Trends GLOBSEC - Central & Eastern Europe one year into the pandemic
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GLOBSEC
Trends
2021
Central & Eastern
Europe one year into
the pandemic
www.globsec.org
JUNE 2021
04 Foreword
07 Key findings
08 Country highlights
Contents
12 East-West
18 Superpowers
26 China
30 European partners
36 European Union
42 NATO
48 COVID-19
64 Democracy
70 Media
This report was written by
76
Dominika Hajdu, Katarína
Klingová, Daniel Milo and
Miroslava Sawiris from
Connecting the dots
Democracy & Resilience Centre
78
at GLOBSEC.
For full credits and methodology,
Credits & methodology
please S E E P A G E 7 8
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Against a backdrop where many expected to considerably shape the
are contemplating the identity of future.
Foreword
Foreword
Central Europe, including whether
one distinct regional populace exists It is not difficult to conclude that
at all, the GLOBSEC Trends Report both liberals and illiberals appear to
Does of 2021 underlines the fact that the
region appears more homogeneous
from the outside than from within.
be living in the world of yesterday.
Liberals have been late to take note
Central
that societies have simultaneously
External perspectives indeed often experienced the pandemic as
overlook important cultural, political nationalist and European moments.
Europe and economic differences and overly
emphasise the shared communist past
Populations, furthermore, are not
divided primarily around the pro
still exist? of the region. The distinctions between
countries, however, are significant. The
and anti-European axes that some
imagine to be in place. To be pro-
Is there Czech Republic, by way of illustration,
ranks as one of the most secular
European is not enough – societies
rather expect their governments to be
Foreword
Central
places in Europe even as Poland effective in defending what they see
remains one of the most religious as the national interest. Illiberals, for
countries on the continent. The region their part, have neglected that even
European is economically and historically diverse
too.
nationalists recognise the importance
of the EU for preserving the relevance
public Notwithstanding these differences, the
of Europe in global politics. Brussels
is not the enemy anymore - even for
opinion? Central and Eastern European region
is not without any shared identity.
According to the survey, a majority, for
nationalists.
The most alarming finding from the
example, are uncomfortable merely survey concerns the erosion of trust
aligning with the West, with the region in democratic institutions wrought by
instead seeking to carve out a unique the pandemic. Democratic governance
niche. The notion that the region is to has become synonymous with the
serve as a bridge between the East management of mistrust. These
and West is not new. And even though “viruses” of our societies - mistrust
it may not be reassuring or inspiring, and conspiracy thinking – brought
populaces in the region are content on by the pandemic could ultimately
with pursuing this role at the moment. exert more deleterious effects than
COVID-19 itself.
This “bridge” identity, at least
partially, explains CEE’s complicated In seeking to adapt to the world we
relationship towards key Western are entering, our political and business
institutions. Although membership leaders must be aware that Central
in the EU and/or NATO remains European societies are emerging
undisputed, CEE still perceives disoriented and confused from the
these institutions as external entities. pandemic. It is not merely that we
Societies believe it is in their interest lack answers but it is also uncertain
to stick to these organisations but if we are asking ourselves the right
refrain from seeking ownership of questions. To be a tenant of the
the house (a rental rather appears to West, in other words, creates its own
suffice). But a tenant mentality risks vulnerabilities.
becoming a problem if the West and
East (Russia and China) engage in
fierce competition, a development that
Ivan Krastev
appears all the more likely.
Chairman, Centre for Liberal
The survey findings entail that Central Studies, Sofia
Europeans live in a world that sees Permanent fellow at the Institute
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
them place Russia as far to the East as for Human Sciences, Vienna
the eye can see and the United States,
conversely, to the far West. China,
meanwhile, finds itself left off the map
entirely. But it is, however, no longer
a small world after all. Geopolitical
confrontation between the United
States and China, in fact, can be
4 5
Key findings
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The COVID-19
1 3 5 8
Key findings
Key findings
pandemic and its
ramifications continue
Germany China’s human While the Democracy trumps
to reverberate across – a beacon rights violations willingness of authoritarianism -
Central and Eastern of stability in a are on the radar in people to get for now
Europe, influencing time of distress CEE vaccinated
A total of 8 in 10 people in the
has increased,
public attitudes on Against the backdrop of More than 50% of respondents
some COVID-19 region consider democracy
pandemic-fuelled uncertainty, in every surveyed country, – defined as a system based
geopolitical topics, Germany has emerged as apart from Bulgaria, believe
conspiracy on equality, human rights and
world leaders (such as the most important strategic that human rights are being theories still freedoms and rule of law – to
partner in the region according systematically violated in China. persist be good for their respective
perceptions of friends to 57% of respondents. Berlin countries. Yet support for
Acceptance of the narrative
and foes) and support is followed at a distance by
asserting that public
autocratic governance has
Washington (35%) and Moscow increased in five countries
for democracy. (23%). Apart from Poland and authorities are overestimating and boasts a notable 42%
Romania, where the US was
more preferred, Germany was
4 the number of COVID-19 cases
amounts to at least 20% of the
average favourability score in
the region.
Our research shows the most commonly selected population in every surveyed
that societies value strategic partner in every Russian and country.
surveyed country. Chinese vaccine
stability and credible diplomacy efforts
sources during fail to garner 9
crises. As vaccination public support 6 Democracy does
campaigns ramp 2 Russian and Chinese vaccine
not equate to
up and Central and diplomacy has been met National liberal democracy
with only limited success,
Eastern European EU and governments
with merely 5% of people
NATO remain in the region expressing a
perceived as The identification of
societies gradually incompetent democracy as an ideal
overwhelmingly preference for the Sputnik
return to pre-COVID-19 popular across the V vaccine over alternatives
governance system has
In 8 of 10 countries, a majority plummeted by 15 percentage
routines, this report CEE region and less than 1% for Chinese
of respondents judge their points and seen its buy-in fade
vaccines like Sinovac.
takes stock of the Support for EU membership, governments to have handled in 9 of 10 surveyed countries
the pandemic badly. The when the word “liberal” is
pandemic and its favoured by 78% of
dissatisfaction has risen in added before democracy. This
respondents on average
implications on public across the region, remains most countries since our poll in reflects a significant backlash
October 2020. against liberalism as a term in
trust and attitudes on resolute. Attitudes towards
many parts of the region.
