Do Europeans believe in Europe? Launch of the European Sentiment Compass 2026

The European Sentiment Compass – a joint initiative of the European Cultural Foundation (ECF) and European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) – is the result of a major qualitative and quantitative study of European public opinion. It combines for the first time about 6,000 AI-moderated interviews across six countries (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and the UK) with expert analysis from ECFR researchers and associates in twelve European countries. The results show not only what Europeans think but also how they explain, justify and emotionally connect to their perceptions and views about Europe in times of geopolitical pressures and culture wars. The report (to be published on 9 September 2026) identifies the dominant narratives shaping public attitudes towards Europe, assesses how these narratives differ across countries, political electorates and generations, and explores what they imply for Europe’s political future. How can EU decision-makers, public opinion leaders, media, as well as citizens transform these valuable findings into actions?

Panel Discussion: Do Europeans believe in Europe?
As Europe faces turbulent times, understanding public opinion requires more than measuring levels of support or opposition. Recent analysis indicates that the Europeans may have lost their sense of the future. It requires understanding the narratives through which Europeans make sense of the world – and of Europe’s place within it.

Panel:
– Pawel Zerka, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.  He is ECFR’s lead analyst on public opinion.

– Roza Ismailai is a Communications Manager at the European Cultural Foundation (ECF). Drawing on her Greek-Albanian heritage and roots in journalism and European political campaigns, she works on ECF’s digital media, partnering with content creators to build authentic digital spaces where young citizens can connect, debate, and shape Europe’s future.

– additional speaker to be confirmed

Moderated by Katy Lee, The Europeans’ editorial director as well as its co-host. She spent many years covering French politics and society as a reporter for major international news outlets. She’s reported from various European countries, from Spain to Lithuania.
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Film screening
The discussion will be followed by a screening of ORWELL: 2+2=5 (2025), Raoul Peck’s acclaimed documentary — winner of two Critics Choice Documentary Awards — tracing George Orwell’s enduring warnings against totalitarianism.