Survey: Western Europeans say immigration is high and poorly managed

A recent YouGov survey reveals that most Western Europeans believe immigration levels over the past decade have been high or excessively high, with widespread dissatisfaction over how their governments have handled the issue. Additionally, more respondents viewed immigration as having a negative impact on their country than a positive one.

The survey, conducted in seven European nations, found that the perception of high immigration was most prevalent in Germany (81%) and Spain (80%), followed by Sweden (73%), the UK and Italy (both 71%), and France (69%). Denmark had the lowest percentage, at 55%.

When given five response options ranging from "much too high" to "much too low," the most common choice in all countries was "much too high." This sentiment was strongest in Germany (61%), Spain (54%), and the UK (50%).

The belief that immigration has had a negative effect on their country was also widespread, with the highest rates in Italy (56%) and Germany (55%). In the UK, 42% viewed immigration as harmful, while 21%—the highest percentage among the surveyed nations—saw it as mostly beneficial.

Immigration has become a central issue in European politics, often championed by far-right parties and increasingly adopted by mainstream conservative groups. The survey shows that many Europeans now rank immigration among their country's most pressing concerns.

In Germany, 42% of respondents named immigration as their top issue, tying with the economy (41%). It was also the second-biggest concern in the UK and France, ranking just behind the economy in both countries. In Spain, immigration followed housing as the most pressing issue, while in Sweden, it came third after crime and healthcare.

Dissatisfaction with government immigration policies was widespread, with majorities in all seven countries believing their leaders had handled the matter poorly. Criticism was strongest in Germany (83%) and France (80%), while in the UK, 72% expressed disapproval. Even in Denmark, where dissatisfaction was lowest, 52% of respondents were critical of their government's approach.