NATO membership are also
pressing issues. Key largely positive, with 73% of
highlights from the respondents, on average,
survey include:
affirming their backing.
7 10
Trust in medical
and scientific Support for more
authorities stringent social
underpins vaccine media regulations
interest gains momentum
in CEE
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
Whereas only 53% of CEE
respondents, on average, More than 50% of respondents
are interested in getting the in 7 out of 10 countries agree
COVID-19 jab, this figure grows that social media should be
to 63% among those who trust more strictly regulated, yet
leading medical experts and considerable differences
scientists. between countries are present.
6 7
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Austria Estonia Latvia Lithuania
Country highlights
Country highlights
highlights
WEST B A LT I C S B A LT I C S B A LT I C S
COVID-19 Estonia indicates Latvia Lithuania
vaccination greatest level supportive exhibits most
potential highest of trust in of the EU but pronounced
in Austria mainstream unfamiliar with pro-Western
Country
media Ursula von der leanings in
Vaccine interest potential,
among surveyed countries,
Leyen region
Estonia enjoys the distinction of
is greatest in Austria (81%), being the only surveyed country
with the vast majority either Respondents in Latvia are Despite robust support for
classified as home to a good
already received the jab or among the most ardent EU membership, only 31% of
media environment, according
planning to get vaccinated. proponents of EU membership, Lithuanians, the least in the
to the World Press Freedom
This willingness to get with 84% expressing their region, believe the EU should
Index. The GLOBSEC Trends
vaccinated can be attributed, support for remaining in the bloc. be responsible for negotiating
survey confirmed this finding,
in part, to the relatively robust Yet 41% of respondents in the COVID-19 vaccine purchases.
with Estonia being one of only
trust that Austrians express country are unable to express
two countries in the region
towards medical authorities and an opinion regarding Ursula von Lithuania is the most strident
experiencing an increase in
pharmaceutical companies. der Leyen. proponent of a Western
media trust (now at 62%) in
geopolitical orientation in the
2021.
Of all surveyed countries, US There is also a rather low level region, with 47% preferring to
President Joe Biden is the of awareness concerning China position their country in the
Alongside Poland and Lithuania,
most popular in Austria, with in Latvia - 23% are undecided West.
respondents in Estonia affiliate
76% perceiving him positively. on whether the Chinese regime
themselves, geopolitically, most
could be an inspiration for their European leaders are popular
closely to the West (44% believe
Austria also has a strong country. in Lithuania - Angela Merkel
Estonia should be part of the
awareness of human rights is viewed positively by 72% of
West).
violations in China, with 90% Respondents in Latvia are most respondents, Emmanuel Macron
of respondents believing inclined, among Baltic countries, by 61% and Ursula von der Leyen
49% of respondents in Estonia
that human rights are being to believe conspiracy theories by 52%.
perceive the US as the most
systematically violated there. concerning COVID-19.
important strategic partner for
Lithuanians, however, are
the country, with 52% rating US
The regulation of digital A majority in Latvia, in addition relatively sceptical of democracy,
President Joe Biden favourably.
platforms is gaining traction to Bulgaria and Romania, with only 70% agreeing that
in Austria, with nearly three believe that having a strong democracy is a good system
Estonians are the second least
quarters of the population and decisive leader who need for their country, the lowest in
likely, following Austria, to fall
backing more stringent not bother with parliament the region.
victim to conspiracy theories
regulations on social media or elections is good for their
concerning COVID-19, with only
companies like Facebook, country.
16% in Estonia, on average,
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
Instagram and YouTube. accepting these narratives1.
8 9
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Czechia Poland Hungary Slovakia Bulgaria Romania
Country highlights
Country highlights
VISEGRAD FOUR VISEGRAD FOUR VISEGRAD FOUR VISEGRAD FOUR BLACK SEA BLACK SEA
Authoritarian Poland remains Mainstream Slovakia, a place Vladimir Putin COVID-19
leadership has pro-Western but media distrust of paradoxes most popular scepticism
little appeal in trust crumbles sharpest in in Bulgaria remains
Slovakia holds the distinction
Czechia Hungary of being the only country in the
widespread
Poles rank as the most fervent A total of 70% of respondents
proponents of a Western region to record rising support in Bulgaria perceive Vladimir across Romania
Among surveyed countries, Mainstream media distrust, for a pro-Western orientation,
geopolitical orientation in the Putin favourably, the highest
Czechia has the least appetite among the survey group, is including EU and NATO Romania also finds itself
region (46%) and similarly most share by far, in the survey group.
for authoritarian governance, greatest in Hungary, having membership, since 2017. among the most pro-Western
prioritise strategic partnership
with only 27% agreeing that increased substantially from countries in the region,
with the US (54%). 62% of Bulgarians also believe
having a strong and decisive 55% to 69% over the past year. Moscow still gains a sympathetic reflected in the population’s
that a strong autocratic leader
leader who need not bother with audience among Slovaks robust backing for a Western
These pro-Washington leanings could be good for their country
parliament or elections is good 30% of Hungarians are inclined though, with 47% identifying geopolitical orientation (43%),
are reflected in Polish attitudes - also the most in the region.
for their country. to identify China as a strategic Russia as a strategic partner identification of the US as a
towards Moscow and Beijing.
partner – also the most in the and 55% perceiving Vladimir strategic partner (47%) and
Only 12% perceive Vladimir Awareness of human rights
Though a sizeable majority region. Putin positively. favourable opinions of Joe Biden
Putin favourably, with 75% violations in China is muted in
of Czechs, 66%, back EU (58%).
believing Alexei Navalny Bulgaria, evidenced by only 35%
membership, the country Hungarian support for liberal Though 75% of respondents
should not have been of respondents agreeing that
is, nevertheless, the most democracy, measured at 59%, judge the Slovak government That said, 30% of Romanians,
imprisoned following his Beijing is committing systemic
Eurosceptic member state in fares second worst among to have handled the COVID-19 the greatest share in the region,
poisoning. Only 8%, meanwhile, human rights violations, lowest
the survey group. surveyed countries. If “liberal” pandemic badly, 68%, the also recognise China as a
consider China to be a role among surveyed countries.
is omitted from democracy, most in the region, believe it source of inspiration for their
model.
Czech respondents are however, democracy backing should be tasked with vaccine country.
