Europe Divided

The Results of PEW Research’s Public Opinion Poll

Abstract

Pew Research Center conducted public opinion polling in Europe in the spring of 2016 in order to get a thorough look regarding the European public’s view on current threats and challenges perceived. The article summarizes their findings, highlighting that Europeans find their own internal, national problems to be the most important, while they are critical of the European Union’s measures in handling the refugee crisis, the economic crisis and its relations with Russia. At the same time they expect a more active international role from the EU, perceive the “Islamic State” as the primary threat to them, while Russian, Chinese and American influence is not seen as a threat. NATO enjoys a positive view, while the refugee crisis divides the continent and opinions are also mixed of promoting human rights.