A public opinion survey

Italians and Foreign Policy
Troubled by Germany’s Rise, Perplexed about the Euro

The Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), in cooperation with the Laboratory on Social and Political Analysis (LAPS) at the University of Siena, has conducted a public opinion survey of Italian attitudes on a number of topical foreign policy issues.

The survey has highlighted Italian perceptions about the European crisis, EU integration, military missions abroad, the state of the Transatlantic relationship, multilateralism and the popular uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East.

Based on a random sample of one thousand Italian nationals aged eighteen and above, the survey was conducted between September and November 2013.

Main Findings:

- Italians are uneasy about Germany’s influence on EU economic policy, with a majority preferring Italy keep a wide margin of action from Berlin.

- A majority is in favour of keeping the euro, but not willing to make personal sacrifices for the survival of the eurozone.

- NATO enjoys wide support, but a majority would prefer a greater European role within the alliance.

- Italians demonstrate a general disapproval of military force, with a majority opposing Italy’s participation in international missions abroad.

- Multilateralism is embraced by Italians as the best means to effectively tackle international issues.

- Cultural diversity in Europe is considered an impediment for greater EU integration, but among younger respondents diversity is not syno nymous with division.

The full English language survey is available online.

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