The New Normal? A 7-country comparative study on the impacts of COVID-19 on trust, social cohesion, democracy and expectations for an uncertain future.
FR GER IT NL PL UK US 1 About More in Common
More in Common is an international initiative set up in 2017 to build societies that are stronger, more united, and more resilient to the increasing threats of polarization and social division.
We work with a wide range of groups in civil society, politics, government, business, faith, education, philanthropy and the media to connect people across lines of division.
More in Common’s teams in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States work together and share a commitment to advancing our mission.
For more information please visit www.moreincommon.com or contact us at [email protected]
2 About this Study
COVID-19 has upended the lives of people across the world, causing untold suffering and dislocation, with a death toll expected to soon exceed one million. The impact of the pandemic on our health, economy and society will reshape the world of the 2020s. It could result in societies becoming more deeply divided along existing fault lines, but that is not inevitable. This study shows that COVID-19 has unleashed hopes for change, especially in countries that have struggled most with the virus. It has also made us more aware of our shared humanity, of the value of strong local communities, and of the importance of our connection to nature.
Many choices lie ahead as we grapple with the fallout of the pandemic. The decisions being made in the months ahead – in families, communities and nations – will have consequences for a generation. This is why More in Common has compiled this snapshot of public opinion in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States, with key findings on:
• The impact of the pandemic on personal health, family life, employment and finances • How COVID-19 has impacted our societies – and people’s feelings of togetherness, solidarity, empathy, trust and loneliness • Whether people want a return to normal or wish to see significant change in the aftermath of the pandemic • Views on political priorities and support for policies on issues such as the economy, jobs, the environment and taxation • Hopes and fears for the future
Our snapshot combines a mix of country-specific and cross-country questions. We hope that the findings presented here, as well as the detailed national studies that form part of this project, will provide valuable insights into this once-in-a-generation moment. Most of all, we hope they will strengthen efforts to build more united and resilient societies. 3 Scope and Methodology
Scope France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, United States
Methodology N=2,000 per country; margin of error +/- 2%; some figures may not add up to 100% due to rounding.
Research partners § France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Poland: Kantar § UK and US: YouGov
Fieldwork dates § France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Poland: July 1-8, 2020 § UK: June 19-28, 2020 § US: June 19-22, 2020
Method: Online survey using representative demographic quotas Note: Due to space constraints, not all questions were asked in every country 4 Findings at a Glance (1)
The pandemic has generated a mix of compassion, isolation and anxiety.
• Majorities in all countries feel reminded of our shared humanity; significant numbers also sense that people’s level of concern for each other has improved.
• Perceived commitment to social distancing measures varies widely between countries and trust in each other has fallen, in some cases by a daunting margin.
• About half report feeling alone in this crisis, and many perceive growing levels of division.
• In every country, majorities fear a second wave of COVID-19 infections and lockdowns, greater division and political instability, and severe economic depressions.
• The United States is markedly worse off: Americans are profoundly concerned about the division in their country, report worsening trust in their government, and are most likely of all nationalities to want the country to become more united.
• In all 7 countries, medical staff, frontline workers, emergency personnel and medical researchers are seen as deserving the most praise for how they performed during the first phase of the pandemic
5 Findings at a Glance (2)
Germany and The Netherlands do well where others struggle, but all governments face skepticism of their handling of information.
• In the UK, US, France, and Poland, people tend to feel deeply disappointed by their government’s handling of the crisis so far, while Germans and the Dutch feel greater levels of pride.
• Correspondingly, confidence in the government’s ability to tackle future crises is low everywhere except for Germany and the Netherlands.
• Across countries, people are split on whether the government is hiding information from the public, while significant minorities report believing that the crisis is being exaggerated to pursue an agenda.
• Everywhere studied, trust in government is higher at the local level.
6 Findings at a Glance (3)
Big appetites for change, but modest expectations it will happen.
