2012-05-28-皮尤-European_Unity_on_the_Rocks_84页_840kb

European Unity on the Rocks: Summary

Core Content

This report from the Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project examines the state of public opinion across eight European Union (EU) member states and the United States regarding the economic crisis, European unity, and the future of the EU. The findings highlight a deepening crisis of confidence in the European project, with stark contrasts between countries like Germany and Greece, and a general decline in support for the EU and its institutions.

Main Findings

1. Economic Crisis and Public Confidence

• The European sovereign debt crisis has evolved into a currency crisis and has led to a crisis of public confidence in the EU, its economy, and institutions.
• Europeans are deeply concerned about joblessness, inflation, and public debt.
• A median of 34% of Europeans believe that European economic integration has strengthened their country's economy, with majorities in several countries (e.g., Greece, France, Spain) thinking it has weakened their economies.
• A median of 16% of Europeans think their economy is performing well, with Greeks (2%) and Spaniards (6%) being the most pessimistic.
• Germans are the only country where a majority (59%) believes integration has helped the economy, and 73% see their economy as good.

2. Views on the Euro and Free Market

• A median of 37% of Europeans believe the euro has been a good thing, with Greeks (15%) and Spaniards (31%) being the most critical.
• Support for free market capitalism is declining, especially in Southern Europe. Only Germany (69%), Britain (61%), and France (58%) still have strong support.
• Since 2007, belief in capitalism has fallen by 23 points in Italy, 20 points in Spain, 15 points in Poland, 11 points in Britain, and 9 points in the Czech Republic.

3. Anti-German Sentiment and Isolation of Greece

• Greece is the most critical of European integration and the EU, with 78% holding an unfavorable view of Germany.
• Greeks are among the most dissatisfied with their country's direction and economy.
• Greece is the only country where a majority (84%) thinks Chancellor Angela Merkel is doing a bad job with the economic crisis.
• Greeks are also the least supportive of the European Central Bank (ECB), with only 15% holding a favorable view.

4. Distrust in Leaders and Policies

• Europeans have little faith in their leaders’ ability to handle the economic crisis.
• In most countries, majorities believe that efforts to reduce government spending have gone too far.
• There is widespread opposition to further fiscal austerity and EU budget oversight, with 75% of Greeks and 75% of British opposing EU oversight of national budgets.
• Germany is the most admired nation in the EU and its chancellor is the most respected leader.

5. Generational and Regional Concerns

• A median of 47% of Europeans doubt their children’s ability to improve their economic situation.
• Greeks (73%) and Spaniards (69%) are the most pessimistic about economic mobility.
• Germany is the only country where a majority (53%) is satisfied with the direction of their country, and 73% believe their economy is doing well.
• British and Germans are the least pessimistic about economic mobility compared to other Europeans.

6. Public Perception of Economic Threats

• Unemployment is seen as a major threat in all eight countries, with 97% of Greeks and 97% of Spaniards expressing concern.
• National debt is also a significant concern, with Greeks (97%) and Spaniards (83%) most worried.
• Inflation is a major worry, especially in Greece (93%) and Italy (89%).

7. North-South Divide and Regional Sentiments

• While Southern Europe (Italy, Greece, Spain) is more dissatisfied and pessimistic, Northern Europe (Britain, France, Germany) still has positive views of Southern countries.
• The north-south divide is not consistent across all policy areas, particularly in austerity and EU budget oversight.
• Greeks, Italians, and Spaniards are seen by British, French, and Germans as the most corrupt and least hardworking people in Europe.

Key Information

• The survey was conducted among 9,108 respondents in eight EU nations and the U.S., from March 17 to April 16, 2012.
• Germany is the only country with strong support for the EU and the euro.
• Greece is the most isolated and most critical of the EU and its institutions.
• Public confidence in the EU and its institutions has declined significantly since 2007, especially in Spain, Italy, and Poland.
• Anti-German sentiment is largely confined to Greece, with Greeks being the most critical of Germany.
• Support for free market capitalism is declining in Europe, but relatively stable in the U.S.
• Germans are the most optimistic about their economy and the least concerned about unemployment, inflation, and union power.

Conclusion

The European Union faces a crisis of public confidence, driven by the economic downturn and distrust in leaders and policies. While Germany remains a strong supporter of European integration, Greece is the most isolated and most critical of the EU. The north-south divide is not uniform, and public sentiment varies significantly across countries. Despite economic pessimism, most Europeans still believe they are better off than their parents, though generational concerns about economic mobility are rising. The free market is also under threat, with declining support in Europe but relatively stable in the U.S.