The New Normal? A 7-country comparative study on the impacts of COVID-19 on trust, social cohesion, democracy and expectations for an uncertain ...
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The New Normal?
A 7-country comparative study on the impacts of
COVID-19 on trust, social cohesion, democracy and
expectations for an uncertain future.
FR GER IT NL PL UK US
1About More in Common
More in Common is an international initiative set up in 2017 to build
societies that are stronger, more united, and more resilient to the
increasing threats of polarization and social division.
We work with a wide range of groups in civil society, politics,
government, business, faith, education, philanthropy and the media to
connect people across lines of division.
More in Common’s teams in France, Germany, the United Kingdom
and the United States work together and share a commitment to
advancing our mission.
For more information please visit www.moreincommon.com or
contact us at contact@moreincommon.com
2About this Study
COVID-19 has upended the lives of people across the world, causing untold suffering and dislocation, with a
death toll expected to soon exceed one million. The impact of the pandemic on our health, economy and society
will reshape the world of the 2020s. It could result in societies becoming more deeply divided along existing fault
lines, but that is not inevitable. This study shows that COVID-19 has unleashed hopes for change, especially in
countries that have struggled most with the virus. It has also made us more aware of our shared humanity, of the
value of strong local communities, and of the importance of our connection to nature.
Many choices lie ahead as we grapple with the fallout of the pandemic. The decisions being made in the months
ahead – in families, communities and nations – will have consequences for a generation. This is why More in
Common has compiled this snapshot of public opinion in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, the
United Kingdom and the United States, with key findings on:
• The impact of the pandemic on personal health, family life, employment and finances
• How COVID-19 has impacted our societies – and people’s feelings of togetherness, solidarity, empathy, trust and loneliness
• Whether people want a return to normal or wish to see significant change in the aftermath of the pandemic
• Views on political priorities and support for policies on issues such as the economy, jobs, the environment and taxation
• Hopes and fears for the future
Our snapshot combines a mix of country-specific and cross-country questions. We hope that the findings
presented here, as well as the detailed national studies that form part of this project, will provide valuable insights
into this once-in-a-generation moment. Most of all, we hope they will strengthen efforts to build more united and
resilient societies.
3Scope and Methodology
Scope France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, United States
Methodology
N=2,000 per country; margin of error +/- 2%; some figures may not add up to 100% due
to rounding.
Research partners
§ France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Poland: Kantar
§ UK and US: YouGov
Fieldwork dates
§ France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Poland: July 1-8, 2020
§ UK: June 19-28, 2020
§ US: June 19-22, 2020
Method: Online survey using representative demographic quotas
Note: Due to space constraints, not all questions were asked in every country
4Findings at a Glance (1)
The pandemic has generated a mix of compassion, isolation and anxiety.
• Majorities in all countries feel reminded of our shared humanity; significant numbers also sense that people’s
level of concern for each other has improved.
• Perceived commitment to social distancing measures varies widely between countries and trust in each
other has fallen, in some cases by a daunting margin.
• About half report feeling alone in this crisis, and many perceive growing levels of division.
• In every country, majorities fear a second wave of COVID-19 infections and lockdowns, greater division and
political instability, and severe economic depressions.
• The United States is markedly worse off: Americans are profoundly concerned about the division in their
country, report worsening trust in their government, and are most likely of all nationalities to want the country
to become more united.
• In all 7 countries, medical staff, frontline workers, emergency personnel and medical researchers are seen
as deserving the most praise for how they performed during the first phase of the pandemic
5Findings at a Glance (2)
Germany and The Netherlands do well where others struggle, but all governments face
skepticism of their handling of information.
• In the UK, US, France, and Poland, people tend to feel deeply disappointed by their government’s
handling of the crisis so far, while Germans and the Dutch feel greater levels of pride.
• Correspondingly, confidence in the government’s ability to tackle future crises is low everywhere
except for Germany and the Netherlands.
• Across countries, people are split on whether the government is hiding information from the public,
while significant minorities report believing that the crisis is being exaggerated to pursue an agenda.
• Everywhere studied, trust in government is higher at the local level.
