If you are considering obtaining EU citizenship as part of your plan to move, study, or invest in Europe, it is important to take into account not only legal and financial aspects. Safety, stability, and quality of life are also of paramount importance. In this text, we will examine the key parameters for assessing safety and provide an overview of the safest countries in Europe.
Safety Assessment Criteria
- Global Peace Index (GPI).
This is an international index that analyzes countries based on three main areas: public safety, internal and external conflicts, and the level of militarization. - Crime Rate.
To analyze the crime situation, it is worth paying attention to Numbeo data for 2024, which will help assess the crime level in various countries and cities. - Political and Social Stability.
This includes the effectiveness of government management, quality of infrastructure, development of law enforcement and healthcare systems, as well as the level of social protection.
The Safest Countries in Europe
Among the countries that consistently show high safety ratings, the following stand out:
- Iceland.
The undisputed leader in the global GPI ranking (2025) with a score of about 1.095, recognized as the safest country in Europe and the world. - Ireland.
Ranked second in GPI due to its low crime rate, stable political system, and quality governance. - Austria.
Among the top five countries for safety (GPI index approximately 1.294), characterized by a developed legal system and strong government institutions. - Portugal.
One of the most peaceful countries in Europe: GPI 2025 — about 1.371, with positive trends in public safety and political stability. - Denmark and Finland.
Both countries are leaders due to their high standard of living, effective social policies, and low crime rates.
Using This Data to Choose a Country
This information will be useful when planning your move or investments:
- Choose countries with low GPI scores — the lower the value, the higher the level of safety;
- Study statistics for specific cities, as national data may not reflect local characteristics;
- Don’t forget about political stability, infrastructure development, and the level of social assistance — these factors are as important as the crime rate.
Safety is a crucial aspect when planning a move, study, or investment, especially if you aim to obtain EU citizenship or related rights. Europe as a whole remains one of the safest regions on the planet, and countries like Iceland, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Denmark, and Finland stand out among the rest. These states consistently achieve high results in international rankings, providing comfortable living conditions.
Choosing one of these countries significantly increases the chances of safe and comfortable living abroad.