COVID-19 conspiracy theory
particularly wary of Beijing’s rises to 85%. procurement negotiations rather
89% of Poles would vote to buy-in, meanwhile, is prevalent
growing influence, with 87% than the EU. Support for NATO membership
remain in NATO if a referendum throughout Bulgaria - 17% of
disagreeing that the Chinese A total of 54% of Hungarians remains robust (77%), but the
were to occur, reinforcing respondents agree with the
regime could be an inspiration believe their government And while 19% of Slovak willingness to leave the bloc has
Poland’s long-standing assertion that the virus is fake
to Czechia. handled the COVID-19 respondents believe that increased from 6% in 2017 to
vehement backing of the and over 40% think that the
pandemic well by the time of Chinese regime could be an 19% in 2021.
organisation. pandemic was an operation
Distrust towards mainstream the survey. Hungary is one of inspiration for their country, planned by hidden forces
media is very high in Czechia, only two countries, alongside 88% consider democracy based Romanians, meanwhile, rank
Poles are also least inclined and that its government is
as 64% of adult respondents Austria, where majority of on equality, human rights and as the greatest COVID-19
towards believing COVID-19 overestimating the number of
distrust media, which respondents positively evaluate freedoms and rule of law to be a sceptics, with 30% believing
related conspiracy theories COVID-19 cases.
represents an increase of five their government in this respect. good system for their country. that COVID-19 is a fake and
among V4 countries but express
percentage points from 2020. 47% inclined to think that
the lowest levels of trust in
medical authorities (66%) and authorities are overreporting
pharmaceutical companies that COVID-19 case numbers. The
produce the vaccines (52%). survey findings further indicate
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
low levels of vaccine interest in
the country and muted trust of
scientific authorities (40%) and
pharmaceutical companies.
10 11
1 The Central and Eastern 1
European aspiration to “be like
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the West” has lost its allure and
East-West
East-West
is not so important anymore
according to years of GLOBSEC
Trends polling2. While the
West, with its higher wages
and living standards, is still
seen as economically superior,
Central and Eastern European
East-West
societies are generally inclined
towards maintaining their
own identities. As data from
the region (including Austria)
underscores, these countries
are embracing what can be
labelled as a “Central-Western”
approach, which should rather
be understood as a necessity
to define one’s own path and
overcome socio-historical
complexes concerning great
power domination that still
resonate for many.
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
12 13
1 Strong 1
similarities
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East-West
East-West
Despite significant differences in their
perceptions of world powers,
S E E PA G E 1 8 the ten surveyed countries
are rather similar in their attitudes More
towards the geopolitical orientation
of their countries (the East, the West than 50%
or somewhere in-between), with a of respondents
positioning between East and West
favoured in most countries. Outliers
prefer the in-between
include Estonia, Lithuania and Poland position in Austria,
– majorities in these countries back Bulgaria, Czechia,
a Western geopolitical orientation
(though 18% of respondents in Estonia
Hungary, Latvia and
were uncertain). Slovakia.
Bulgaria and Slovakia, home to the
most fervent pro-Russian sentiment in
the region, exhibit the greatest support 38% 4%
for an Eastern geopolitical orientation -
but even then at only 11-12%. West East
East-West or
Preference in-between? “The in-between position is a
popular stance promoted by
local oligarchs, businesses and
for the West There has recently been much occasionally even politicians
discussion in our society about the who profit from trade or
Lithuania 47% geopolitical and civilisational positioning close ties with Russia. They
of your country. Would you like your argue that Latvia should be
country to be a part of the West, part of
a ‘bridge between the East
the East, or somewhere in between?
Poland 46% and the West’ and emphasise
economic benefits from
Average preference in the region
good relations and trade with
Estonia 44% Russia.”
Do not know In-between Riga Graduate School of Law,
Romania 43% Latvia
9% 49%
Austria 40%
Latvia 39%
“Austrian neutrality
(established in 1955) is deeply
Czechia 33% rooted and has nearly become
a part of national identity.
Although in real politics, the
Hungary 32% concept has changed due to
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
membership in the EU, political
parties aiming to secure votes
Bulgaria 27% shy away from putting this
matter up for discussion.”
Slovakia 26% Austrian Society for
European Politics (OGfE)
14 15
1 Changes in preferences compared to Changes in geopolitical Western 1
Trends
previous years preferences over four-year
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East-West
East-West
With few exceptions, long-term data
There has recently been much discussion in our society about the geopolitical and civilisational positioning of your country. Would
you like your country to be part of the West, part of the East, or somewhere in between?
period indicate that geopolitical preferences -
Western or Eastern - are rather stable.
Those who preferred West Those who preferred East Two patterns are discernible from
Those who preferred West, 2021 Those who preferred East, 2021 the longitudinal data in Hungary and
Slovakia. Whereas preferences for a
Those who preferred West, average between 2017-2020
Western orientation have increased
slightly in Slovakia since 2017, there
Those who preferred East, average between 2017-2020
Hungary has, conversely, been a slight decline
0% in Western dispositions in Hungary.
45%
46% 2% 39%
37%
Poland
32%
43% 2%
In Hungary,
respondents
43% 6%
are gradually
moving
Romania
42% 8% towards
5% 4% 3%
rather
2%
preferring
33% 2%
the “in-
2018 2019 2020 2021 between”
Czechia
33% 4% position
than the
Slovakia West.
32% 2%
Hungary
40% 4%
29%
26%
23%
27% 12% 21%
Bulgaria
28% 10%
11% 11%
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
10%
9%
26% 11%
Slovakia 2018 2019 2020 2021
24% 10%
16 17
Superpowers
2 While the very idea of 2
superpowers is now debated,
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the economic, military and
Superpowers
Superpowers
strategic power of the US,
China and Russia maintain
a domineering role in
shaping global politics. As
the competition for influence
and dominance among the
three superpowers intensifies,
countries situated on the
eastern flank of the EU and
NATO are finding they are
crossroads where the East and
West collide.
The COVID-19 pandemic,
meanwhile, presented an
opportune moment to dismantle
the US-led world order. While
the US was recovering from the
ramifications of the pandemic,
Russia and China indeed
exploited every opportunity to
increase their standing in the
region.
The latest public attitudes
towards different strategic
partnerships (the US, China and
Russia), in particular, underline
the political success of recent
Russian and Chinese vaccine
diplomacy endeavours.
