According to a recent survey conducted by the Centre for Public Opinion Research (CVVM), trust in the European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and United Nations (UN) among Czech citizens has plummeted to its lowest level since 2016. The survey, which was conducted from late March to late May of this year, reveals a significant decline in trust across these organizations compared to the previous year.

The findings of the survey indicate that only 46% of Czechs now have confidence in the EU, down from 58% in the previous year. Similarly, trust in NATO and the UN has experienced a significant drop to 56% and 52%, respectively. It is important to note that trust in these organizations is interconnected, as individuals who express trust in one organization are more likely to trust the other two.

However, the survey reveals that the relationship between NATO and the EU exhibits slightly stronger trust than that between the EU and the UN. While these fluctuations in trust are not new, Czech trust in the EU has historically ranged from approximately 55% to 64%, with a low point of 37% in 2016, attributed to economic and migration crises.

Comparatively, trust in NATO and the UN has declined by 11 percentage points in the past year. In July 2020, 67% of Czech citizens expressed trust in NATO, while 63% trusted the UN. However, this year, only 36% and 37% of Czechs have confidence in NATO and the UN, respectively.

The recent decline in trust observed in the survey brings Czech confidence levels back to those seen in 2017. Additionally, the study reveals a stronger correlation between trust in NATO and the UN compared to trust in the EU.

The survey also delved into trust in EU institutions and officials, revealing an overall prevailing sense of distrust among Czech citizens. The proportion of individuals who express distrust has significantly increased since 2021 for all organizations and individuals included in the survey.

The survey’s authors emphasize the importance of understanding the reasons behind this decline in trust in international organizations. Economic and migration crises have played a significant role in shaping Czech distrust of the EU. Consequently, it is crucial for these organizations to address these concerns and take steps to restore public confidence in order to maintain a strong partnership with the Czech Republic.

Article by Prague Forum