Growing fear among Europeans that refugees will bring more terrorism and less jobs.
The steady flow of refugees into their countries has Europeans increasingly concerned about terrorism and economic security, a recent Pew Research Center survey reveals.
Many Europeans Fear Increase in Refugees Will Bring Terrorism[/tweetthis]
Ten European nations were surveyed (Hungary, Poland, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Greece, UK, France and Spain). In eight of them, more than half of the individuals surveyed think that incoming refugees increase the likelihood of terrorism in their country. Those in France and Spain do not have these concerns.
Job security and social benefits are the greatest concern for Hungarians, Greeks, Italians, Poles and the French. Only half of Germany and Sweden feel that the work ethic and talents of the refugees can strengthen their nation.
When asked about the general attitude toward Muslims in their countries, a regional pattern is revealed. Eastern and Southern European countries (Hungary, Italy, Poland, Greece and Spain) report an “unfavorable view” toward Muslims in their country. Further, most of the countries share the view that Muslims do not want to integrate into their new societies, but instead prefer to remain “distinct.”
In each country, less than half of those polled fear that Muslims already in their countries will sympathize with terrorist groups such as ISIS.
Further, people who describe themselves on the “ideological right” are far more likely to react negatively toward Muslim refugees than those on the left. Greece, Germany and Italy report the biggest disparity in “unfavorable view” of Muslims, all tallying a score around 30 points higher from the right to the left.
Pew: rising fear of refugees across Europe https://t.co/MzuXKiFS5X
— David Frum (@davidfrum) July 12, 2016
While Muslim refugees steal most headlines, attitudes toward Roma are actually worse across the European continent, highlighting an overall negative attitude toward minorities in many nations.
Nationalism is strong across the continent as well, with a median of 97 percent stating that an ability to speak the national language is important, and a median of 86 percent believing that sharing national customs and traditions is also important.