Europeans Declare the EU 'a Paradise' as Calls for Unity Grow Amid Global Turmoil
Viral posts praising the European Union as a stability beacon have gathered tens of thousands of engagements, as citizens argue that Europe cannot ally with a chaotic America and must deepen integration to survive.
A viral sentiment is spreading across European social media: the European Union, with all its flaws, is a paradise compared to the turmoil elsewhere in the world.
The posts, which have accumulated tens of thousands of engagements over the past few days, reflect a growing recognition among Europeans of what they have built together. As the United States grapples with domestic divisions and policy reversals, pro-EU voices are making the case that survival in the modern world requires deeper integration, not retreat.
'Europe Cannot Be the Ally of This'
One of the most shared posts came from EU commentator Daractenus, whose stark assessment of transatlantic relations struck a nerve. The post, which gathered nearly 38,000 engagements, argued that Europe must acknowledge a difficult reality about its traditional ally.
The sentiment resonated widely, though it also drew criticism from those who see the transatlantic alliance as essential to European security.
A Paradise, With All Its Flaws
Han Skelsen, a pro-EU voice with over 20,000 followers, captured the mood of many Europeans in a single post that went viral with nearly 20,000 engagements. Looking at events unfolding elsewhere, Skelsen declared pride in being European and in being part of the European Union.
The replies reflected strong agreement. One German user wrote that they had "never been extremely proud or extremely happy" in Germany before, but now they are. A British user lamented that their "biggest fear prior to the 2016 referendum" has come true, watching their country drift closer to American dysfunction after leaving the EU.
Several American commenters expressed envy, with one noting that the EU "could offer long stay visas to US citizens with enough money and skills" and declaring "I'm ready to go."
The Numbers Back the Sentiment
The viral posts align with official polling data. According to the Standard Eurobarometer 103 survey conducted in Spring 2025, 74% of EU citizens say the European Union has benefited their member states, an all-time high since records began.
Support for deeper integration is also rising. As another viral post highlighted, 61% of Italians support transforming the EU into a federal union. Nine out of ten Europeans want stronger unity among member states, according to the Winter 2025 Eurobarometer survey.
This comes as Iceland prepares a referendum on EU membership, making it the 11th country seeking accession. Britain, which left the bloc in 2020, increasingly stands alone as neighbours seek closer ties with Brussels.
Survival Through Unity
Elisa Mosini, a pro-EU commentator, articulated what many are feeling: the stakes have changed. With the United States experiencing what she described as "tyranny" and Russia posing a threat from the east, the ambition for Europe has become survival itself.
The post argued that the only way for Europeans to live free under the rule of law is through a united Europe. This framing represents a shift from viewing European integration as an economic convenience to seeing it as an existential necessity.
NXT EU, a federalist account, reinforced the point with another viral post: small European countries acting alone would simply be bullied and extorted. United, they can build what the account called "the superpower Europe deserves to be."
Americans Are Noticing Too
The European self-appreciation comes as more Americans are looking eastward. According to CS Global Partners, the number of US citizens moving abroad effectively doubled in the first quarter of 2025, with a 102.4% jump compared to the previous quarter.
Professionals are increasingly trading what experts describe as "the chaos and costs of life in the US for Europe's perceived calm and social safety nets." Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Greece have emerged as top destinations, with affordable healthcare, lower cost of living, and political stability cited as key draws.
The Case for Deeper Integration
The viral "paradise" posts coincide with concrete moves toward closer union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in India last week for what officials call "the mother of all trade deals," a partnership covering two billion people that signals Europe's push for strategic independence.
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen has called for "European patriotism," warning that outside forces "want to divide us from the outside to assert political and economic control." The EU's response to American threats over Greenland demonstrated what unified action can achieve.
The sentiment spreading online suggests that many ordinary Europeans are reaching the same conclusion: for all its bureaucratic frustrations and internal debates, the European project offers something increasingly rare in today's world: stability, rule of law, and the strength that comes from standing together.
January 26, 2026