Europeans Want Unity — But Doubt the EU Can Deliver It

A survey of 5,834 people across six EU countries found 73% want deeper integration, yet 74% say Europe handles its challenges poorly and 56% fear for its future. Author Pawel Zerka calls this an "imagination gap": citizens see the Europe they want but no credible path there. The report lands a week before von der Leyen's State of the Union address. Zerka urges "fewer grand promises and more proof of trajectory."