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
18 192 Superpowers – strategic partners Hungary 2
the outlier
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Which of the following countries are the most important strategic partners of your country today? Pick max. 2. (respondents could
Superpowers
Superpowers
choose from a randomised selection of 6 countries including the US, Russia, China, Germany, France and the UK) The survey indicates that Hungary
stands out from its peer group, with
The US Russia China its public more inclined to classify
Russia and China as strategic partners.
This finding comes following the
country’s approval of Russian Sputnik
8% V (Hungary was the first in the EU
Poland 54% to take this move) and the Chinese-
8% developed Sinovac vaccine (Hungary
remains, at the time of writing, the only
EU country to administer it). Hence
the high preference for China and
8% Russia is a reflection of the dominant
Lithuania 53% political discourse in Hungary, praising
4% Russian and Chinese vaccines3. It is,
nevertheless, intriguing that younger
Hungarians are more likely to label
21% Russia a strategic partner. In Bulgaria
Estonia 49% and Slovakia, meanwhile, this view is
6% most espoused by the oldest sub-
groups.
13%
Romania 47%
10%
27%
Latvia 36%
10%
11%
Austria 30%
10%
45%
Bulgaria 27%
8%
14%
Czechia 25%
10%
47%
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
Slovakia 17%
12%
35%
Hungary 13%
20 30% 212 Have you previously heard 2
Joe Biden
more popular
about the following leaders
Joe Biden
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than the US
is perceived
Supoerpowers
Superpowers
and if yes, do you perceive The invisible
fabourably,
Though states tend to be viewed
through the prism of their leaders,
public attitudes of the top political
them positively or negatively? Chinese leader
figure in each of the three
“superpower” countries are, notably,
markedly different than views towards
Share of those who view a particular world leader positively. Despite the increasing economic and
political power of China, its leader, on average,
by 53% of
Xi Jinping, does not enjoy similar
strategic partnership more generally
favourability ratings in the survey
with respect to each country.
group as his two peers. Xi Jinping
The favourability ratings of all three
leaders surpass the percentage Joe Biden, president of the USA
is less popular and less well-known.
Unlike Biden and Putin, one in four
CEE respondent, in fact, never heard
respondents
identifying their respective
countries as strategic partners. This
discrepancy, as it pertains to President
Austria 76%
of Xi Jinping. In some countries, the
share of those unaware of the leader in surveyed
countries.
of the world’s most populous country
Biden and the US, is most striking in Czechia 63%
reached 30% or more (Slovakia 39%,
Austria (46%), Czechia (38%), Hungary
Romania 58% Bulgaria 38% and Poland 34%).
(29%) and Slovakia (39%), with Joe
Biden viewed in a considerably more
Poland 58%
positive light than the country he
represents.
The case of Vladimir Putin is also
Slovakia
Estonia
56%
52%
Vladimir Putin,
quite telling. He is viewed, not
unexpectedly, most favourably in Lithuania 49%
One in meanwhile, trails
these figures
Bulgaria and Slovakia. The placement
Latvia 46%
of Hungary and Romania, respectively,
in third and fourth, however, is Hungary
53%
42%
four CEE
respondents
by nearly 20
Regional
notable. This finding contrasts with average
the robust support for NATO and/or Bulgaria 32%
a pro-Western orientation in the two never heard
countries.
of Xi Jinping. points, putting
Vladimir Putin, president of Russia
his positive
sentiment
Such perception of Chinese leader
attests to the fact that China’s
“While anti-Russian sentiments Vladimir Putin’s image remained largely stable over the past four years in CEE. presence in the surveyed countries is
at 35%.
are widely documented Slovakia is an exception to this trend, since the public approval of Kremlin leader either viewed with suspicion or largely
and prevalent throughout has increased by 14%. ignored. Further details on findings
Romania, there are voices that
pertaining to China are included in the
directly or indirectly praise
Bulgaria 70% next chapter. S E E P A G E 2 6
the country and specifically its
leadership. Putin is perhaps
Xi Jingping,
Slovakia 55%
perceived as a man of action,
a true patriot, and a great Hungary 42%
for his part,
leader by a sizeable share
of the public. These are all Romania 40%
qualities that make a true
Latvia 31%
statesman, according to public
ranks third in
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
opinion. Let us not forget that Estonia 30%
Russia invests a great deal in
strategies aimed at bolstering
its image and soft power in the
Austria
Czechia
28%
24%
the superpower
grouping at 16%.
region.”
35%
Funky Citizens, Romania
Lithuania Regional 13%
average
22 Poland 12% 232 Alexei 2
Three times Navalny –
Alexei Navalny should not have been
sent to jail by Russian authorities after
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as many
Superpowers
Superpowers
a prisoner of being poisoned.
conscience
people believe The case of Russian opposition leader
Agree Disagree
that Alexei Alexei Navalny, who was poisoned 75%
in Russia with Novichok, strongly 73%
resonates in the 10 surveyed countries.
Navalny
His extraordinarily courageous return
to Russia, following his hospitalisation 66%
and recovery in Germany, has been
should not
closely followed by respondents in the 62%
region.
The immediate detention and 56%
have been
55%
sentencing of Navalny to a lengthy 54%
53%
prison term is opposed by a majority of
respondents in 9 of 10 countries. Even 50%
sent to prison in consistently pro-Russian countries
like Slovakia and Bulgaria, twice as
many people reject the move than 43%
following his
support it.
poisoning
than support
the decision
of Russian
authorities.
Lithuania
Romania
Hungary
Slovakia
Bulgaria
Czechia
Estonia
Poland
Austria
Latvia
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
12%
13% 13%
14%
17%
19% 19%
26% 26%
24 27% 253 Chinese attempts to augment 3
Beijing’s influence around the
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world have not overlooked CEE.
China
China
Though some manoeuvres,
including the acquisition of
mass media outlets, concerted
efforts to engage in narrative
control concerning stories
about China4 and cooperation
with universities5, might have
previously attracted little
attention throughout much of
the region, Beijing has been
more in the spotlight in recent
years.
China has indeed garnered
headlines for its attempts to
deflect blame for the initial
spread of coronavirus6, its
mask7 and vaccine diplomacy8
and its role as a key economic
rival of the US9. Beijing has
China
also become a target of EU
sanctions over human rights
abuses10. These developments
have all created a window
through which societies could
become better informed on
China and formulate opinions
on the regime and its influence
methods. As our data shows,
however, people in the region
appear not to buy into the
narrative of China as presenting
a threat to the region. This
backdrop is enabling
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
China to intensify its influence
operations in the region.
