Higher Optimism in Hungary: Less War Angst, More EU Scepticism

  • 5 Feb 2026 10:30 AM
Higher Optimism in Hungary: Less War Angst, More EU Scepticism
Hungarians are less concerned about war and slightly less likely to trust the EU than the average for the bloc, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey.

Conducted last autumn for the European Parliament and published on Wednesday, the survey examined expectations for the future, security and social concerns, global challenges, political priorities, and attitudes toward the EU.

Overall, optimism is higher in Hungary, as 56% of Hungarians are optimistic about the world’s future, compared with 44% across the EU.

Views on the future of respondents’ own country are identical (57%), while optimism about personal and family prospects is also similar (EU 76%, Hungary 78%).

On security, 72% of Europeans expressed greater concern about wars near the EU, rating this 7 out of 10, compared with 62% in Hungary.

While terrorism ranks second at EU level, Hungarians are more worried about climate-related natural disasters.

In the information sphere, disinformation topped EU concerns, whereas Hungarians were most worried about online data protection.

Most respondents support a stronger EU to face global challenges (EU 66%, Hungary 61%) and favour more unified action.

Hungarians, however, are more likely to say this requires additional resources.

When asked about EU priorities, Hungarians placed greater emphasis on competitiveness than defence.

Inflation, jobs, and public health ranked higher in Hungary than the EU average.

Attitudes toward the EU and the European Parliament are broadly similar, though Hungarians are less likely to see EU membership as a positive overall.
 

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