A recent survey by BVA Xsight for ARTE Europe Weekly, a project led by French-German TV channel ARTE GEIE, reveals that a significant majority of Europeans (70%) believe their countries are accepting an excessive number of foreign migrants.
Concerns and Perceptions
- 85% of respondents advocate for increased efforts by the European Union to combat irregular migration.
- Only 39% believe that Europe requires immigration from outside the bloc.
- Immigration is perceived as a problem in several countries:
- Bulgaria (74%)
- Czech Republic (73%)
- Hungary and Cyprus (68% each)
- Greece (90%)
- Paradoxically, only 44% of respondents in Italy, where the highest number of irregular immigrants entered last year, view immigration as a problem.
Health, War, and Other Concerns
Beyond immigration, Europeans express other concerns:
- Health (41%)
- War in Ukraine (38%)
- Environment and inflation (24%, tied)
Country-specific priorities also emerge:
- France: purchasing power
- Poland: security
- Ireland: housing
- Spain: unemployment
European Parliament Elections and Perceptions
The survey coincides with the upcoming European Parliament elections in June.
- 73% of respondents feel optimistic about their personal futures.
- However, 57% believe the economic situation in the EU has worsened, and 63% report the same for their own countries.
- Only 33% view EU decisions as having a positive impact on their lives.
- Portugal (51%) and some other countries acknowledge the positive influence of the EU.
- France and the Czech Republic (21% each) have the lowest opinions of the EU's impact.
National vs. European Identity
Only 9% of Europeans identify as more European than national.
- In newer EU member states, citizens prioritize national needs:
- Romania (82%)
- Bulgaria (81%)
- Greece and Latvia (79% each)
- However, most countries favor strengthening common European policies in areas like defense (72%) and immigration (70%).
Divisions Within Europe
The survey suggests a division within Europe:
- "End of the world" concerns (security, Ukraine war): Estonia, Finland, Poland
- "End of the month" concerns (cost of living): France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal
Ukraine War and European Union
- 62% fear an imminent war with Russia.
- Only 30% believe Europe has adequate military resources.
- 61% support increased EU support for Ukraine, while 63% favor negotiating a ceasefire.
- 63% support Ukraine's accession to the EU, though some countries express reluctance.
Climate Change and Environmental Concerns
- 82% view climate change as a significant problem.
- 43% prioritize fighting global warming, particularly in southern Europe.
- There is more support for government-led environmental measures (e.g., pesticide reduction, public transportation investment) than for individual behavioral changes (e.g., increased taxes on personal vehicle use).