26 273 Chinese regime could be an inspiration Perception of China Human rights 3
in the spotlight
for my country. as a threat
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China
China
China’s lack of respect for human
Do you believe China presents a danger (significant threat) to your rights is an issue that appears to
Agree Do not know
country? (GLOBSEC Trends 2020 polling) resonate with people across the CEE
region. More than 50% of respondents
Yes Do not know
in every country, apart from Bulgaria,
believe that human rights violations
are occurring in China. In light of the
30% region’s own troubled history, including
the severe deprivation of fundamental
rights and freedoms through the end
27% of the 20th century, the topic presents
a window of opportunity for increasing
51% 51%
25% overall interest and awareness
48% regarding Chinese influence
operations.
23%
Those who agree
20% that human rights
19% 19% in China are being
systematically violated
17% 17% 34%
Austria 90%
Poland 81%
23%
Czechia 79%
Slovakia 65%
12% 12% 24%
Hungary 63%
21% Estonia 57%
10%
9% Lithuania 55%
8% 8% 8% 16% Latvia 52%
13% Romania 51%
6% 6% Bulgaria 35%
11%
3%
3% 3% 0%
“There is considerable
Romania Bulgaria Slovakia Latvia Hungary Estonia Lithuania Austria Czechia Poland Czechia Poland Hungary Slovakia Romania Bulgaria
media coverage of human
rights violations against the
democracy movement in Hong
Kong, the treatment of the
Perceptions sympathies towards authoritarian
regimes11. This dynamic helps explain
Uighur ethnic group and the
of China differ the 15% of respondents that deem
situation in Tibet. The Chinese
political system, characterised
China an “inspiration” for their own
China’s media influence has by one party rule and the
Perceptions of China vary vastly country. The greatest levels of self-
grown on the back of the restriction of civil and human
across the region. Even as Chinese proclaimed awareness regarding China
dissemination of Chinese rights and disregard for the
influence expands throughout the were measured in Austria, Czechia and
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
world (including the CEE region), Poland. The largest shares of “don’t
content through bilateral
agreements with local media
The awareness of China rule of law, further casts a
shadow on the country’s image
societies remain little aware of these knows”, meanwhile, were found in the
developments and the Chinese Baltic states and Bulgaria, underlining
outlets and exchange visits for
Bulgarian journalists.”
is rather low in the Baltic more generally, too.”
government more broadly according
to our survey and prior polling data. At
the need for more targeted awareness-
raising in these countries given the
states, Bulgaria and Austrian Society for
the same time, our data underscores potential vulnerability of the societies
Center for the Study of
Democracy, Bulgaria
Romania. European Politics (OGfE),
Austria
the fact that certain segments of to opinion persuasion endeavours.
28 the CEE region generally harbour 294 The three European countries 4
with the largest populations
|
|
and nominal GDP figures are
European partners
European partners
important partners for the
region in a range of areas, be
that trade or EU negotiations.
In the past years, our polling in
perception of strategic partners
concentrated on Germany
and France. But with the UK
now out of the picture in the
European
EU, a competitive atmosphere
between the three countries
could serve as newfound
partners impetus for power. Tracking
changes over the upcoming
years in perceptions towards
the UK in the region will,
consequently, provide an
indication concerning how
these developments are
playing out.
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
30 314 Which of the following The presence of robust trade ties
and, in some countries, economic
4
are the most important dependency has undergirded
|
|
the recognition of Germany as a
European partners
European partners
strategic partners strategic partner by a larger share of
respondents in all surveyed countries
of your country today? apart from Romania and Poland where
Apart from
slightly more people selected the US.
France is considered an important
Pick max 2 from the following list of countries: US, Russia, China, Germany, France strategic partner by an average 16% of
and the UK. Percentages below the UK, Germany and France correspond to the respondents and the UK by 13%. Germany
respondents who chose them as one of two top strategic partners for their country.
Austria 86% Poland and
Czechia 69%
Slovakia 64% Romania,
Lithuania 58%
Latvia 58%
where the
UK Hungary 50%
US was more
preferred,
Bulgaria 50%
Estonia 18%
Estonia 49%
Czechia 17%
Romania 16%
Latvia 15%
Poland 48%
Romania 42% Germany
Poland 15%
was the most
commonly
Lithuania 14%
Slovakia 12%
Bulgaria 9%
Austria 8%
“The findings are highly
consistent with the prevailing selected
strategic
consensus that Lithuanians
Hungary 7%
France are generally adamantly
pro-EU and pro-NATO
partner
and supportive of ensuing
Austria 35%
cooperation with partners
in these organisations. The
Slovakia 23%
fact that Germany outpaces
Lithuania 21%
Czechia 18%
France on the strategic
partnership perceptions is
also unsurprising given the
in every
Romania 17%
relatively closer relations
between Lithuania and
Germany and Berlin heading surveyed
country.
Latvia 16% the NATO Enhanced Forward
Presence in Lithuania.”
Bulgaria 11%
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
Eastern Europe
Poland 10%
Studies Centre, Lithuania
Estonia 9%
Hungary 5%
32 334
2 Have you previously There is a close relationship between
identification of the three European
4
2
heard about the following countries as strategic partners and the
|
|
popularity of their three leaders. While
partners
2021
partners
2021
leaders and if yes, do you Chancellor Merkel is perceived most
Trends
Trends
positively in the region, with 62% of
European
European
perceive them positively respondents giving her a favourable
GLOBSEC
GLOBSEC
rating, Emmanuel Macron enjoys an
or negatively? above water image among 54% of
people surveyed in CEE and Boris Angela Merkel’s spike Historical data indicates
that the popularity of the
Johnson 43%.
Merkel in popularity leaders is not static and rather
Share of those who view a particular world leader positively
Lithuania 72% sensitive to international
developments. In GLOBSEC
Austria 71%
Those who Trends polling in 2017, the
found Angela image of Angela Merkel was
Estonia 70% Merkel “likeable” far worse in Bulgaria, Hungary,
Czechia and Slovakia than
Latvia 68% in 2017 today. Nearly three times as
many respondents indeed
Romania 62% Romania 67%
now perceive Angela Merkel
Boris Bulgaria 60% Bulgaria 39%
more positively than in 2017
in Slovakia and Czechia. One
Johnson plausible explanation concerns
Poland 59% Poland 59%
Poland 49% the fact that the migration
Slovakia 56% Slovakia 19% crisis, which was still present
Hungary 49% on the political agenda in 2017,
Czechia 53% Czechia 21% saw Germany stake out a
Czechia 48% contrasting position to that of
Hungary 50% Hungary 38% the V4 countries.
