Neighbors in Uncertainty: The Fears of Bulgarians and Europe in 2026

February 5, 2026 - Almost every day we wonder what awaits us. With so many challenges around, it's no wonder that people have concerns. But what exactly worries them the most?

Wars Near Home

It turns out that the biggest fear of Bulgarians, as well as most Europeans, is war. Fifty-nine percent of us are concerned about armed conflicts near European borders. For comparison, the average percentage for the European Union is even higher - 72%. This figure shows that the problem of war is a major concern for all of us, not just Bulgaria.

Why is war so frightening? What exactly makes us afraid? The answers are probably multifaceted. It is not just about a direct military threat, but also about instability, refugee crises and economic consequences that often follow military actions.

More Threats on the Horizon

Besides wars, there are other reasons for concern. Terrorism, cyber attacks and uncontrolled migration are also among the main threats that worry people. Dependence on external energy suppliers, as well as the issue of the defense capabilities of countries, also cause concern.

But wait, there's more! Disinformation, external influence on elections, and hate speech further complicate the picture. Adding polarization of opinions, protection of personal data and freedom of speech, it turns out that we face a complex set of challenges.

EU - Hope or Something Else?

What do people think about the European Union? More than half of Bulgarians (54%) believe that the EU should play a more important role in crises and security threats. A large part of those surveyed (80%) are of the opinion that European countries should be more united. This is a strong signal for the need for cooperation and solidarity in difficult times.

Bulgaria's membership in the EU is positively assessed by almost half of Bulgarians (46%). Interestingly, about as many people (47%) have a positive view of the organization itself. Is this enough to overcome the current challenges? And what should the EU do to meet expectations?

Personal Standard - The Future is Unclear

And what do Bulgarians expect for their personal standard of living? A fairly large part of those surveyed (41%) assume that it will remain unchanged. About a third predict a deterioration, which is quite worrying. There are also optimists - about 15% hope for improvement. But what are the factors that will determine the future? Inflation, economic downturn, political instability - they can all have an impact.

Let's ask ourselves: How can we be sure in which direction we are going? It's not easy. The answers are not unambiguous. Reality is complex and unpredictable. I think it is important to pay attention to these issues. Are we ready for what awaits us?