6Findings at a Glance (3)
Big appetites for change, but modest expectations it will happen.
• In countries hardest hit by the pandemic—Italy, UK, US, France—most have hopes for profound change.
However, only Americans anticipate “significant changes will happen” after the pandemic.
• Far from dampening commitment to a greener future, majorities in 6 of 7 countries say the government is
not doing enough on climate, and show broad support for policies such as a Green New Deal.
• Most countries want their government to focus on healthcare, employment and the environment in the
aftermath of this crisis.
• In the US, between 17% and 37% say they would not get vaccinated against COVID-19.
• While there are mixed views on the EU’s handling of COVID-19 (and negative views in Italy), there is broad
support for stronger European and multilateral cooperation to weather this and future storms – including
taking on common debt.
• Many see rescue funds as an opportunity to shift norms on corporate accountability, better wages, and
environmental protection.
7Table of Contents
I. The Impact of COVID-19 on People’s Personal Lives 9
II. Collective Experience under COVID-19 15
III. Power, Institutions and the Media 25
IV. After COVID-19 42
V. Views on the European Union, European Policies and Social 55
Cohesion in Europe
VI. Message Testing 62
8I. The Impact of COVID-19 on
People’s Personal Lives
9People in all countries feel their mental
health has worsened more than their
physical health.
Physical Health Mental Health
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved Has worsened Has not changed Has improved
19 71 10 22 70 8
14 77 8 24 69 8
22 67 12 26 64 10
17 72 11 20 69 11
28 63 9 37 57 7
27 60 13 36 57 7
21 72 7 35 60 4
Numbers in % Numbers in %
Question: To what extent are the following aspects of your life different due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
10Everywhere, people’s financial situations
have worsened significantly, while impacts
on family life are mixed.
Family Life Financial Situation
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved Has worsened Has not changed Has improved
14 73 14 30 63 7
14 73 13 25 68 7
21 65 14 48 45 7
10 75 15 21 69 10
24 62 14 45 47 8
33 54 13 31 55 14
22 67 12 32 59 10
Numbers in % Numbers in %
Question: To what extent are the following aspects of your life different due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
11The personal impacts of COVID-19 vary
greatly between countries.
"Do you personally know someone who…?"
Has been ill with COVID-19 Has died from COVID-19 Who has lost their job or employment
due to COVID-19
45
Agree %
Agree %
39 Agree %
31 33 33 30 33
29 28
18 15 13 21
11 14 11 17 16 13
5 5
Question: Do you personally know someone who…?
12Financial difficulties are a greater
concern than job security.
Worried about...
Loss of job or employment* Financial difficulties
Worried %
Worried %
55
46
42 42 39 42
34 35 32
28 27
24 21 20
Question: To what extent are you currently worried or not worried that….? *Note that these percentages exclude respondents who responded
“Does not apply to me”. 13There are high levels of concern about
a second wave.
Worried...
That someone among their friends & That there will be future waves of COVID-19
family will get ill with COVID-19 infections and lockdown in their country
77
69 72 69 72
64 63
60
Worried %
Worried %
59 56 58 57
48
40
Question: To what extent are you currently worried or not worried that….?
14II. Collective Experience
under COVID-19
15People say they have followed social
distancing rules.
How closely did people abide by COVID-19 rules?
Not closely Not very
at all closely Somewhat closely Very closely
1 5 39 54
2 7 40 52
1 5 40 54
2 10 48 41
3 12 47 39
3 4 36 58
6 7 35 52
Question: When it comes to the COVID-19 social distancing rules that have been put in place in your area (wearing a mask, staying home,
etc.), would you say that you have followed the rules…? 16Most people feel duty-bound to follow
the rules but differ on whether others
adhere to them.
“I feel that it is my duty as a citizen to follow Most people have been respecting Most people have not been
social distancing and other rules.” the rules and doing their share to following the rules and have done
fight the virus together. too little to fight the virus together.
87 90
85 37 63
82 81 79
77 23
Agree %
65 35
71 29
41 59
59 41
Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more?; To what extent do you agree with the following statement?
17People are most likely to have expressed
thanks to essential workers in recent months.