Estonia 47%
Slovakia 45%
Romania 43%
Latvia 41%
Lithuania 40%
“Germany has long been a
Bulgaria 38% preferred partner in Hungary,
with the economic importance
Austria 27% Emmanuel of Hungarian-German bilateral
Macron relations widely recognised.
Audi and Mercedes are
Slovakia 68%
among the country’s largest
Lithuania 61% employers, a fact frequently
mentioned in the Hungarian
Austria 61% media. The not too favourable
No opinion
views of Chancellor Merkel
Czechia 60% and President Macron Up to 25% of respondents in some
Emmanuel Macron’s favourability, are probably the result of countries expressed no opinion
notably, correlates with those Estonia 57% aggressive targeting of each towards Emmanuel Macron and
identifying France as a strategic by pro-government media at Boris Johnson. The highest level of
partner – i.e. in those countries where Latvia 57% different points. Merkel was indecisiveness was recorded in Latvia
Macron is viewed most positively, primarily attacked for her role and Lithuania (approximately 1 in 4
Romania 50%
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
France is also selected as a strategic in the migration crisis, whereas declined to express an opinion or did
partner by the highest percentage of Macron was identified as a key not know what to think of on Macron
Bulgaria 49%
respondents. opponent of Prime Minister and Johnson), with sizeable pockets of
Orbán on the EU scene people uncertain in Bulgaria, Estonia
Poland 39%
This finding indicates that the following his election victory.” and Hungary (approximately 1 in 5).
perceptions of European countries Hungary 38% These survey findings could indicate
and their leaders are, to some extent, Political Capital, Hungary limited societal awareness of political
interlinked, though causality cannot be developments in other European
34 definitively established. countries. 355
2 The EU has maintained steady 5
2
support across the Central and
|
|
Eastern Europe region over the
TrendsUnion
2021
TrendsUnion
2021
past few years. This pattern,
European
European
as evidenced by the attitudes
GLOBSEC
GLOBSEC
of respondents, has not been
noticeably impacted by the
pandemic, indicating that EU
membership has become an
accepted norm in the region
and an element blurring the
European
line between the “old” and
“new” member states. Czechia
has traditionally been the most
Eurosceptic EU member since
its accession in 2004, with
support for EU membership in
the country fluctuating between
60% and 70%.
Union
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
36 375 EU: Stay or leave No decline 5
of support
|
|
Imagine, that the following weekend, there will be a referendum in your country on its membership in the EU. How would you vote –
European Union
European Union
for your country to stay in the EU or leave the EU? Support for EU membership has been
relatively steady in every surveyed
Stay Leave country since our polling began in
2017/2018, with a few shifts back and
forward.
84% Poland 10%
84% Latvia 12% The only
country
with a clear
80% Lithuania 10%
trend in any
direction is
Slovakia,
with support
79% Romania 19%
for EU
membership
gradually
78% Hungary 15% rising from
66% in 2018
to 78% in
78% Slovakia 16%
2021.
78% Austria 19%
77% Estonia 12%
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
72% Bulgaria 17%
66% Czechia 27%
38 395 5
Positive perception
of Ursula von der Leyen
EU Commission
President While
|
|
27% of V4
European Union
European Union
An examination of general awareness
Those who answered “positively” to the question: Have you previously heard about Ursula von der Leyen and if yes, do you and attitudes towards EU Commission
perceive her positively or negatively? President Ursula von der Leyen can
Austria 54%
help shed light on a range of issues.
Is the president covered in CEE
media? Has the EU and its member
respondents
had never
states managed to associate the EU
Lithuania 52% with key personalities and leaders
rather than merely institutions and
heard of
bureaucracy? Initiatives to enhance
Poland 48%
the personalisation of the EU appear
to be having an effect at least in V4
Slovakia 44% countries. In the GLOBSEC Trends
Estonia 43%
2018 poll, 27% of respondents in the
V4 said they had never heard of then
President Jean Claude Juncker. Only
then EU
Hungary
Latvia
42%
42%
17% of respondents indicate the same
level of ignorance today.
Commission
President
Relatively low awareness, nonetheless,
is still apparent, exemplified in the
Czechia 39%
44% withholding of opinions towards von
Regional
Jean Claude
average
der Leyen. Excluding Austria, 35% of
Bulgaria 38%
respondents in CEE either had never
heard of von der Leyen or held no
Romania 34% opinion on her. Unlike general support
for EU membership, a gulf between
the “old” and “new” member states
can still be seen on this matter. Few
Juncker in
Lack of awareness
people have formed no opinion on von
der Leyen in Austria - 54% rate the EU
Commission President positively and
2018, only
of Ursula von der Leyen
15% have
38% negatively. In Lithuania, where von
der Leyen is also quite popular, only
10% perceive her negatively, though
Those who answered “They have never heard” and “do not know” to the question: Have you previously heard about Ursula
never heard
38% indicate that they had either never
von der Leyen and if yes, do you perceive her positively or negatively? heard of her or did not know how to
respond.
of Ursula von
Bulgaria 42%
Latvia 42%
Estonia 39%
der Leyen
Lithuania
Czechia
38%
37%
according to
Romania 30%
2021 data.
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
Hungary 29%
Slovakia 28%
32%
Regional
average
Poland 26%
40 Austria 8% 416
2 The former Warsaw Pact 6
2
countries, which joined NATO
|
|
following the fall of communism,
GLOBSEC TrendsNATO
2021
GLOBSEC TrendsNATO
2021
continue to perceive the
security guarantees provided
by NATO to be paramount to
their safety and stability. While
there are notable differences
between individual countries,
overall attitudes towards NATO
membership are largely positive
with 73% of respondents, on
average, affirming their support.
NATO
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
42 436
2 NATO: Stay or Leave 6
2
|
|
Please, imagine, that the following weekend, there will be a referendum in your country on its membership in the NATO. How
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC TrendsNATO
2021
would you vote – for your country to stay in NATO or leave NATO?
