Belgians More Worried About Public Debt Than Other Europeans, Eurobarometer Survey Shows
A recent Eurobarometer survey reveals that Belgians are significantly more concerned about public debt than citizens in other EU countries, with broader anxieties spanning cost of living, migration, and security.
According to the latest Eurobarometer survey for Fall 2025, public debt ranks as the primary concern for 30% of Belgian respondents, a stark contrast to just 12% across the European Union. Cost of living issues emerged as the second biggest worry among Belgians, while migration, the economy, and security also rank high on their list of pressing problems. The results indicate that Belgians are notably more anxious about public finances compared to other Europeans.
The survey also found that migration and the Russian invasion of Ukraine are among the biggest concerns for Europeans overall, with Belgians especially worried about these topics. In Belgium, 80% of those surveyed believe Russia poses a threat to Europe’s security—slightly above the EU average of 77%. Around three-quarters of Belgians think the war in Ukraine presents a direct threat to their country and support continued European backing for Ukraine.
When it comes to the European Union and democracy, Belgian opinions are split. More than 75% believe that Europe’s challenges should be tackled together, and about 70% support increasing the EU’s decision-making authority compared to local governments—figures well above the EU average. Despite this, only 43% of Belgians trust the EU, which is lower than the EU-wide rate of 48%. Satisfaction with democracy remains at 55%, failing to recover since the COVID-19 pandemic lows. The survey also notes high overall life satisfaction and persistent trust in traditional media, though confidence in digital and social media platforms remains low.