Participation in COVID-19 relief activities
75
FR
GE
50
IT
NL
25 PL
UK
US
0
Expressed thanks to health care Chose to spend more than usual Made a donation to a COVID-19 Volunteered to help those most
or essential workers at a local business to support it cause or group affected
during COVID-19
Question: In which of the following activities have you participated since the COVID-19 pandemic began, if any?
18People appreciate those who are on the
frontlines of combatting COVID-19.
Groups that deserve particular praise for their actions
100
FR
GE
75
IT
50 NL
PL
25
UK
US
0
aff l )
St rkers n ne hers ople n ers hers Ital
y
d ers ie nts only ople alis
ts
d ers ra nts ople
l o o arc e w ac in a ip d e rn a g e
dic
a
ew Pers se er
P
ss
o Te ties nt
le
R ec lan g er
P
ou ss
le
m mi thyP
e in y e ld e i e o J e I l
M ntl en
c al
R O us
in un rnm far
e s (P ou
n
us
in ea
Fro erg d ic
a ll
b
om
m v e e l
ou p Y b W
Em Me ec lG
o W Gr Big
Sm s n a Q
h ine atio BT
C N LG
Question: When you think of how different people have acted in the COVID-19 pandemic so far: Please indicate whether the following
groups of people deserve particular praise for their actions, deserve particular blame for their actions, or whether they deserve neither 19
particular praise nor particular blame for their actions.Blame is directed at the powerful.
Groups that deserve particular blame for their actions
100 FR
GE
75
IT
50 NL
PL
25
UK
US
0
ly) l f
d ers ople list
s
o ple on ra nts d ers Italy
ients hers o ple ners hers nne rkers S taf
a a c rc
t le y Pe urn rP
e
and m ig
s lea esi
n
ecip Tea rP
e
s ow ea erso wo ica
l
n lth J o g e l Im s ti R d e s es P e d
nme ea oun s (Po s ine un
i
a re Ol s ine alR n cy n tlin Me
r W p u m lf u c e o
ve Y
rou
b
om
e b i
erg Fr
l go G Big c W
ma ll M ed m
a e S E
tion BTQ in es
Na LG Ch
Question: When you think of how different people have acted in the COVID-19 pandemic so far: Please indicate whether the following
groups of people deserve particular praise for their actions, deserve particular blame for their actions, or whether they deserve neither 20
particular praise nor particular blame for their actions.In all countries, trust in others has
worsened more than it has improved.
How has people’s trust in others changed during the crisis?
Worse than before Has not changed Better than before
34 60 6
26 68 6
42 49 9
21 70 9
43 51 6
31 63 7
41 56 2
Numbers in %
Question: To what extent are the following aspects of your life different due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
21The crisis has reminded us of our shared
humanity.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made me “The COVID-19 crisis has reminded us that no
more aware of the living conditions of matter where we are from, as humans we are
other people in this country.” fundamentally the same.”
77 74 77 76 77
73 73 70
59 58 57 57
Agree %
56 56
Agree %
Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement?
22Many feel that people’s concern for one
another has improved.
People’s concern for others…
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved
14 65 22
10 58 32
9 57 34
8 49 43
15 49 36
9 38 53
28 45 28
Numbers in %
Question: Since this pandemic began, how have the following things changed in [COUNTRY], if at all? People’s concern for each other
23About as many Europeans feel supported
in this crisis as feel alone.
In this crisis, I have felt In this crisis, I have felt “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown me that most
like I am mainly on my own. the support and care of others. people in our country care about each other"
45 55
51 49
48 52 62
57 57
53
59 42 47
40
Agree %
53 47
39 61
Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more?; To what extent do you agree with the following statement?
24III. Power, Institutions and the Media
25In all countries, people perceive a stronger
sense of division than unity, especially in
the US.
More divided or united since COVID-19?
Much more Somewhat more Neither more Somewhat more Much more
divided divided divided nor more united united united
6 23 54 14 3
5 23 51 19 2
6 23 46 20 4
4 24 48 21 3
10 30 42 14 4
8 24 42 23 3
26 38 30 4 1
Numbers in %
Question: Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, how have your perceptions of [COUNTRY] changed, if at all? Is it…?