• In countries hardest hit by the pandemic—Italy, UK, US, France—most have hopes for profound change. However, only Americans anticipate “significant changes will happen” after the pandemic.
• Far from dampening commitment to a greener future, majorities in 6 of 7 countries say the government is not doing enough on climate, and show broad support for policies such as a Green New Deal.
• Most countries want their government to focus on healthcare, employment and the environment in the aftermath of this crisis.
• In the US, between 17% and 37% say they would not get vaccinated against COVID-19.
• While there are mixed views on the EU’s handling of COVID-19 (and negative views in Italy), there is broad support for stronger European and multilateral cooperation to weather this and future storms – including taking on common debt.
• Many see rescue funds as an opportunity to shift norms on corporate accountability, better wages, and environmental protection.
7 Table of Contents
I. The Impact of COVID-19 on People’s Personal Lives 9
II. Collective Experience under COVID-19 15
III. Power, Institutions and the Media 25
IV. After COVID-19 42
V. Views on the European Union, European Policies and Social 55 Cohesion in Europe
8 I. The Impact of COVID-19 on People’s Personal Lives
9 People in all countries feel their mental health has worsened more than their physical health.
Physical Health Mental Health
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved Has worsened Has not changed Has improved 19 71 10 22 70 8 14 77 8 24 69 8 22 67 12 26 64 10 17 72 11 20 69 11 28 63 9 37 57 7 27 60 13 36 57 7 21 72 7 35 60 4 Numbers in % Numbers in %
Question: To what extent are the following aspects of your life different due to the COVID-19 pandemic? 10 Everywhere, people’s financial situations have worsened significantly, while impacts on family life are mixed.
Family Life Financial Situation
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved Has worsened Has not changed Has improved 14 73 14 30 63 7 14 73 13 25 68 7 21 65 14 48 45 7 10 75 15 21 69 10 24 62 14 45 47 8 33 54 13 31 55 14 22 67 12 32 59 10 Numbers in % Numbers in %
Question: To what extent are the following aspects of your life different due to the COVID-19 pandemic? 11 The personal impacts of COVID-19 vary greatly between countries.
"Do you personally know someone who…?"
Has been ill with COVID-19 Has died from COVID-19 Who has lost their job or employment due to COVID-19
45 39 33 33 33 31 29 30 28 21 14 18 17 16 13 15 13 11 11 % Agree Agree % Agree 5 5 Agree % Agree
Question: Do you personally know someone who…? 12 Financial difficulties are a greater concern than job security. Worried about...
Loss of job or employment* Financial difficulties
% % 55 46 42 42 39 42 34 35 32 Worried Worried 28 24 27 21 20
Question: To what extent are you currently worried or not worried that….? *Note that these percentages exclude respondents who responded “Does not apply to me”. 13 There are high levels of concern about a second wave. Worried...
That someone among their friends & That there will be future waves of COVID-19 family will get ill with COVID-19 infections and lockdown in their country
77 69 72 69 72 64 63
% 60 59 56 58 % 57 48 40 Worried Worried
Question: To what extent are you currently worried or not worried that….? 14 II. Collective Experience under COVID-19
15 People say they have followed social distancing rules. How closely did people abide by COVID-19 rules?
Not closely Not very at all closely Somewhat closely Very closely
1 5 39 54
2 7 40 52
1 5 40 54
2 10 48 41
3 12 47 39
3 4 36 58
6 7 35 52
Question: When it comes to the COVID-19 social distancing rules that have been put in place in your area (wearing a mask, staying home, etc.), would you say that you have followed the rules…? 16 Most people feel duty-bound to follow the rules but differ on whether others adhere to them.
“I feel that it is my duty as a citizen to follow Most people have been respecting Most people have not been social distancing and other rules.” the rules and doing their share to following the rules and have done fight the virus together. too little to fight the virus together.
