Europeans overwhelmingly want a united and independent Europe but question whether such ambitions can materialise, according to a new study that reveals a deepening crisis of confidence across the continent. The sentiment may be creating openings for far-right political narratives centred on decline.
The report drew from 5,800 interviews conducted in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and the UK. It also analysed how Europe is discussed in politics and media across 15 countries. The findings paint a troubling picture of widespread disillusionment despite strong ambitions for continental unity.
Here’s the contradiction: 73% of respondents expressed support for a stronger European vision focused on unity, political integration, peace or prosperity. Yet 68% spoke about Europe in terms of general deterioration. Only 12% viewed the current moment as one of renewal. The gap between aspiration and belief is stark.
What challenges do Europeans see? War ranked highest at 43%, followed by economic pressures at 33% and the need for international autonomy at 29%. Despite recognising these threats, 74% said Europe wasn’t dealing with them well, and 56% believed its future was in danger.
Pawel Zerka, a senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations who authored the study, described it as an “imagination gap.” People haven’t stopped wanting a stronger Europe. They simply no longer believe it’s achievable.
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