26Pride or Shame: Perceptions differ about
each country’s handling of the crisis.
My country’s handling of the crisis has My country’s handling of the crisis has
made me feel prouder of my country. left me disappointed in my country.
39 61
68 32
54 46
65 35
42 58
39 61
29 70
Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more?
27On their handling of the crisis, only
Germany and the Netherlands do well.
Perception of governments’ handling of the crisis.
Democratic Undemocratic Competent Incompetent Fair Unfair
47 54 41 59 46 54
70 31 72 28 69 31
54 46 53 47 57 43
60 40 70 30 68 32
42 58 41 59 42 58
55 46 39 60 59 41
37 64 40 59
Agree % Agree % Agree %
Question: When you think of how the [NATIONALITY] government has managed the COVID-19 situation so far, which of the following
opposing terms describes government action better?
Please note: first question was not asked in the United States. 28Most people feel that COVID-19
restrictions have been reasonable.
The COVID-19 restrictions on our The COVID-19 restrictions on our
lives have been completely lives have been completely
reasonable and proportional. unreasonable and disproportional.
74 26
82 18
72 28
74 26
64 36
82 18
65 35
Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more?
29Only a minority of people are confident
their government is able to deal with future
crises.
"I am confident in our current government's
ability to tackle the challenges ahead of us."
67
60
Agree %
47 45
41
35 35
Question: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
30Everywhere, trust in local government has
suffered much less than trust in national
government.
Trust in National Government Trust in Local Government
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved Has worsened Has not changed Has improved
40 50 10 13 73 14
19 53 28 13 69 18
36 43 21 24 55 21
18 55 27 14 75 12
49 39 13 24 63 12
45 42 14 22 66 11
54 41 5 25 60 15
Numbers in % Numbers in %
Question: Since this pandemic began, how have the following things changed, if at all?
31Trust in the health system has
increased more than trust in the welfare
system, with some outliers.
Trust in the Health System Trust in the Welfare System
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved Has worsened Has not changed Has improved
22 58 20 19 65 16
12 52 36 17 58 25
16 45 39 19 51 31
10 52 38 18 64 18
29 54 17 29 58 13
9 48 44 18 61 20
35 52 13 33 60 7
Numbers in % Numbers in %
Question: Since this pandemic began, how have the following things changed, if at all?
32Heads of State: Germany, Italy and the
Netherlands stand out in their approvals.
Approval of Head of State
77
65 64
49
Approval in %
40 39 41
Question: Do you approve or disapprove of the way [HEAD OF GOVERNMENT / STATE] is doing his/her job?
33In several countries, we see a desire for a
strong leader, willing to break rules.
“To put our country in order, we need a strong leader
who is willing to break the rules.“
78
71 70
58 59
55
47
Agree %
Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement?
34Most believe government cares too little
about essential workers and the vulnerable.
Groups that government cares too little about…
75
FR
GE
50
IT
NL
25 PL
UK
0 US
e ff ly rs s e n s ts s s e
P eopl al Sta El der o rk e wn er i kem hildre o ritie ig ran g c iti e w ner
P eopl
r dic w o l c in i o
Poo Me The n tli ne s iness e opl
e
lage c ial m Imm le in b iness e alth
y
u P o a p u s
Fro a ll b sc h
o
c or r Peo ig b
W
S m ith ni B
lies
w Eth
i
Fa m
Question: Please indicate how much the [NATIONALITY] government seems to care about the following groups in its response to the 35
COVID-19 situation…People believe their government cares too
much about big business and the rich.
Groups that government cares too much about…
75
FR
GE
50
IT
NL
25
PL
UK
0
le rs s s s ren rs er l
y ple ta f
f rs me US
eop w ne g rant o ritie c iti e il d wne l d eo l S orke ke
P mi h E P a i
lth
y
ess
o
Im l mi
n
n bi g g ec ess
o
The oor edic new p le l
a n a i a P li o
We si ra c
i le oo
l sin M
ro n
t Pe
g bu o r e op c h ll bu F
Bi nic
P
ith
s
S ma
Et h w
s
m ilie
Fa
Question: Please indicate how much the [NATIONALITY] government seems to care about the following groups in its response to the
COVID-19 situation…
Not shown for the US: the unemployed, younger people, state government leaders, town government leaders, journalists, teachers, religious 36
leaders, long-haul truck drivers, farmers, postal workers.More people believe the tone of public
debate has worsened rather than improved.
