A recent Eurobarometer survey conducted in early 2025 shows that nearly 74% of EU citizens believe their country has benefited from being a member of the bloc, marking the highest positive response since the question was first posed in 1983. Economic growth (28%) and increased job opportunities (26%) were cited as the main advantages of EU membership.
Looking at economic data, a clear picture of progress emerges. By setting each country’s GDP per capita at 100 euros in 2004, comparisons can be made over time. An index increase to 120 means an average rise in prosperity of 20%, while a drop to 90 would indicate a 10% decrease.
Between 2004 and 2024, the EU saw an overall GDP per capita growth of 88%, with the index rising from 100 to 188. The 13 newest member states experienced even more remarkable growth. Romania and Bulgaria led with increases of 558% and 500% respectively, pushing their indices to 600. Romania’s GDP per capita jumped from €2,820 to €18,560, while Bulgaria’s rose from €2,710 to €16,260. Significant growth was also recorded in the Baltic nations, with Lithuania’s GDP per capita increasing by 405%, Latvia’s by 336%, and Estonia’s by 305% over the same period.
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