Geopolitical upheaval is fuelling a growing sense of anxiety among EU citizens, according to the European Parliament’s latest Eurobarometer survey, published on Wednesday 4 February.
Over one in two Europeans (52%) say they are pessimistic about the future of the world, while 39% fear for the future of the European Union and 41% that of their own country. On the other hand, more than three quarters of those questioned (76%) said they were optimistic about their future and that of their family.
Safety concerns largely dominate the survey results. Conflicts near the EU top the list of concerns (72%), ahead of terrorism (67%), cyber attacks from third countries (66%), natural disasters worsened by climate change (66%) and uncontrolled migration flows (65%).
Disinformation worries 69% of respondents, while hate speech, fake content generated by artificial intelligence and threats to freedom of expression are cited by almost seven out of ten Europeans.
Two-thirds of those polled (66%) would like the EU to make a greater contribution to their security. The EU’s priorities should be to strengthen its defence and security (40%), improve its economic and industrial competitiveness (32%) and increase its energy independence (29%).
While a majority of respondents expect their standard of living to remain stable over the next five years, more than a quarter (28%) anticipate a deterioration. Fears are strongest in France (45%), Belgium and Slovakia (40%).
Further details: https://aeur.eu/f/kkk (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)