When official mood surveys about Europe are considered, everything seems to be in good order. According to the Eurobarometer, a survey series conducted by the EU Commission, the image of the European Parliament has continued to improve, reaching 41% positive, with only 18% holding a negative view. And 55% express optimism about the future of the EU, with only 42% expressing „concerns". A similar majority expresses „trust“ in the EU as an institution, although a good third also feel "distant“. At the same time, over 80% support a stronger role for the EU. The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, sees this as a mandate to further expand EU responsibilities.

So everything is in good order? Of course, behind the aggregated EU figures, there are significant variances within the community of nations: In Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia, the reputation of the European Parliament is significantly worse than in Greece, Portugal, Germany, and Poland. Interestingly, positive ratings in Hungary even exceed the EU average. This is all the more reassuring, as negative statements about the EU are often singled out and used for the political discourse of individual member states.

Nevertheless, the surveys also show that individuals' own feelings about the EU differ significantly from their political stance on specific decisions or range of topics of EU institutions. In the first case, EU citizens seem to have only positive experiences. This applies especially to freedom of movement, travel, cross-border mobility, and the common currency. The latter initially caused some confusion but is now a unifying element in practical use, simplifying travel and trade.

Germany, which benefits particularly strongly from the European single market due to its continental central location and the size of its economy, also stands out in its positive attitude towards the EU, beyond the Eurobarometer survey. According to the German Politbarometer survey from April, 57% of respondents wish for an even closer union of member states, with only 25% in favour of more independence. For a majority of 52%, the EU brings „mainly advantages“, with only 13% focusing on the disadvantages. Moreover, 78% of Germans see themselves as citizens of the EU. This figure is 72% across Europe.

Negative assessments of the EU always come to light – in Germany and elsewhere in Europe – when it comes to issues that politically concern citizens. ARD/Infratest-Dimap recently asked Germans about their satisfaction, but linked the abstract opinion to current topics such as migration. Here, two-thirds of eligible voters overall expressed „dissatisfaction" with EU-level politics, with only one-third being "rather satisfied“.

This is apparently related to the „problematic issues" that are prioritized. Immigration often tops the agenda (unlike in the case of „desirable issues“, where poverty is the priority), as this naturally also creates political waves domestically, and is shaped by personal impressions. The field of "conflict and threat situations“ follows closely, with climate issues ranking lower in comparison.

However, the handling of migration remains a festering wound in European politics, as evidenced by the Eurobarometer: Approval for tougher measures against migration has increased significantly to 75%. According to the Eurobarometer list, migration is followed by topics such as Ukraine (28%), international situation and conflicts (24%), inflation (20%), and only then climate change (16%).

Sociologists point out that the fear of „over-foreignisation" and the feeling of being dominated by the EU could play a role. But this is often difficult to grasp in surveys – also because preferences are not always openly expressed. It becomes clearer in a deep dive survey by the Linz-based Market Institut in Austria: While 30 years ago, 49% of Austrians associated „Europe" with "future“, currently only 30% do so. 63% of respondents stated that they no longer like "the direction“ in which Europe is heading.

The attitude of young people, specifically, is cause for concern. They are no longer as optimistic about the European community as they once were, and are more inclined towards extreme parties than before. According to the ARD-Deutschlandtrend survey, 22% of young people aged 14 to 29 can now imagine voting for the AfD, compared to 9% in 2022. The spectrum of relevant EU topics has also „adapted" accordingly. Inflation is most important to them, followed by war, housing and societal division. Climate change only comes in fifth place. Sociologist Klaus Hurrelmann speaks of a "clear shift to the right in the young population“.

This is also evident in election campaigns. Jordan Bardella, the European lead candidate of the right-wing extremist French party Rassemblement National, is very popular among young people in France. Events resemble more pop concerts with groupies and fan groups. In the Netherlands too, support for right-wing ideologies among young people is growing.

According to pollsters, this is likely due to news consumption habits. 51% of young people primarily get their information from TikTok. Social media bypasses established media, and allow populists to express right-wing positions without contradiction, often reinforced by algorithms of the platforms.

However, young people still seem eager to experience Europe through activities such as travel, education, or work placements. More than 43% have participated in such an activity in another EU country. But this does not seem to influence their political stance as much anymore. It used to be said that those who are not left-wing in their youth have no heart, and those who are still left-wing in their later years have no brains. But „left-wing“ as the preferred attribute of young people seems to have lost its appeal.