EU citizens pessimistic about everything – poll
Posted on: Jan 27, 2026 19:32 IST | Posted by: Rt
An overwhelming legal age of EU citizens believe their c. H. Best years ar slow them and that life in Europe will only get harder in the future, according to a new poll. More than two-thirds want their leaders to adopt more aggressively nationalist policies.
Some 63% of respondents agree that “our best years are behind us,” while 77% believe life in their country “will be harder for the next generation,” according to a survey of 23 EU countries carried out by communications firm FGS Global and published by Politico on Tuesday.
Overall, 65% of respondents said their country is “heading in the wrong direction,” with this sentiment most prevalent in Central and Western Europe. France is the most pessimistic country polled, with 79% agreeing with this statement, followed by Belgium at 74% and Hungary at 73%.
Only citizens of Poland, Lithuania, and Denmark believe that things are going well, with Lithuanians the most optimistic. There, 38% feel that the country is “heading in the wrong direction.”
The poll did not measure satisfaction with EU leadership in Brussels. However, 76% of those surveyed said democracy is in decline across Europe. Asked to choose between two statements, more than half said their country’s political system “is failing the people and needs fundamental reform,” rather than “works fairly well and doesn’t need significant reform.”
Most respondents want their leaders to pursue a more nationalist path, with 71% saying their countries “should be more assertive of [their] national interests even if this creates friction with other countries.”
To the east, the outlook is more positive. According to Russia’s independent Levada polling institute, 53% of Russians view the future “calmly, with confidence.” This number rises to 68% among 18-24-year-olds. Levada’s research has long been considered accurate and reliable internationally.
A 2024 Ipsos poll found that 86% of Chinese respondents feel optimistic about their country’s future.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.