90 87 85 37 63 82 81 79 77 23
65 35
71 29 Agree % Agree
41 59
59 41
Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more?; To what extent do you agree with the following statement? 17 People are most likely to have expressed thanks to essential workers in recent months. Participation in COVID-19 relief activities
75
FR
GE 50 IT
NL
25 PL
UK
US 0 Expressed thanks to health care Chose to spend more than usual Made a donation to a COVID-19 Volunteered to help those most or essential workers at a local business to support it cause or group affected during COVID-19
Question: In which of the following activities have you participated since the COVID-19 pandemic began, if any? 18 People appreciate those who are on the frontlines of combatting COVID-19. Groups that deserve particular praise for their actions
100 FR
GE 75 IT
50 NL
PL 25 UK
US 0
Teachers Journalists Immigrants Medical Staff Older People Frontline workers Younger People Wealthy People Welfare Recipients Big business leaders EmergencyMedical Personnel ResearchersSmall business owners Chinese communitiesNational Government in Italy LGBTQ leaders Groups (Poland only) Question: When you think of how different people have acted in the COVID-19 pandemic so far: Please indicate whether the following groups of people deserve particular praise for their actions, deserve particular blame for their actions, or whether they deserve neither 19 particular praise nor particular blame for their actions. Blame is directed at the powerful. Groups that deserve particular blame for their actions
100 FR
GE 75 IT
50 NL
PL
25 UK
US 0
Teachers Journalists Immigrants Older People Medical Staff Wealthy People Younger People Frontline workers Welfare Recipients Big business leaders Medical Researchers Small business ownersEmergency Personnel National government leaders LGBTQ Groups (Poland only)Chinese communities in Italy
Question: When you think of how different people have acted in the COVID-19 pandemic so far: Please indicate whether the following groups of people deserve particular praise for their actions, deserve particular blame for their actions, or whether they deserve neither 20 particular praise nor particular blame for their actions. In all countries, trust in others has worsened more than it has improved. How has people’s trust in others changed during the crisis?
Worse than before Has not changed Better than before 34 60 6
26 68 6
42 49 9
21 70 9
43 51 6
31 63 7
41 56 2 Numbers in %
Question: To what extent are the following aspects of your life different due to the COVID-19 pandemic? 21 The crisis has reminded us of our shared humanity.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made me “The COVID-19 crisis has reminded us that no more aware of the living conditions of matter where we are from, as humans we are other people in this country.” fundamentally the same.”
77 74 77 76 77 73 73 70
56 59 58 56 57 57 Agree % Agree Agree % Agree
Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement? 22 Many feel that people’s concern for one another has improved.
People’s concern for others…
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved
14 65 22
10 58 32
9 57 34
8 49 43
15 49 36
9 38 53
28 45 28 Numbers in %
Question: Since this pandemic began, how have the following things changed in [COUNTRY], if at all? People’s concern for each other 23 About as many Europeans feel supported in this crisis as feel alone.
In this crisis, I have felt In this crisis, I have felt “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown me that most like I am mainly on my own. the support and care of others. people in our country care about each other"
45 55
51 49
48 52 62 57 57 53 59 42 47 40 53 47
39 61 Agree % Agree Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more?; To what extent do you agree with the following statement? 24 III. Power, Institutions and the Media
25 In all countries, people perceive a stronger sense of division than unity, especially in the US. More divided or united since COVID-19?
Much more Somewhat more Neither more Somewhat more Much more divided divided divided nor more united united united 6 23 54 14 3
5 23 51 19 2
6 23 46 20 4
4 24 48 21 3
10 30 42 14 4
8 24 42 23 3
26 38 30 4 1 Numbers in %
Question: Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, how have your perceptions of [COUNTRY] changed, if at all? Is it…? 26 Pride or Shame: Perceptions differ about each country’s handling of the crisis.
My country’s handling of the crisis has My country’s handling of the crisis has made me feel prouder of my country. left me disappointed in my country.
