Published: Wed, 04 February 2026
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Security, migration and fake AI content online are some of the biggest concerns cited by Irish citizens in a new EU-wide survey published today, Seán Kelly MEP has confirmed.
“A large majority of Irish respondents are highly worried about security and safety issues such as active conflicts and wars near Europe (72 percent), cyber-attacks (73pc) and drones from other countries operating over the EU. These views are especially relevant given the current security and defence challenges facing the EU and given that Ireland’s EU Presidency starts in July this year”, Ireland South MEP, Seán Kelly said.
“While Ireland is militarily neutral, most Irish people recognise the absolute necessity for the EU to be able to defend itself and provide security for citizens. It is very significant too given the Irish government’s recent support for EU loan support to sustain Ukraine, where innocent people continue to suffer death and destruction due to Russia’s illegal and brutal invasion. 64pc of Irish respondents also said they are concerned about the EU having to rely on non-EU countries for its defence. Union reliance on other countries for energy supplies is also cited (64pc).”
MEP Kelly highlighted that online communication is of huge concern: “The protection of personal data online is of great importance for consumers, and in this survey some 74pc of Irish people say they are concerned about it. Three quarters of Irish respondents are worried about fake content and disinformation created by Artificial Intelligence and the fact that social media is controlled by a few big companies (73pc)”.
“In terms of other global challenges, 75pc of Irish citizens who took part in the survey also listed uncontrolled migration as an issue they are worried about. These issues are all very high on the agenda of the European Parliament at the moment as work continues on the implementation of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.”
When asked what measures the European Parliament should focus on, most Irish respondents prioritised inflation, rising prices and the cost of living; public health; and migration/asylum.
MEP Kelly welcomed that 93pc of Irish citizens say that EU Member States should be more united to face current global challenges, while 90pc want the EU to have a stronger voice at the international level.
“Ireland’s appreciation of EU membership is as strong as ever, with 86pc of Irish citizens saying our membership of the Union is a good thing – way above the EU average of 62pc”, Mr Kelly added.