Stay in NATO Leave NATO
89% Poland 5%
84% Lithuania 6%
The categorisation of post-communist
80% Hungary 10% countries into several camps based on
their support for NATO is still pertinent.
Poland, followed by Lithuania,
continues to indicate the greatest level Despite (or
of NATO support in the region. Bulgaria
and Slovakia, meanwhile, tally the least perhaps
77% Romania 19% backing for NATO membership.
because of
it) increasing
tensions
between
72% Czechia 18% “Poles are well aware of their
geopolitical situation and Russia and
own defence capabilities,
meaning: a) they border a the West,
nuclear empire which is both
capable and willing to extend
which
72% Latvia 19% its sphere of influence, b) they according to
do not alone have sufficient
means to resist potential some are at
aggression or might not
withstand strong economic
their worst
and political pressure without since the
NATO
70% Estonia 19%
the support of allies. For that
reason, Poland perceives its end of Cold
almost unconditional support
for NATO as a sine qua non
War, support
condition of its independence for NATO
from Russia. There is also no
dependable alternative to membership
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
63% Slovakia 25% NATO as other alliances and
organisations in which Poland
is largely
partakes lack comparable stable
military capabilities that could
deter potential aggression.“ in most
54% Bulgaria 25% Kosciuszko Institute, Poland
countries.
44 456
Romania, Increasing
support for NATO
Changes in support for
NATO over four-year
6
|
|
in Slovakia and
viewed as a
NATO
NATO
Bulgaria witnessed a slight
increase in NATO membership
Bulgaria period
NATO hawk,
support, triggered by the
improvement of US - EU NATO, interestingly, has increased Stay in NATO Leave NATO
relations. Furthermore, its buy-in slightly in two of the
continuing revelations about countries with weakest levels of
experienced malign Russian interference in
Europe and Bulgaria, as well
as a more robust strategic
support for Alliance membership.
Slovakia sustained its trend of steadily
growing support, aggregating to a Slovakia
a notable communication outreach
from Brussels explains this
improvement.
13 percentage point increase since
2018. In Bulgaria, where support
dropped below 50% in 2020, NATO
rise in “leave
membership finds itself once again
Center for the Study of supported by more than half the
61% 63%
Democracy, Bulgaria population following a 7 percentage
point increase in support since last 56%
NATO” year. 50%
sentiment, 31% 30% 29%
25%
reaching
nearly
20% of the 2018 2019 2020 2021
population. Erosion of NATO
support in Romania Romania
Romania, however, has seen the 82% 83%
reverse pattern transpire. Though
75% 77%
the country is regarded as one of
the staunchest NATO allies in the
region, there has been an increase
in respondents voicing negative
sentiment towards membership,
with support falling six percentage
points and the leave camp increasing
by 9 percentage points. While an
overwhelming majority of Romanians
still support NATO membership, recent
attitude shifts could, nevertheless, 19%
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
indicate an erosion of the stable 10%
support once enjoyed for the Alliance 6% 7%
in Romania.
2017 2019 2020 2021
46 472
7 Since October 2020, worrying 2
7
signs of the COVID-19 second
|
|
wave began manifesting across
COVID-19
2021
COVID-19
2021
Europe, with rapid spikes in the
GLOBSEC Trends
GLOBSEC Trends
number of reported cases12.
By March 2021, CEE countries,
which had been commended
during the first wave for their
quick imposition of strict
lockdown measures (and few
COVID-19 related fatalities), were
among those most affected13.
COVID-19
Slovakia, for example, garnered
negative international press
coverage, recording the highest
COVID-19 related death rate per
million citizens in the world14.
Similarly, Hungary, Czechia,
Bulgaria, Poland and Romania
found themselves among the
top 25 countries with the highest
death rate per million citizens15.
There are several factors at
play that contributed to this
debacle including an extensive
easing of safety precautions
during the summer, inadequate
preparation for the second wave
and hesitant attitudes towards
the reimposing of lockdowns
in autumn and winter16 along
with poor quality of health care
systems. As CEE countries reel
from the devastating impact of
the second wave on families,
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
livelihoods and the economy, the
implementation of an efficient
vaccination strategy presents a
viable path forward.
48 492
7 Vaccination potential
COVID-19 2
7
|
|
Vaccination potential is calculated as the sum of those who responded to the question ‘Are you planning to get vaccinated against
2021
COVID-19
2021
COVID-19
& Conspiracy
COVID-19?’ with (a) definitely yes, (b) rather yes and (c) already vaccinated.
GLOBSEC Trends
GLOBSEC Trends
March 2021 October 2020
81%
narratives
72%
70%
Despite the
66% 66%
65% detrimental impact
61%
60%
of the second wave
of COVID-19 on CEE
countries, the allure 28% of CEE
of COVID-19 related respondents,
46%
conspiracy narratives on average,
persists. Failing to believe
45% 45%
address this problem COVID-19
43%
38% through efficient is a ploy
communication to control
strategies that
36%
35%
are targeted at all
them.
segments of the
population including
23% those with lower
levels of educational
attainment who
are more likely to
forgo vaccination20
will contribute
to unsatisfactory
Austria Hungary Slovakia Czechia Poland Estonia Lithuania Latvia Romania Bulgaria inoculation campaigns
and ultimately the
Vaccine rollouts are changing the The success of Russian and Chinese inability to achieve
playbook, with some countries like vaccine diplomacy, nevertheless, has herd immunity
Israel and the UK managing to rein been limited in CEE, with only 5% of
in the pandemic through rapid and the adult population of the region essential to averting
efficient vaccination campaigns17. The expressing a preference for the further pandemic
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
Vaccination vaccination picture has been more
complex in CEE though. Russian
Sputnik V vaccine over others and
less than 1% for Chinese vaccines like waves.
potential vaccine diplomacy, for example, Sinovac as of March 202119.
increases with has triggered political crises in
some countries18 at the expense of
education. the implementation of systematic
vaccination strategies through EMA-
50 approved vaccines. 512
7 Overestimated Official number of Fake pandemic COVID-19 is fake 2
7
cases to manipulate
COVID-19 cases is lower
|
|
On average, only 9% of respondents the population
COVID-19
2021
COVID-19
2021
The narrative asserting that public
than my country’s public agreed with the statement that “Romania adopted restrictive
GLOBSEC Trends
GLOBSEC Trends
authorities are overestimating the COVID-19 is fake and does not exist. measures early on and did
Agree, October 2020
number of COVID-19 cases attracts a
varied range of adherents across CEE.