39 61
68 32
54 46
65 35
42 58
39 61
29 70
Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more? 27 On their handling of the crisis, only Germany and the Netherlands do well. Perception of governments’ handling of the crisis.
Democratic Undemocratic Competent Incompetent Fair Unfair 47 54 41 59 46 54 70 31 72 28 69 31 54 46 53 47 57 43 60 40 70 30 68 32 42 58 41 59 42 58 55 46 39 60 59 41 37 64 40 59
Agree % Agree % Agree %
Question: When you think of how the [NATIONALITY] government has managed the COVID-19 situation so far, which of the following opposing terms describes government action better? Please note: first question was not asked in the United States. 28 Most people feel that COVID-19 restrictions have been reasonable.
The COVID-19 restrictions on our The COVID-19 restrictions on our lives have been completely lives have been completely reasonable and proportional. unreasonable and disproportional.
74 26
82 18
72 28
74 26
64 36
82 18
65 35
Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more? 29 Only a minority of people are confident their government is able to deal with future crises. "I am confident in our current government's ability to tackle the challenges ahead of us."
67 60
47 45 41
Agree % Agree 35 35
Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? 30 Everywhere, trust in local government has suffered much less than trust in national government.
Trust in National Government Trust in Local Government
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved Has worsened Has not changed Has improved 40 50 10 13 73 14 19 53 28 13 69 18 36 43 21 24 55 21 18 55 27 14 75 12 49 39 13 24 63 12 45 42 14 22 66 11 54 41 5 25 60 15 Numbers in % Numbers in %
Question: Since this pandemic began, how have the following things changed, if at all? 31 Trust in the health system has increased more than trust in the welfare system, with some outliers.
Trust in the Health System Trust in the Welfare System
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved Has worsened Has not changed Has improved 22 58 20 19 65 16 12 52 36 17 58 25 16 45 39 19 51 31 10 52 38 18 64 18 29 54 17 29 58 13 9 48 44 18 61 20 35 52 13 33 60 7 Numbers in % Numbers in %
Question: Since this pandemic began, how have the following things changed, if at all? 32 Heads of State: Germany, Italy and the Netherlands stand out in their approvals. Approval of Head of State
77
65 64
49 40 39 41 in % Approval
Question: Do you approve or disapprove of the way [HEAD OF GOVERNMENT / STATE] is doing his/her job? 33 In several countries, we see a desire for a strong leader, willing to break rules.
“To put our country in order, we need a strong leader who is willing to break the rules.“
78 71 70
58 59 55 47 % Agree
Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement? 34 Most believe government cares too little about essential workers and the vulnerable. Groups that government cares too little about…
75 FR
GE 50 IT
NL
Selected % Selected 25 PL
UK
0 US
Poor PeopleMedical Staff The Elderly Immigrants Frontline workers People like me Wealthy People People in bigBig cities business owners Small business owners Ethnic or racial minorities Families with schoolage children
Question: Please indicate how much the [NATIONALITY] government seems to care about the following groups in its response to the 35 COVID-19 situation… People believe their government cares too much about big business and the rich. Groups that government cares too much about…
75 FR
GE 50 IT
NL
Selected % Selected 25 PL
UK 0 US
Immigrants The Elderly Poor People Medical Staff People like me Wealthy People Frontline workers Big business owners People in big cities Small business owners Ethnic or racial minorities Families with schoolage children Question: Please indicate how much the [NATIONALITY] government seems to care about the following groups in its response to the COVID-19 situation… 36 Not shown for the US: the unemployed, younger people, state government leaders, town government leaders, journalists, teachers, religious leaders, long-haul truck drivers, farmers, postal workers. More people believe the tone of public debate has worsened rather than improved.
How has the tone of public debate changed during the crisis?
