site.btaFalse Information Is Biggest Threat to Democracy According to Young Europeans - Poll

False and/or misleading information is the biggest threat to democracy, according to a poll conducted among nearly 26,000 interviewees aged between 16 and 30 across the European Union. The poll released by Eurobarometer on Tuesday suggests that 34% of young Europeans and 30% of young Bulgarians in particular are of that opinion.

The next biggest threats according to the respondents are economic insecurity and inequality, decreased levels of tolerance in societies, and lack of trust in institutions.

The current main challenge facing the EU is conflicts, instability and erosion of democratic values with this answer given by 32% of Europeans and 28% of Bulgarians. The next most frequent answers are the cost of living, irregular migration, and terrorism and organized crime.

Twenty-seven percent of young Bulgarians give top priority to good relationships and solidarity between the EU Member States, close to Europe's average of 28%. Most European young people however (32%) prioritize freedom of movement in the EU, compared to 25% of Bulgarians. 

Twenty-nine percent of young Bulgarians and 26% of young Europeans say that jobs and social equality should be addressed as a priority by the EU. A significant difference in opinion between Bulgarians and Europeans overall is visible when it comes to security and defence, with 31% of Europeans saying that it should be a priority compared to 20% of Bulgarians.

Asked what changes they would you like to see in the EU by the end of 2030, 34% of Europeans and 26% of Bulgarians said improved job opportunities and economic stability, 28% of Europeans and 23% of Bulgarians said a stronger role for the EU in promoting global peace and security, 26% of Europeans and 23% of Bulgarians said stronger climate action and environmental protection, 24% of Europeans and 23% of Bulgarians said strengthened policies on human rights and democracy.

Bulgarian youth is significantly more optimistic compared to their European counterparts. Thirty-six percent of Bulgarians say they are very optimistic about the future of the EU compared to 15% of Europeans overall, 42% of Bulgarians are rather optimistic compared to 46% of Europeans, 15% of Bulgarians are rather pessimistic compared to 24% of Europeans, 4% of Bulgarians are very pessimistic compared to 7% of Europeans. The remaining 3% of Bulgarians and 8% of Europeans said they did not know.