authorities tell us Romania, however, due to being a
significant outlier is excluded from the
Slovakia 39%
not suffer the same COVID-19
fatalities that Italy was facing
In every surveyed country, however, aggregated figures. in March-June 2020. This
buy-in still amounts to at least 20% of Agree 2021 Agree 2020 may have persuaded some
Bulgaria 36%
the population. people to think the pandemic
Belief in conspiratorial narratives was either entirely made up
regarding COVID-19 is reflected in Czechia 36%
The dissemination of harmful content 47% or largely inflated in terms
Romania lower vaccination interest across of contagion, manifestation,
online by belligerent actors contributes
42% surveyed populations. Countries with a Poland 32% medical needs and number of
to the prevalence of this narrative21,
smaller proportion of respondents who deaths.”
demonstrating the inefficiency of
think COVID-19 is fake also include Romania 24%
initiatives by digital platforms to Lithuania 46% more people willing to get vaccinated
curb the spread of COVID-19-related Funky Citizens, Romania
compared to places where buy-in to Hungary 21%
disinformation22.
this narrative is more prevalent.
46%
Slovakia
36%
“In Slovakia, the 10-percentage Bulgaria
44% Willingness to get vaccinated
point increase in popularity
of this narrative is surprising
39%
versus belief that COVID-19 is fake
given the 10,000 COVID-19
related deaths as of April Latvia 42% Proportion of adult population planning to get vaccinated
202123 in a population of
under six million. In addition Proportion of population who agree that COVID-19 is fake and does not exist
38%
to the active promotion of this Czechia
narrative by disinformation 43%
actors, the perceived Romania
31% 30%
mismanagement of the
pandemic (75% of respondents 25%
think the government Hungary
29% 33% Bulgaria 17%
handled the pandemic badly)
and the resulting mistrust
of government (66% of
Estonia 22% 57% Poland 12%
respondents) underscore why.
GLOBSEC, Slovakia Austria 21%
61% Slovakia 11%
In Poland, the reverse concern is 51% Lithuania 10%
prevalent, namely that the real number
of COVID-19 cases is higher than
the country’s public authorities are 53% Latvia 9%
reporting, with 53% of the population
subscribing to this claim. And this belief
is shared by 75% among those who
think that the government has handled
20% of respondents in 55% Hungary 7%
the COVID-19 crisis badly*. Bulgaria & Lithuania do not
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
* In Poland, a different question was posed know whether official number 55% Estonia 6%
to respondents: “The official number of
COVID-19 cases, shared by the authorities
of COVID-19 cases is lower
(public institutions) in my country, is smaller
than in reality” instead of “The official
than their country’s public 57% Czechia 6%
number of COVID-19 cases is lower than
my country‘s public authorities (institutions)
authorities tell them. Austria
73% 3%
52 tell us”. 532
7 COVID-19 as a Prevalence 2
7
planned operation of conspiracy
|
|
narratives
COVID-19
2021
COVID-19
2021
This variation of the classic New World
GLOBSEC Trends
GLOBSEC Trends
Order conspiracy narrative24 attracts a The widespread uptake of conspiracy
range of appeal across the CEE region. narratives in Bulgaria and Romania, as 16% Estonia
Its buy-in across the V4 is generally indicated by their conspiracy ranking,
homogenous, however, with 28% of is associated with lower vaccine
respondents agreeing that COVID-19 is interest (38% in the former and 46% in
a ploy to control them. the latter) in the two countries25. This
finding entails that the pervasiveness 27% Latvia
of COVID-19 conspiracy narratives
The COVID-19 pandemic is a planned could significantly hinder the ability of
countries to overcome the pandemic.
operation by the hidden forces/elites to 27% Lithuania
control the population.
Agree
45%
42%
19% Poland
Czechia 24%
32%
29% Slovakia
29%
28%
27% 27%
Austria 12%
Hungary 20%
23%
40% Romania
21%
Conspiracy
ranking
35% Bulgaria
0% 40%
10%
The conspiracy ranking is calculated
as the average response in agreement
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
with three conspiratorial statements
about COVID-19 in each country. These
statements are: (a) Official number
of COVID-19 cases is lower than my
country‘s public authorities (institutions)
tell us; (b) COVID-19 is fake and does not
exist; (c) The COVID-19 pandemic is a
planned operation by the hidden forces/
54 Bulgaria Romania Latvia Slovakia Czechia Hungary Poland Lithuania Estonia Austria elites to control the population. 552
7
COVID-19 Whom do Central
and Eastern Europeans trust?
2
7
|
|
COVID-19
2021
COVID-19
2021
& Trust
GLOBSEC Trends
GLOBSEC Trends
Average of affirmative answers (“definitely agree” and “rather agree”/ “completely trust” and “rather trust”) of respondents to
the statements: “I trust the opinion of the leading medical and scientific authorities on telling us truth about the COVID-19” and “I
would like to ask you - how much do you personally trust or distrust the government in [your country].” Average of negative answers
(“definitely disagree” and “rather disagree”) to the statement: “I do not trust COVID-19 vaccines because the pharmaceutical
companies are only driven by profit.”
The COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic and the
infodemic associated with it have
pandemic has resulted tested public trust of government
in remarkable shifts policies and institutions. While many
indeed believe in various conspiracy
in the landscape
of trust. During the 54% of theories, 7 in 10 respondents, on
average, still trust leading medical and
first wave, the rising respondents, scientific authorities. Trust is key to
achieving herd immunity.
numbers of COVID-19 on average,
cases surged levels do not trust
of government trust in their national
many countries. Trust in
public authorities and
their ability to provide
governments.
The highest
68%
distrust in Trust in medical
factual information also and scientific authorities
strongly correlated with
government
people’s willingness was found
to get vaccinated. in Romania
However, new COVID-19 (68%),
surges with skyrocketing followed by
mortality, lacking Czechia and
strategic communication Slovakia
and perceived
mismanagement of the
crisis burst that trust
with 66%.
57%
bubble. In search of Trust in pharma
trusted leaders, Central companies
and Eastern Europeans
have, for now, redirected
their attention to
medical experts and
scientists. However,
42%
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
GLOBSEC Trends 2021
Trust in national
the raging infodemic governments
continues to undermine
the credibility and trust
in these authorities as
56 well. 57You can also read
