European Public Opinion in Times of Crisis

A large number of European countries are experiencing a protracted economic crisis. Empirical evidence on the effects of these unfavorable conditions on public opinion remains scarce. This paper examines whether the ongoing crisis affects public opinion on two key issues in European politics: immigration and European integration. We explore the interplay between socioeconomic status, cultural attitudes and the material effects of the crisis on citizens’ opinions. We integrate individual-level survey data with country level indicators on political systems and the economy, addressing the extent to which the economic downturn has affected European households and whether it has impacted attitudes towards immigrants and the EU. Moreover, we seek to clarify the relationship between attitudes towards immigration and Eurosceptic sentiments, under the assumption that systemic elements can strongly shape the congruence of these issues. Our findings inform the debate on the 2014 European Parliament elections and more broadly on European electoral behavior.