A report published on February 16 by anti-racist organizations Hope Not Hate, The Amadeu Antonio Foundation and Expo has revealed the extent of anti-minority views in Europe – including how 30% of respondents in the UK hold negative views towards immigrants.
In Hungary, 60% were found to have negative views of immigrant people and 54% had negative views of the Muslim community.
The report also found that throughout 2020 there was a rise in far-right conspiracy theories, such as those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, that offer "a worrying new avenue for anti-Semitic politics."
As stated in this report, the increase in conspiracies by members of the far-right has also had a major impact on the isolation itself as a measure against the spread of the Corona virus. Also, lockdowns, travel restrictions, school closures have dramatically changed daily life for people across Europe.
The pandemic could have unforeseen long-term consequences for Europe's political classes, and as conspiracy theories spread, trust in the political system is declining, according to the study, which is based on surveys of 12,000 respondents in eight countries about their political attitudes.
Growing prejudice
A majority of respondents in France, Italy, Poland and Hungary believe that the political system in their country is completely or partially broken. In Germany and Sweden, nearly a third of people share this view.
Prejudice against immigrants, Muslims and other groups is on the rise. In all countries surveyed, around a third of respondents have a negative opinion of immigrants. In Hungary the figure is 60%.
The political right, in particular, is trying to capitalize on this, according to Joe Mulhall of the Hope Charitable Trust.
"Although much of the European far right has failed to exploit the pandemic as much as they had hoped, it has led to a new era of conspiracy theories as people seek solace in simple explanations for a world that seems out of control," Mulhall said.
Across Europe, there have been protests against lockdowns and against political elites in recent months – often fueled by conspiracy theories.
From the US, the anti-Semitic QAnon movement has spread across the Atlantic – particularly to Germany and Britain.
They believe in theories such as worldwide child trafficking and mind control by Hollywood people and politicians or Jews.
The study authors believe that the main risk is that these prejudices may persist even after the pandemic ends.
The threat of right-wing terrorism
The study authors also warn that the risk of right-wing attacks remains high across Europe.
Among conspiracy theorists, there is a shift from support for mainstream far-right parties and organisations to transnational movements that are loosely organised, believes Joe Mulhall of the Hope Charitable Trust.
These groups do not normally make concrete plans for attacks, according to the study authors, but they encourage them in their groups and share key knowledge.
Civil engagement against this hatred is difficult because individuals cannot be easily found physically, but instead are constantly networking across national borders, they add.
But all three foundations have reason to be optimistic. The solidarity in many cities and communities brought about by the pandemic is heartening: Families, neighborhoods, and even strangers are helping and supporting each other across Europe. Amidst the hatred, the past year has seen compelling examples of sacrifice, love, and hope.
(Full report in English – amadeu-antonio-stiftung.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ESOH-LOCKED-FINAL.pdf)