The Evolution of Public Opinion on Migration: A Comparative Analysis of France, Germany, and the Visegrad Four in the Past Ten Years

This report analyses the evolution of public opinion on migration in France, Germany, and the Visegrad countries (Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia) between 2014 and 2024. Drawing on a longitudinal analysis of Eurobarometer data and relevant secondary literature, it examines how attitudes toward migration have developed in response to major political and social events, including the 2015 migration crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The report explores three key dimensions of public opinion: the salience of migration as a political issue, perceptions of non-EU immigrants, and support for common European approaches to asylum and migration. Particular attention is paid to the differences between Western Europe and Central and Eastern Europe, highlighting how historical experiences, political narratives, and national contexts shape public attitudes. The findings reveal a persistent East-West divide in migration perceptions, while also identifying important shifts over time, including changing views on migrant contributions to host societies and evolving support for European cooperation on migration. The report contributes to a better understanding of the social and political factors shaping migration debates across Europe. This publication was produced within the Horizon Europe project ACRONYM (Advancing Cooperation on Asylum and Migration in Europe), Grant Agreement No. 101079420.