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved 31 62 7
29 57 14
37 54 9
25 56 19
47 46 8
38 48 15
59 34 7 Numbers in %
Question: Since this pandemic began, how have the following things changed in [COUNTRY], if at all? 37 People trust their relatives, experts and their doctor for information on COVID-19. Who do people trust for reliable information on COVID-19?
100 FR
75 GE
IT 50 NL Selected % Selected 25 PL
UK
0 US
Business leaders Your personalThe doctor Pope (IT, PL only) Trade Union leaders Your relatives and friends Influencers on social media The news media you consume Experts from science and medicine Social media friends and contacts Representatives of yourRepresentatives local government of the national government
Question: Please indicate to what extent, if at all, you trust these groups of people or institutions when it comes to accurate and reliable 38 information on the COVID-19 pandemic. Citizens suspect their government of hiding things about COVID-19 and distrust the media’s motives.
“The government is making this crisis “The government knows things about “The media seem to be pursuing their seem bigger than it is to push through COVID-19 that it is hiding from the own agenda rather than simply their own agenda.” public.” reporting the facts.”
75 65 65 65 63 61 60 59 57 55 51 51 49 45 46 38 38 41 33 30 Agree % Agree Agree % Agree 24 % Agree
Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statements? 39 Few people publicly protested their government’s COVID-19 policies. Participation in Anti-Government Protest
Attended a protest against COVID- Posted on social media against related government policies. COVID-19 government policies.
10 10 11 5 7 7 7 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 Agree % Agree Agree % Agree
Question: In which of the following activities have you participated since the COVID-19 pandemic began, if any? 40 On mobile tracing apps, opinions vary on privacy more than on necessity.
100 Implementing a tracing app is a 80 necessary step.
60
40 Agree % Agree
20
0 0 20 40 60 80 100 I trust that my privacy will be protected.
Question: Many governments are debating or rolling out mobile tracing apps to manage and reduce the spread of COVID-19. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? 41 Around 30% of people in most countries would not take a COVID-19 vaccine. Willingness to get vaccinated
Not at all likely Not very likely Somewhat likely Very likely
12 21 35 32
12 18 31 40
13 16 36 35
9 16 34 42
16 21 33 31
6 11 28 54
17 13 25 45
Numbers in %
Question: If a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 is developed, how likely would you be to get vaccinated? 42 IV. After COVID-19
43 Coming out of the crisis, most people fear greater division and an economic downturn.
Worried that...
89 90 87 85 81 82 77 77 77 79 79 79 75 74 70 71 70 66 68 67 66 63 61 59 57 55 55 51 Numbers in % in Numbers
Country will become less Citizens' freedoms will be The country will become further The economy will enter a severe politically stable permanently limited or reduced divided depression
Question: To what extent are you currently worried or not worried that….? People are concerned about the stability of their nation as well as the welfare of minorities.
Worried that...
63 58 54 55 50 50 52 49 46 47 42 60 56 59 38 53 52 47 Numbers in % in Numbers
Ethnic, racial or religious minorities will There will be rioting and looting in my There will be new conflicts between my suffer more than others from this crisis country country and others
Question: To what extent are you currently worried or not worried that….? 45 Policy priorities: healthcare, employment and environment.
Improving our health system 38 24 36 46 56 41 33 Reducing unemployment 34 19 48 30 35 30 26 Protecting climate and environment 33 31 20 24 25 28 15 Supporting individuals and families in greatest need 18 28 28 28 24 25 21 Supporting small business 28 21 29 20 23 20 19 Reducing immigration and refugee intake 26 23 21 20 12 21 17 Reducing economic inequality 22 19 23 16 15 18 15 Fighting crime and violence 20 23 13 20 11 25 27 Improving our education system 11 22 17 10 14 14 11 Protecting democratic rights and freedoms 9 14 8 12 18 10 19 Addressing racism in our society 8 17 5 13 7 19 25 Reducing terrorism 12 11 5 12 4 13 9 Improving cooperation between countries 6 10 5 9 8 8 Reducing political division 3 8 6 6 16 5 12 Strengthening European integration 4 7 7 5 8 Working towards gender equality 7 4 7 3 5 2 3
Protecting ethnic, racial and religious minorities 3 3 3 4 4 6 8
Question: Besides containing the COVID-19 pandemic, which of the following issues should the government prioritize addressing in the months ahead? Please select the top 3. 46 Populations in the hardest hit countries want change, but majorities do not expect that change to materialize.
