EUROBAROMETER WINTER 2025: Why Managers Stand Out as Pro-European Advocates

On April 9, 2025, CEC European Managers was invited to the European Parliament for a presentation about the EUROBAROMETER WINTER 2025 results.

The session examined the perceptions of EU citizens across the 27 Member States. Interesting data revealed that managers emerged as some of the most pro-European and forward-thinking voices. The communication officer, Pere Vilanova, represented CEC European Managers at the event.

A Union That Matters — Especially for Managers

This last issue of the Eurobarometer survey was carried out between 29 January and 4 February 2025, after interviewing 26,354 individuals aged 15 and older, using both traditional face-to-face methods and online face-to-face formats.

The Eurobarometer paints a nuanced picture of how Europeans perceive the EU — its current role, future potential, and the direction they believe it should take.

While 74% of EU citizens say that the European Union has benefited their member states — an all-time high — that number rises even higher among managers, with 84% affirming the same.

The latest Eurobarometer shows that managers are, in fact, the professional category most aware of and engaged with the European project.

They consistently outpace other groups in recognising the Union’s role in responding to global crises, for example, with 60% acknowledging the EU’s past protection efforts.

Also, 73% of EU managers believe the EU should play a stronger role in safeguarding its citizens. This figure is aligned with that of students, with 74% of them thinking the same, making both leaders and students the most future-oriented segments of society in this regard.

Interior of the meeting room of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium

Shifting Priorities: From Climate to Competitiveness

The Winter 2025 edition of Eurobarometer also reveals a significant shift in citizens’ priorities. For the first time in years, climate change has dropped to seventh place, just ahead of democracy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies have fallen to tenth.

By contrast, the top three concerns for both citizens and managers are now:

Defence and security
Competitiveness, economy and industry
Energy independence and infrastructures

This pivot highlights growing anxieties about Europe’s strategic autonomy and economic resilience.

Countries like Lithuania, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, and Germany are particularly vocal about defence, while Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Cyprus and Denmark top the list of nations expecting the EU’s role to become more critical in the near future.

For CEC European Managers, this shift underscores the need for pedagogical efforts: There is a pressing need to link economic competitiveness with inclusive policies.

As our campaign #BeyondBias (go to campaign here) has proved and showcased, “diverse and inclusive teams fuel innovation, which in turn strengthens economic performance—a message that needs to resonate louder in policy debates and corporate boardrooms.”

Trust, Unity, and Future Expectations

The Eurobarometer survey results suggest a rising demand for a more united and better-equipped European Union.

89% of citizens want more unity, and 76% believe the EU needs greater means to tackle global challenges.

These numbers are echoed—and in some cases exceeded—by EU managers, 92% of whom support more integration and 77% who call for stronger EU resources.

Despite this overall support, both citizens and managers are showing signs of caution on economic expectations.

84% of all respondents believe their standard of living will either remain unchanged or worsen in the future — and managers reflect this mood, with 52% expecting no change and only 18% hoping for improvement.

Interestingly, 58% of managers view their national political situation pessimistically, but 50% still believe EU politics are on the right track.

In stark contrast, the United States draws the most concern, with nearly 70% of managers stating that they think US politics are heading in the wrong direction.

The Eurobarometer not only quantifies attitudes — it reveals a mindset. Managers are among the most engaged, informed, and hopeful professional groups when it comes to the European project.

Their media consumption habits are balanced and robust: 66% still rely on traditional media, 64% turn to online sources, and 37% actively engage on social media—a sign of multidimensional engagement.

Moreover, managers align with students in reporting high levels of personal satisfaction, with 84% of both groups saying things are going well in their personal lives — a signal that those most engaged with the EU also feel fulfilled in their paths.

With 69% of managers calling for a stronger European Parliament, and 60% affirming their voice counts at EU level, it’s clear that leaders are participating.

A Call to Action for Leaders

The WINTER Eurobarometer 2025 (download it here) confirms what CEC European Managers has long advocated for: leaders and managers play a crucial role in shaping Europe’s future.

Managers’ trust in the EU, prioritizing strategic challenges, and calls for unity and investment position them as essential allies in the European integration process.

CEC European Managers believes it is time for European institutions to listen more closely to the voices of those who lead and believe in the Union’s capacity to protect, innovate, and unite.