A recent survey of 23 European Union countries has revealed a pervasive sense of pessimism among EU citizens, with a majority believing their best years are behind them and that life will only get harder in the future. Conducted by communications firm FGS Global, the poll found that 63% of respondents agree that their best years are behind them, while 77% think life in their country will be more challenging for the next generation.
The survey also showed that 65% of respondents feel their country is “heading in the wrong direction,” with this sentiment being most prevalent in Central and Western Europe. France is the most pessimistic country polled, with 79% of respondents sharing this view, followed by Belgium at 74% and Hungary at 73%. In contrast, citizens of Poland, Lithuania, and Denmark are more optimistic, with Lithuania being the most positive, where 38% believe their country is on the wrong track.
The poll did not assess satisfaction with EU leadership in Brussels, but it did find that 76% of respondents believe democracy is in decline across Europe. When asked to choose between two statements, more than half of respondents said their country’s political system “is failing the people and needs fundamental reform.” A significant majority, 71%, think their countries should prioritize national interests, even if this creates tension with other countries.
In contrast, a poll conducted by Russia’s independent Levada polling institute found that 53% of Russians view the future with confidence, rising to 68% among 18-24-year-olds. Similarly, an Ipsos poll in 2024 found that 86% of Chinese respondents feel optimistic about their country’s future.
These findings highlight a significant disparity in outlook between European countries and other major world powers. As EU citizens express growing dissatisfaction with their political systems and concerns about their future, it remains to be seen how their leaders will respond to these concerns and address the perceived decline of democracy in Europe. The survey’s results underscore the need for EU leaders to reassess their policies and priorities to restore citizens’ trust and confidence in their institutions.
