Maltese citizens are significantly more concerned than the European Union average about fake AI-generated content, disinformation and online risks, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey on citizens' perceptions of the future and expectations of the European Union.
When asked to rank their level of concern on a scale from 1 to 10 about communication- and society-related issues, 79% of Maltese respondents said they were highly worried about fake content created by artificial intelligence, such as deepfake videos and false information. This compares with an EU average of 68%.
Concern about disinformation is similarly high in Malta, at 78%, above the EU average of 69%. Online hate speech and the protection of personal data are also major worries for Maltese respondents, with 76% expressing high concern about each, compared to 68% across the EU. In addition, 73% of Maltese said they were highly worried about threats to freedom of speech, versus an EU average of 67%.
These results highlight a strong sense of unease in Malta about the risks posed by the digital environment and the impact of emerging technologies on public discourse, privacy and democratic values.
Security and safety concerns
Beyond communication risks, Maltese citizens show heightened anxiety about a range of security and safety-related threats. The most frequently cited concern is uncontrolled migration, with 81% of respondents saying they are highly worried about this issue. Close behind are cyberattacks from non-EU countries (80%), active conflicts and wars near the EU (79%), terrorism (75%) and natural disasters worsened by climate change (71%).
These figures are broadly in line with, but often higher than, EU-wide averages, indicating that Maltese respondents perceive both traditional and non-traditional security threats as increasingly pressing.
Despite these concerns, attitudes towards personal and national futures in Malta remain relatively positive. While 52% of Maltese respondents said they were pessimistic about the future of the world - in line with the EU average - 65% were optimistic about the future of their country, compared with an EU average of 57%. Optimism is strongest at the personal level: 85% of Maltese respondents said they are optimistic about their own future and that of their family, versus 76% across the EU.
Strong support for a more assertive EU
Maltese citizens express overwhelming support for a stronger and more united European Union. Eighty-one per cent believe the EU's role in the world should become more important. An even larger share, 94%, say the EU should have a stronger voice at the international level, while 92% believe the Union needs more resources to face global challenges. Almost all Maltese respondents (96%) agree that EU member states should be more united in responding to today's crises.
These views reflect a perception that global instability and geopolitical tensions require collective European action rather than fragmented national responses.
Support for EU membership in Malta is also robust. Seventy-one per cent of Maltese respondents consider EU membership to be a good thing, compared with an EU average of 62%. This represents a notable increase compared with previous surveys. In addition, 77% of Maltese would like to see the European Parliament play a more important role.
Priorities for the European Parliament
When asked which issues the European Parliament should prioritise, Maltese respondents placed inflation, rising prices and the cost of living at the top of the list (40%). This is followed by public health (38%), the environment and climate change (34%), and migration (33%). These priorities generally rank higher in Malta than in the EU overall, indicating strong domestic sensitivity to economic pressures and social wellbeing.
Regarding future living standards, 46% of Maltese respondents expect their standard of living to remain unchanged over the next five years. Twenty-six per cent believe it will improve, while an equal proportion think it will decline. This relatively balanced outlook contrasts with some other EU countries where expectations of decline are more widespread.
Values and democratic principles
Peace and democracy emerge as the core values Maltese respondents believe the European Parliament should defend most strongly, reflecting widespread concern about ongoing conflicts and democratic backsliding in parts of the world. Freedom of expression, human rights and the rule of law also feature prominently among citizens' expectations.
At EU level, similar patterns are evident, with peace cited as the most important value by a majority of respondents, followed by democracy and fundamental rights.
Young people among strongest supporters
The survey shows that young people across Europe, including in Malta, are among the most supportive of the EU and its institutions. Citizens aged 15 to 30 are more likely than older age groups to have a positive image of the EU and to favour a stronger role for the European Parliament. They also show particularly strong support for greater unity among member states, increased EU resources and a stronger international voice for the Union.
Survey methodology
The Eurobarometer survey was carried out between 6 and 30 November 2025 across all 27 EU member states. A total of 26,453 interviews were conducted. In Malta, 502 people aged 15 and over were interviewed face to face, with some video interviews also used. Results at EU level were weighted according to population size.
Overall, the findings portray a Maltese public that is acutely aware of the risks associated with digital misinformation, artificial intelligence and global instability, while at the same time strongly supportive of a more assertive, united and protective European Union.