How has the tone of public debate changed during the crisis?
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved
31 62 7
29 57 14
37 54 9
25 56 19
47 46 8
38 48 15
59 34 7
Numbers in %
Question: Since this pandemic began, how have the following things changed in [COUNTRY], if at all?
37People trust their relatives, experts and
their doctor for information on COVID-19.
Who do people trust for reliable information on COVID-19?
100
FR
75 GE
IT
50
NL
25 PL
UK
0
r ) US
nds cin
e
c to nly um
e
ac t
s ent der
s ent ade
rs dia
d f r ie e di
a l d o
, PL o
o n s
c o nt
er n m
s l e a
er n m l e i a l me
an m on T c v es v n c
i v es e an d ers p e (I ia y ou s an d ca l go us in na l go U nio
o n so
t c r p Po d d o B o e s
ur r
e la sc i
en Yo
u
T he sm
e rien you
rl at i T ra
d
nce
r
Yo m e w e dia f o f th en l u e
fro n
ial m
s
es o
f In f
p e rts T he o c t a ti v e t i v
Ex S e n t a
ep res r es en
R Re p
Question: Please indicate to what extent, if at all, you trust these groups of people or institutions when it comes to accurate and reliable 38
information on the COVID-19 pandemic.Citizens suspect their government of
hiding things about COVID-19 and
distrust the media’s motives.
“The government is making this crisis “The government knows things about “The media seem to be pursuing their
seem bigger than it is to push through COVID-19 that it is hiding from the own agenda rather than simply
their own agenda.” public.” reporting the facts.”
75
63 65 65 65
Agree %
Agree %
Agree % 59 61 57 60
55
51 51 49
41 45 46
38 38
33 30
24
Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statements?
39Few people publicly protested their
government’s COVID-19 policies.
Participation in Anti-Government Protest
Attended a protest against COVID- Posted on social media against
related government policies. COVID-19 government policies.
Agree %
Agree %
10 10 11
5 7 7 7
3 3 3 3 3 1 1
Question: In which of the following activities have you participated since the COVID-19 pandemic began, if any?
40On mobile tracing apps, opinions vary on
privacy more than on necessity.
100
Implementing a
tracing app
is a
80
necessary step.
60
Agree %
40
20
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
I trust that my privacy will be protected.
Question: Many governments are debating or rolling out mobile tracing apps to manage and reduce the spread of COVID-19. To what extent
do you agree or disagree with the following statements? 41Around 30% of people in most countries
would not take a COVID-19 vaccine.
Willingness to get vaccinated
Not at all likely Not very likely Somewhat likely Very likely
12 21 35 32
12 18 31 40
13 16 36 35
9 16 34 42
16 21 33 31
6 11 28 54
17 13 25 45
Numbers in %
Question: If a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 is developed, how likely would you be to get vaccinated?
42IV. After COVID-19
43Coming out of the crisis, most people fear
greater division and an economic downturn.
Worried that...
89 90
87 85
81 82
77 77 77 79 79 79
75 74
70 71 70
66 68 67 66
63
Numbers in %
61 59
57 55 55
51
Country will become less Citizens' freedoms will be The country will become further The economy will enter a severe
politically stable permanently limited or reduced divided depression
Question: To what extent are you currently worried or not worried that….?People are concerned about the stability
of their nation as well as the welfare of
minorities.
Worried that...
63
58
Numbers in %
54 52 55
50 49 50 47
46 60 59
42 56 53
38 52
47
Ethnic, racial or religious minorities will There will be rioting and looting in my There will be new conflicts between my
suffer more than others from this crisis country country and others
Question: To what extent are you currently worried or not worried that….?
