Fewer Europeans believe in democracy. Only 36% support the democratic system consistently study
A new study published Monday, July 28, by the European movement shows a significant decrease in the confidence of Europeans in democracy, especially among citizens of countries such as France, Romania and Spain. According to the survey, only 36% of the respondents constantly support democratic values, such as the right to vote and the separation of powers in the state.
Pro-Europe demonstration in Bucharest, 2025. Photo: Shutterstock
The remaining 64% of those questioned-over 3,500 people from seven of the largest EU member states-have expressed an inconsistent attitude towards democracy, preferring the idea of a powerful leader, to the detriment of traditional democratic institutions, according to the study. This trend reflects a change of attitude towards previous years.
Democracy seems to be best sustained in Sweden, where 52% of participants declare themselves active supporters of the democratic system. In the rest of the countries, less than half of the citizens still support democracy consistently. The lowest percentages are found in France and Romania – only 30% of the respondents said they actively support this system – and in Spain, the support decreases even more, to only 25%.
Populism and far right, ascension
The results of the study come in the context of a visible growth of populist and far -right parties in Europe, a trend also confirmed by the results of the 2024 MEPs, where traditional parties have lost significant land in countries such as France and Germany.
Increased support for European cooperation and common defense
Although the attachment to democracy decreases, the study also reveals notable support for European collaboration. Almost half of those interviewed support the idea of a common European army, capable of responding to external threats, especially from Russia.
“The data show that it is probably the time that the political elites in Brussels, Paris, Berlin and other parties be aware that more people than they thought would want an EU army,” said Andreas Fassoulas, representative of the European Movement.
Young people no longer feel part of the European Union. The young Europeans, especially those under 35, feel more and more disconnected by the European project. Not only that their participation in the European elections remains reduced, but many of them are no longer defined as “European citizens”, preferring a vague global identity or, on the contrary, a withdrawal in national or regional identities, writes in The Guardian, Francesco Grillo, from the European University Institute in Florence and director of the thinktank.
