European consumers overwhelmingly view increased government spending on defense and infrastructure as a personal financial threat rather than an economic benefit, according to a new ING Consumer Research survey. The study, conducted across six major European economies, found that nearly three-quarters of respondents expect the spending to damage their financial situation through inflation, higher taxes, or spending cuts to programs they rely on.

Romania showed the highest concern levels at 78%, followed closely by Belgium and the Netherlands at 74% and 67% respectively. Only about a third of respondents believed the spending would benefit them personally, with even fewer optimistic about broader economic stimulus effects. The survey revealed that 60% of respondents worried about tax increases, while half feared inflation would erode their purchasing power.

ING's findings highlight a significant disconnect between expert economic optimism and public sentiment. The survey also revealed an interesting correlation: respondents with higher financial literacy were actually less likely to believe government spending would benefit their finances through economic stimulation. As European NATO countries push toward 5% GDP defense spending targets and Germany restructures its constitutional debt brake, policymakers face the challenge of addressing consumer fears while maintaining public trust in fiscal decisions.