Islamic State threat biggest fear for Europeans

Europeans generally see Islamic State as the biggest threat to their nations, followed by climate change and the influx of refugees.

A new study by the Pew Research Centre, “Europeans Face the World Divided” reveals that only 17% of respondents feel Islamic State is a minor threat, and only 3% view it as no threat at all to their nation.

Terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels over the past year have put terrorism on the top of the list of concerns of Europeans, and security remains elevated across the continent.

Most Europeans, however, do not feel that military spending should be increased, fearing that increasing military force to fight terrorism only leads to more hate which will increase violence, according to the study.

Brussels was targeted by Islamic State terrorists in March, with 32 people killed in bombings that hit the city’s airport and metro. IS also attacked Paris in November of last year, killing 130 people.

The study also found that a majority of Europeans want the EU to play a bigger role globally.

Though it seems contradictory to growing disapproval of the Brussels-based organisation, it’s a criticism in line with complaints that the EU has mishandled the refugee crisis and economic problems on the continent.

Respondents are almost evenly divided on the EU’s dealings with Russia.

Though multiple studies show that many Europeans may want to follow Britain's example to leave the EU, or at least give more power to the individual states, this latest study shows that a median of 74% of Europeans think the EU should take on a more influential role on the global stage.

Even in the UK, which will vote in a referendum on whether to stay in the EU next week, 55% of respondents said the EU should take a more active international stance in the coming years.