45Policy priorities: healthcare, employment and environment. Improving our health system 38 24 36 46 56 41 33 Reducing unemployment 34 19 48 30 35 30 26 Protecting climate and environment 33 31 20 24 25 28 15 Supporting individuals and families in greatest need 18 28 28 28 24 25 21 Supporting small business 28 21 29 20 23 20 19 Reducing immigration and refugee intake 26 23 21 20 12 21 17 Reducing economic inequality 22 19 23 16 15 18 15 Fighting crime and violence 20 23 13 20 11 25 27 Improving our education system 11 22 17 10 14 14 11 Protecting democratic rights and freedoms 9 14 8 12 18 10 19 Addressing racism in our society 8 17 5 13 7 19 25 Reducing terrorism 12 11 5 12 4 13 9 Improving cooperation between countries 6 10 5 9 8 8 Reducing political division 3 8 6 6 16 5 12 Strengthening European integration 4 7 7 5 8 Working towards gender equality 7 4 7 3 5 2 3 Protecting ethnic, racial and religious minorities 3 3 3 4 4 6 8 Question: Besides containing the COVID-19 pandemic, which of the following issues should the government prioritize addressing in the months ahead? Please select the top 3. 46
Populations in the hardest hit countries
want change, but majorities do not expect
that change to materialize.
I mostly just want things to We should seize the I doubt that much will I think that significant changes
return to normal, to how opportunity of COVID-19 to change in our country after will happen in our country
they were before the make important changes to the pandemic is over. after the pandemic is over.
pandemic. our country.
38 62 70 30
50 51 61 39
42 59 65 36
54 46 62 38
60 40 62 38
36 64 55 45
46 54 47 52
Agree % Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more?
47There is strong support for policies to
bring jobs back from overseas and for a
Green New Deal.
Support for Visionary Policies
84 85
81 81
77
74 74 72
69 71 71
62
59
Numbers in %
57 56
54 52
48 49
42 44
Developing a “Green New Deal” that makes Introducing a “Universal Basic Income”, in Developing a plan to bring back
large-scale government investments to which the government pays every citizen a manufacturing industries and jobs that have
make our economy more environmentally monthly income without any further been moved overseas in recent decades.
friendly. conditions.
Question: When it comes to your actions during and after the crisis, would you personally be willing or not to do the following…People are willing to make personal
sacrifices for the recovery, to varying
extents.
71
68 66
64 62
59
Numbers in %
58 58
53 54 54
47 49 49
44 46 46 44
43 42 41 40
35 37
33 34 33
30 30 31
28
23 24
21 19
Pay higher income taxes to Pay higher taxes on Pay higher prices for Accept restrictions on my Join a voluntary service
help finance the economic gasoline or car ownership products made in country freedom of movement to program to help
recovery of country to help protect the to save jobs in country protect the health of communities recover from
environment others COVID-19
Question: When it comes to your actions during and after the crisis, would you personally be willing or not to do the following…Nearly all believe that packages to rescue
the private sector should be conditional.
Conditions on Rescue Packages for the Private Sector
95 93 95 93 93
91 89 91 91 91 91 91 91
87 88 87 87
84 83 84 83
Support %
Stop using overseas tax havens and pay the proper Guarantee fair wages for all their workers Commit to shifting jobs back from overseas to
taxes in [COUNTRY] [COUNTRY]
Question: The government is currently working on measures to help the economy and support businesses. What do you think: To what
extent would you support or oppose requiring companies to fulfil the following criteria if they are to receive government aid? 50Conditions on packages include
environmental responsibility, tax havens
and fair wages.
Conditions on Rescue Packages for the Private Sector
89 90 91 90
88 86 87
85
82
78 78
73
69
Support %
64
Make commitments to reduce their carbon Put a ceiling on pay for senior executives
emissions and protect the environment
Question: The government is currently working on measures to help the economy and support businesses. What do you think: To what
extent would you support or oppose requiring companies to fulfil the following criteria if they are to receive government aid? 51People aspire to have their country be
safer, fairer and more environmentally-friendly.
