The results of the ÖGfE sentiment barometer survey show that support for EU membership, at 61%, is well below the long-term average of 70%. The European Union must focus on its strengths and further strengthen its independence by reducing dependencies and focusing on diversified free trade. The MERCOSUR free trade agreement also divides opinion in Austria. The lack of agreement among EU countries on the strategic orientation toward Russia and the US poses a major challenge. According to Schmidt, the European Union must reflect on its strengths and focus on cooperation in order to remain capable of acting in an increasingly complex world.