I mostly just want things to We should seize the I doubt that much will I think that significant changes return to normal, to how opportunity of COVID-19 to change in our country after will happen in our country they were before the make important changes to the pandemic is over. after the pandemic is over. pandemic. our country.
38 62 70 30
50 51 61 39
42 59 65 36
54 46 62 38
60 40 62 38
36 64 55 45
46 54 47 52
Agree % Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more? 47 There is strong support for policies to bring jobs back from overseas and for a Green New Deal. Support for Visionary Policies
84 85 81 81 77 74 74 72 69 71 71 62 59 57 56 54 52 48 49 42 44 Numbers in % in Numbers
Developing a “Green New Deal” that makes Introducing a “Universal Basic Income”, in Developing a plan to bring back large-scale government investments to which the government pays every citizen a manufacturing industries and jobs that have make our economy more environmentally monthly income without any further been moved overseas in recent decades. friendly. conditions.
Question: When it comes to your actions during and after the crisis, would you personally be willing or not to do the following… People are willing to make personal sacrifices for the recovery, to varying extents.
71 68 66 64 62 58 59 58 53 54 54 49 49 46 46 47 44 43 44 42 41 40 37 35 34 33 31 33 30 30 28 24 Numbers in % in Numbers 23 21 19
Pay higher income taxes to Pay higher taxes on Pay higher prices for Accept restrictions on my Join a voluntary service help finance the economic gasoline or car ownership products made in country freedom of movement to program to help recovery of country to help protect the to save jobs in country protect the health of communities recover from environment others COVID-19
Question: When it comes to your actions during and after the crisis, would you personally be willing or not to do the following… Nearly all believe that packages to rescue the private sector should be conditional. Conditions on Rescue Packages for the Private Sector
95 95 91 91 91 91 93 91 91 93 93 91 89 87 88 87 87 84 83 84 83 Support % Support
Stop using overseas tax havens and pay the proper Guarantee fair wages for all their workers Commit to shifting jobs back from overseas to taxes in [COUNTRY] [COUNTRY]
Question: The government is currently working on measures to help the economy and support businesses. What do you think: To what extent would you support or oppose requiring companies to fulfil the following criteria if they are to receive government aid? 50 Conditions on packages include environmental responsibility, tax havens and fair wages. Conditions on Rescue Packages for the Private Sector
91 89 90 88 90 85 86 87 82 78 78 73 69 64 Support % Support
Make commitments to reduce their carbon Put a ceiling on pay for senior executives emissions and protect the environment
Question: The government is currently working on measures to help the economy and support businesses. What do you think: To what extent would you support or oppose requiring companies to fulfil the following criteria if they are to receive government aid? 51 People aspire to have their country be safer, fairer and more environmentally-friendly. The country should become more…
Environmentally-friendly 38 31 26 24 31 22 Fair 33 21 28 36 19 18 Safe 25 22 32 25 21 18 Healthy 14 13 32 23 27 20 Democratic 17 20 22 31 12 10 United 14 23 11 26 18 29 Tolerant 19 10 18 25 19 14 Equal 8 15 21 12 20 25 Educated 13 22 6 13 21 21 Family-oriented 26 16 8 10 12 16 Hard-working 4 26 9 11 19 19 Patriotic 7 11 12 9 12 18 Traditional 11 7 14 6 8 10 Compassionate 10 3 10 3 17 22 Prosperous 3 12 9 10 9 9 Self-confident 13 10 6 8 5 3 Christian 5 7 6 7 5 13 52 Question: Which of the following qualities do you think [COUNTRY] should focus on the most? [COUNTRY] should become more… Drops in emissions show the potential of climate policy, but most worry momentum will falter. “The drop in carbon emissions that was seen during “Commitment to protecting the the COVID-19 lockdown shows that we can reduce environment will slow down or stop.” our impact on the environment if we really want to.”
