defence and security' was selected as the main area upon which the EU should focus on in order to strengthen its position in the world for 36% of EU citizens surveyed, with 'competitiveness, economy and industry' ranked as the runner-up (32%).

However in Ireland, 'food security and agriculture' (29%) was instead listed as the main area to focus on to reinforce the EU's status in the world, followed by 'education and research' (26%) and 'climate action and reductions' (25%).

74% of the those surveyed in Ireland stated that the EU has a direct impact on their daily lives, which is in line with the EU average of 72%, while 59% of Irish citizens reportedly hold a positive impression of the EU Parliament, compared with the EU equivalent figure of 41%.

Speaking about the newly published survey results, MEP Sean Kelly, said: "The survey suggests that there is concern in Ireland that the standard of living may be impacted over the coming five years, with 48% expecting a drop in standards.

"Inflation, rising prices, the cost of living; support for public health; migration and asylum; and economic support and job creation are priority areas where MEPs should address according to Irish respondents of this survey. There's much work to be done this term".

The MEP also said that the forthcoming negotiations on the EU's next long-term budget will be "crucial in that regard as well as other policy action, such as a firm but fair migration system, including more efficient returns for those not eligible for asylum and supporting our farmers and SMEs."