Trust in national institutions has declined across the EU over the past two years. Driven by increasingly difficult economic circumstances and unreliable news sources, even people who previously expressed higher trust levels – such as those in financially secure positions – have become less trusting. We take a closer look at e-survey data to explore this decline in trust.
Living and working in an era of disruption in one of the first public presentations of the results of Eurofound’s unique online Living and working survey which tracked the experiences of Europeans over the last two years - a period which saw a global pandemic, seismic shifts in the world of work, rising costs of living and now the war in Ukraine.
Recorded trust in institutions such as national governments, the EU, the police and news media has declined across the EU over the past two years, with those who previously expressed higher trust levels, such as those in financially secure positions, now becoming less trusting.
Eurofound’s Executive Director, Ivailo Kalfin, and Deputy Director, Maria Jepsen, met with President Michael D Higgins this morning to discuss latest research on issues such as trust, housing, youth, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on society in Europe.
Against the background of inflation affecting European countries, minimum wage workers in 15 out of 21 Member States with statutory minimum wages registered a decline in their wages in real terms between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2022. This was despite comparatively large increases in nominal rates in the EU during the period.
Over 70% of people surveyed in the EU agree with the imposition of economic sanctions on Russia, with two-thirds feeling that more stringent sanctions should be imposed. Support for economic sanctions is particularly high in Scandinavian countries, the Baltic states, Romania, Poland and Ireland.
The Directors and senior staff of Eurofound and the Institute of European Affairs (IIEA) met at Eurofound, Dublin this week, following the recent appointment of David O’Sullivan as the Director General of IIEA. It was an opportunity to review ongoing collaboration between the two organisations, as well as discuss latest research; including on the economic, employment and social impacts of the COVI
Eurofound, in partnership with European Parliament Liaison office in Ireland and the European Commission Representation in Ireland, organised a special event at its premises in Dublin yesterday to mark Europe Day 2022, engage with young people in the community, and to give a voice to young Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.
Europe Day 2022 must reaffirm the values of Europe: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and human rights. These values are now being tested daily and must be rigorously defended for the future of Europe and the future of our young people.
Eurofound is running a user experience project to ensure that our work is meeting the needs of our stakeholders, including journalists that are interested in our activities.
Eurofound, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland and the European Commission Representation in Ireland, will celebrate Europe Day with a hybrid event on 9 May from 9.00 to 11.30.
The Directors and senior staff of Eurofound and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) met in Dublin today. It was an opportunity to review ongoing collaboration between the two agencies, as well as discuss their response to the war in Ukraine.
