The latest Eurobarometer survey on EU citizens’ perception of Cohesion Policy reveals strong support for EU-funded projects across the Union. The results show the importance of regional investment for the European Communities.
- 40 % of Europeans are aware of EU-funded initiatives in their area
- Among them, 79% believe these initiatives have a positive impact on their city or region
This high level of appreciation reflects how European funding continues to contribute meaningfully to local development, cohesion, and the sense of belonging among citizens. In fact, 57% of those aware of these projects say that they contributed “somewhat or to a large extent” to their feeling of being EU citizens.
Investment Priorities: What Matters to Citizens
The survey highlights what EU citizens believe should be the top priorities for future regional investment:
The top priority for many respondents is support for regions with high unemployment (63%), highlighting a shared concern for social and economic inclusion. Close behind is the improvement of infrastructure in health and education (49%), reflecting citizens' desire for strong, accessible public services in their communities.
Environmental protection and climate action also stand out as major concerns, followed by calls for more investment in job creation and access to the labour market (31%). Housing and energy efficiency (27%), along with research, innovation, and digital technology (27%), are also seen as key areas for EU support. Improving transport connections (25%), particularly in underserved areas, rounds out the list of priorities.
The majority of citizens (64%) believe that EU investment should benefit all regions, not just the poorest. This shows a broad understanding that cohesion policy is not only about reducing disparities but also about ensuring balanced development and competitiveness across Europe.
For more details, explore the full report here.