The country should become more…
Environmentally-friendly 38 31 26 24 31 22
Fair 33 21 28 36 19 18
Safe 25 22 32 25 21 18
Healthy 14 13 32 23 27 20
Democratic 17 20 22 31 12 10
United 14 23 11 26 18 29
Tolerant 19 10 18 25 19 14
Equal 8 15 21 12 20 25
Educated 13 22 6 13 21 21
Family-oriented 26 16 8 10 12 16
Hard-working 4 26 9 11 19 19
Patriotic 7 11 12 9 12 18
Traditional 11 7 14 6 8 10
Compassionate 10 3 10 3 17 22
Prosperous 3 12 9 10 9 9
Self-confident 13 10 6 8 5 3
Christian 5 7 6 7 5 13
52
Question: Which of the following qualities do you think [COUNTRY] should focus on the most? [COUNTRY] should become more…Drops in emissions show the potential of
climate policy, but most worry momentum
will falter.
“The drop in carbon emissions that was seen during
“Commitment to protecting the
the COVID-19 lockdown shows that we can reduce
environment will slow down or stop.”
our impact on the environment if we really want to.”
81 81
76 75 74 74 75
Worried %
67
Agree %
60 57
51 52
Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement?; To what extent are you currently worried or not worried that…?
53Most people feel their government is not
doing enough on the environment.
On the environment, the government is doing…
Not nearly Not doing Doing the right amount Doing too much Doing far too
enough enough much
16 41 25 12 5
12 41 36 8 5
20 44 30 5 2
10 31 38 15 6
29 37 28 5 2
20 39 36 4 1
32 24 30 8 6
Numbers in %
Question: Thinking about the current situation, which of the following statements do you agree with most? On the environment, the
government is… 54Views on welcoming migrants are mostly
unchanged, but some have become more
opposed since the pandemic began.
Change in views on migration since COVID-19
Much more Slightly more No change, No change, Slightly more Much more in
opposed opposed generally opposed generally in favor in favor favor
11 14 37 28 7 3
11 17 26 39 6 2
14 15 27 33 7 4
10 16 30 33 7 2
15 19 28 29 7 3
10 9 31 44 4 3
Numbers in %
Question: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, how have your views changed about accepting migrants into [COUNTRY], if at all?
55V. Views on the European Union,
European Policies and Social
Cohesion in Europe
This section includes data from France, Germany, Italy,
Poland and The Netherlands and, where relevant,
the United Kingdom, but not the United States.
56EU membership is viewed in neutral or
positive terms by most people.
EU Membership is…
A bad thing Neither a good nor a bad thing A good thing Don’t know
21 32 38 9%
16 27 50 7%
28 32 33 7%
20 29 42 10%
9 25 59 8%
Numbers in %
Question: Generally speaking, would you say that [COUNTRY’s] membership of the EU is…?
57EU’s importance is expected to increase
in the future.
EU Membership will be…
Less important Just as important as before More important
19 62 19
11 56 34
29 46 25
19 59 22
18 59 23
Numbers in %
Question: In the coming years, [COUNTRY]’s membership in the EU will be...
58Since the pandemic began, views of the
EU have worsened rather than improved,
especially amongst Italians.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, trust in the EU…
Has worsened Has not changed Has improved
31 60 9
25 64 12
44 42 14
27 64 10
22 64 14
23 65 12
Numbers in %
Question: Since this pandemic began, how have the following things changed in [COUNTRY], if at all?
59But most agree that more European
cooperation is the best way out of this crisis.
Within the European Union, we Demands for solidarity between For our country, more For our country, more
now need to do everything we European countries are European cooperation is the national control over our
can to help countries in need. currently being pushed too far. best way out of this crisis. decision-making is the best
way out of this crisis.
64 36 59 41
66 33 63 36
67 32 57 43
53 47 53 45
71 29 68 31
Agree %
Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more? Numbers for “do not know” not indicated
60The largest group in every country supports
taking on common European debt to fund
the recovery.
"A European Reconstruction Fund to help economic recovery in
the European Union, for which the European Commission takes
on common debt to be paid back by member states."
Support Do not support Don’t know
61 15 24
50 26 24
66 15 19
48 31 21
52 21 27
Numbers in %
Question: There is currently debate about different political measures. Would you support or oppose the following proposals? 61Most people see the need for international
cooperation to solve this and future crises.
