Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541179
THE war in Ukraine and illegal immigration are the top con- cerns for EU citizens, including the Maltese, according to a Eu- robarometer survey. Maltese respondents are also the most likely in the EU to view the Middle East (ME) conflict as a key challenge—while only 18% of Eu- ropeans overall see it as the EU's main challenge, 31% of Maltese consider it a priority. Across Europe, concern over the ME conflict ranges from 11% in Latvia to 31% in Malta. Re- spondents could select up to three main challenges from a list of 11. In Malta, 48% cited the war in Ukraine and irregular migration as the top concerns, followed by inflation (35%), the Middle East conflict (31%), climate change (30%), and security and defence (29%).Compared to the EU as a whole, the Maltese are more concerned about ir- regular migration (48% vs 38% across the EU). Con- cern over irregular migra- tion ranges from 17% in Finland to 63% in Cyprus, while concern about the war in Ukraine ranges from 30% in Greece to 64% in Lithuania and 62% in Finland, both countries bordering Russia. Across the EU, the highest con- cern over the cost of living is in Ireland (53%), while defence and security wor- ries are greatest in Lith- uania (51%) and Finland (46%). The survey also indicates a decline in optimism about the EU's future. The share of respondents feel- ing "very" or "rather opti- mistic" dropped six per- centage points, from 58% in June–July 2024 to 52% in the latest survey. Malta experi- enced one of the largest declines, falling 16 points from 73% to 57%. Despite this drop in optimism, the Maltese remain among the most likely to feel that their country benefits economically, socially, and culturally from EU membership. Satisfaction with EU membership benefits is highest in Malta (86%), Lithuania (86%), Portugal (82%), and Luxembourg (82%). When asked about the EU's main strengths, 39% of Maltese cited its respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, followed by economic strength (34%) and solidarity among mem- ber states (30%). The survey shows that 50% of Maltese are satisfied with how de- mocracy in the EU works, while 45% are satisfied with how de- mocracy functions in their own country. Maltese respondents are also the most likely in the EU to believe in the positive role of civ- il society in promoting and pro- tecting democracy and common values, with 52% considering this very important. 16 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 NOVEMBER 2025 NEWS A collective of 194 artists including painters, ceramicists, bronzists, sculptors, photographers and others. The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta Maltese Association _______________________ 24th October to 14th November 2025 St John's Cavalier Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 6.00 pm Sundays 10.00 am to 1.00 pm Order of Malta National Art Exhibition "A Basket Of Pears And One Tulip" Watercolour 76 x 56 cm Kenneth Zammit Tabona Maltese see Ukraine war and migration as EU's top challenges JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt The Maltese, like other Europeans, see the Ukraine war and migration as the EU's top challenges but are also the most likely to regard the Middle East conflict as a top priority Malta (%) EU 27 (%) War in Ukraine 48 47 Irregular migration 48 38 Inflation 35 29 Middle East conflict 31 18 Climate change 30 29 Security and defence 29 29 Terrorism and crime 18 21 Disinformation 17 18 Economic growth 14 22 Inequality 12 18 Digital technology 8 7 Top challenges facing the EU according to the Maltese