81 81 76 75 74 74 75 67 60 57 51 52 Worried % Worried Agree % Agree
Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement?; To what extent are you currently worried or not worried that…? 53 Most people feel their government is not doing enough on the environment.
On the environment, the government is doing… Not nearly Not doing Doing the right amount Doing too much Doing far too enough enough much 16 41 25 12 5
12 41 36 8 5
20 44 30 5 2
10 31 38 15 6
29 37 28 5 2
20 39 36 4 1
32 24 30 8 6 Numbers in %
Question: Thinking about the current situation, which of the following statements do you agree with most? On the environment, the government is… 54 Views on welcoming migrants are mostly unchanged, but some have become more opposed since the pandemic began.
Change in views on migration since COVID-19
Much more Slightly more No change, No change, Slightly more Much more in opposed opposed generally opposed generally in favor in favor favor 11 14 37 28 7 3
11 17 26 39 6 2
14 15 27 33 7 4
10 16 30 33 7 2
15 19 28 29 7 3
10 9 31 44 4 3
Numbers in %
Question: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, how have your views changed about accepting migrants into [COUNTRY], if at all? 55 V. Views on the European Union, European Policies and Social Cohesion in Europe
This section includes data from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and The Netherlands and, where relevant, the United Kingdom, but not the United States.
56 EU membership is viewed in neutral or positive terms by most people.
EU Membership is…
A bad thing Neither a good nor a bad thing A good thing Don’t know
21 32 38 9%
16 27 50 7%
28 32 33 7%
20 29 42 10%
9 25 59 8% Numbers in %
Question: Generally speaking, would you say that [COUNTRY’s] membership of the EU is…? 57 EU’s importance is expected to increase in the future.
EU Membership will be…
Less important Just as important as before More important
19 62 19
11 56 34
29 46 25
19 59 22
18 59 23
Numbers in %
Question: In the coming years, [COUNTRY]’s membership in the EU will be... 58 Since the pandemic began, views of the EU have worsened rather than improved, especially amongst Italians.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, trust in the EU…
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved 31 60 9
25 64 12
44 42 14
27 64 10
22 64 14
23 65 12
Numbers in %
Question: Since this pandemic began, how have the following things changed in [COUNTRY], if at all? 59 But most agree that more European cooperation is the best way out of this crisis.
Within the European Union, we Demands for solidarity between For our country, more For our country, more now need to do everything we European countries are European cooperation is the national control over our can to help countries in need. currently being pushed too far. best way out of this crisis. decision-making is the best way out of this crisis.
64 36 59 41
66 33 63 36
67 32 57 43
53 47 53 45
71 29 68 31
Agree % Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more? Numbers for “do not know” not indicated 60 The largest group in every country supports taking on common European debt to fund the recovery.
"A European Reconstruction Fund to help economic recovery in the European Union, for which the European Commission takes on common debt to be paid back by member states."
Support Do not support Don’t know
61 15 24
50 26 24
66 15 19
48 31 21
52 21 27
Numbers in %
Question: There is currently debate about different political measures. Would you support or oppose the following proposals? 61 Most people see the need for international cooperation to solve this and future crises.
This crisis shows we need to work more This crisis shows we can’t rely on other closely with other countries and international countries and international institutions for institutions to address major challenges like support when we face major challenges like pandemics and climate change. pandemics and climate change.
64 36
75 25
62 38
71 29
73 27
67 33
Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more? 62 Thank you www.moreincommon.com
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