Special Eurobarometer 509: Social issues

Three years after the launch of the European Pillar of Social Rights, this Special Eurobarometer explores Europeans’ attitudes on social issues in the European Union. Especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, Europeans continue to legitimately hold to the promise of a high performing social market economy, with jobs that make for a secure and decent living. The survey reveals that nine in ten Europeans (88%) consider a social Europe to be important to them personally. The most pressing issues for citizens are equal opportunities and access to the labour market; fair working conditions; and access to quality health care. At the same time, 71% of the respondents say they consider a lack of social rights a serious problem, while 62% believe there will be a more social Europe in 2030. Finally, some 76% of the respondents, who have heard about the European Pillar of Social Rights, acknowledge that its success will depend on Member States’ actions to turn social rights into a reality. This Special Eurobarometer was carried out in the 27 Member States from 20 November to 21 December 2020, with the participation of 27,213 EU citizens.

The results by volumes are distributed as follows:

• Volume A: Countries
• Volume AA: Groups of countries
• Volume A' (AP): Trends
• Volume AA' (AAP): Trends of groups of countries
• Volume B: EU/socio-demographics
• Volume B' (BP) : Trends of EU/ socio-demographics
• Volume C: Country/socio-demographics

Researchers may also contact GESIS - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences: https://www.gesis.org/eurobarometer