This crisis shows we need to work more This crisis shows we can’t rely on other
closely with other countries and international countries and international institutions for
institutions to address major challenges like support when we face major challenges like
pandemics and climate change. pandemics and climate change.
64 36
75 25
62 38
71 29
73 27
67 33
Agree %
Question: Which of the following statements do you agree with more?
62VI. Message Testing
63Different Approaches to Governance A message of duty and penalties resonates better than appeals to freedom and personal responsibility. This crisis should be fought like we are in a war. Everyone has a duty to follow the rules, and those 69 61 72 60 67 70 58 who do not should be penalized at once. In this crisis, we should have faith in people’s sense of responsibility. That means that we should not use 60 54 63 56 66 54 58 coercion to enforce the rules. Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement? (One message tested per respondent.) Average agreement on a scale from 0 (no agreement) to 100 (full agreement) 64
Health vs. Economy Prioritizing health and life above all else appeals more than prioritizing the economy to any degree. In this crisis, we cannot put a price tag on human life; each life deserves every possible protection— whether young or old, healthy or sick, citizen or 79 79 81 74 81 83 immigrant. In this crisis, we cannot bankrupt our entire economy in order to keep a small number of people from getting ill. It’s impossible to save everyone. 54 51 48 63 62 59 In this crisis, we have a responsibility to all groups: those at risk of disease as well as those at risk of poverty. We must strike a balance. 71 73 78 71 75 77 Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement? (One message tested per respondent.) Average agreement on a scale from 0 (no agreement) to 100 (full agreement) 65
Environment vs. Economy Enacting both environmental and economic reform receives more support than either alone. In an emergency like this, we should take care of our economic interests, instead of burdening ourselves with costly environmental rules and regulations that 56 53 57 60 55 51 will destroy jobs. The future climate crisis will be much worse than this pandemic. We should seize the moment now to speed up our action on climate change, even if there 66 61 68 59 67 66 are short-term costs. As we recover from the economic impact of COVID- 19, we should build up a better economy that does less harm to the environment. 74 74 80 69 75 77 Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement? (One message tested per respondent.) Average agreement on a scale from 0 (no agreement) to 100 (full agreement) 66
Environment: Now vs. Later
Saving businesses from collapse gets
support with or without environmental considerations.
As the government currently works to help restore
the economy, it should most of all make sure that
64 63 74 62 71 68
money is spent to make our economy greener in the
long run.
As the government currently works to help restore
the economy, it should most of all make sure that
75 69 79 68 75 71
money is spent to save our current businesses and
industries from collapse.
As the government currently works to help restore
the economy, it should make sure that money is
spent to save our businesses and to make them 74 66 75 62 71 72
greener in the long run.
Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement? (One message tested per respondent.)
Average agreement on a scale from 0 (no agreement) to 100 (full agreement) 67Recovery Funds: Local vs. National People want economic recovery funds to be shared between local and national governments. Economic recovery funds should be managed by the national government, not local governments, because the national government will be more 53 54 57 63 46 56 effective at saving jobs. Economic recovery funds should be channeled to local governments, who will be more effective than the national government in saving jobs. 65 61 64 58 67 59 Economic recovery funds should be allocated in a shared effort between national and local levels of government. 66 68 71 63 73 69 Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement? (One message tested per respondent.) Average agreement on a scale from 0 (no agreement) to 100 (full agreement) 68
European Cooperation There is not a universal view on how EU nations should balance their internal and external needs. In our handling of COVID-19, we should not act alone. We should work with our European neighbors to help the people with the greatest needs, wherever 65 65 68 61 72 they may be. In our handling of COVID-19, we must protect our own people first. Our government should serve us, not other Europeans. 68 60 71 67 67 In our handling of COVID-19, we can look after our own people while also being a responsible member of the European community. We should do both at 68 67 64 59 73 the same time. Question: To what extent do you agree with the following statement? (One message tested per respondent.) Average agreement on a scale from 0 (no agreement) to 100 (full agreement) 69
Thank you
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