A survey shows that the vast majority of EU citizens want to take in fewer refugees. In Germany, a stricter course finds broad support. However, in a group of countries the population appears to be satisfied with the current course.
European citizens view the influx of migrants critically: More than 70 percent think that too many refugees are being allowed into their respective countries. This is the result of a survey commissioned by the German-French television station “Arte” from BVA Xsight.
A total of 22,726 people in the EU member states were surveyed between March 27th and April 9th. The results are representative for the respective countries. In Greece, 90 percent of those surveyed think that too many migrants are being accepted. The people in Cyprus, Ireland, Austria and Germany, among others, are particularly critical. In this country, 77 percent agree with the statement that Germany takes in too many migrants.
A different picture emerges, for example, in Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Portugal and Denmark. Significantly fewer people there agree with the statement. The survey does not provide any reasons. What is interesting, however, is that the population in some countries that are known for anti-migration policies have a more positive attitude towards migrants. For example in Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has implemented a strict isolation policy. In Denmark, the Social Democrats under Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen are taking a hard line.
In fact, fewer initial asylum applications per 100,000 inhabitants were made in these two countries in 2023 than in other countries. In countries where the population is more critical of migration, the rate is significantly higher. This applies especially to Cyprus, Austria and Greece. There seems to be a connection between actual migration and public opinion, even if it is rather weak.
The Arte survey also shows that 85 percent of respondents believe that the European Union needs to take more action to combat irregular migration. The critical attitude is also evident when people ask about the benefits of migration: only 39 percent believe that Europe needs immigration today.
In addition to migration, most Europeans are concerned about health and the war in Ukraine. About 40 percent each see this as a problem. This is followed by inflation and the environment, each of which is concerned about a quarter of those surveyed.