Immigration remains one of Europe’s most debated political and social issues. From Greece and Cyprus to Germany, Ireland and Poland, people have different views about how many migrants their countries should accept. A European survey published in 2024 offers a revealing snapshot of these opinions.
The map accompanying this article highlights an important finding: many respondents across the European Union felt their countries were accepting too many migrants. However, the results also reveal differences between countries, showing why immigration continues to be a complex issue across Europe.
What Does the European Migration Map Show?
The map displays the percentage of respondents in different European countries who agreed that their country was taking in too many migrants.
According to the survey results reported by EL PAÍS, Greece recorded the highest percentage, at 90%. Cyprus followed at 84%, while Ireland reached 78%. Austria and Germany each recorded 77% in the published country breakdown.
Other countries also reported substantial levels of concern. Bulgaria recorded 76%, Poland 75%, Italy 74%, Belgium 73%, and the Czech Republic 72%. France, Spain and Sweden each recorded 70%.
At the lower end of the comparison, Hungary recorded 54%. Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Denmark each recorded 57%.
These figures reflect answers to a particular survey question. They should not be interpreted as the percentage of people who oppose every form of immigration, nor do they measure the number of migrants living in each country.
Source: EL PAÍS — European public opinion survey.
How Was the Survey Conducted?
The survey was conducted by BVA Xsight for ARTE Europe Weekly ahead of the June 2024 European Parliament elections.
Researchers interviewed 22,726 people aged over 15 across the European Union’s 27 member states. The interviews took place online between March 27 and April 9, 2024, using representative samples in each country, according to the published report.
The timing matters. Immigration was an important political issue ahead of the elections, when voters were considering questions about border management, asylum, public services and the EU’s future direction.
The results provide a useful snapshot of public opinion at that time. They do not establish what Europeans think today, and they cannot explain every individual’s reasons for answering the question as they did.
Why Did Greece Record the Highest Percentage?
Greece’s result stood out, with 90% of respondents saying their country took in too many migrants.
Geography provides important context. Greece sits near Turkey and is connected to Mediterranean migration routes. Its location has made border management and the arrival of people seeking international protection recurring public policy issues.
However, geography alone cannot explain a survey result. Public opinion can also be influenced by political debate, economic conditions, local experiences, media coverage and perceptions of how effectively governments manage migration.
The survey also illustrates why several different questions must be kept separate. Although Greece had the highest share of respondents who felt their country accepted too many migrants, the EL PAÍS report noted that only 11% considered immigration the country’s most important problem.
In other words, someone can believe immigration levels are too high without considering immigration the most urgent issue facing their country.
Why Do Attitudes Differ Between European Countries?
There is no single explanation for differences in immigration attitudes across Europe.
Housing and the cost of living
Access to affordable housing, public services and employment can shape debates about population growth. Where housing is difficult to find or public services are under pressure, immigration may become part of a broader discussion about government planning and resources.
The relationship is not automatic, however. Housing shortages and other economic pressures have multiple causes, and a survey alone cannot determine how much immigration contributes to them.
Geography and migration routes
Countries located near external EU borders may experience particular pressures associated with arrivals, reception facilities and asylum processing. Other countries may focus more on labor migration, family reunification or long-term integration.
These different experiences can influence public discussion, but neighboring countries can still have very different opinions.
Political debate and public information
Political parties, news coverage and government policies can influence which aspects of immigration receive attention. Discussions may focus on border enforcement, employment, national identity, humanitarian protection or the economic contribution of migrants.
The survey records respondents’ views; it does not establish which political messages or personal experiences caused them.
Does the Survey Mean Europeans Oppose All Immigration?
No. This is one of the most important distinctions to understand.
The question asked whether respondents felt their country was taking in too many migrants. It did not ask whether all immigration should stop, whether every migrant should leave, or whether people supported admitting refugees in specific circumstances.
Immigration includes different categories, such as people arriving for work, joining family members, studying, or seeking asylum. Public attitudes can differ depending on the type of migration and the policies being discussed.
The same 2024 survey reported that 85% of respondents believed the EU should take more action to combat irregular migration. It also reported that 39% believed Europe needed immigration at that time.
These findings show that opinions on immigration are not necessarily captured by a single yes-or-no position. People may support stricter controls on irregular migration while holding different views about labor needs, humanitarian protection and legal routes.
What Does the Map Tell Us About Europe’s Future?
The map demonstrates that immigration is a significant issue in European public debate, but the figures are only one part of a much larger picture.
Governments must consider border management, asylum procedures, labor market needs, integration, demographic change and the protection of fundamental rights. These issues often overlap, yet each requires different evidence and policy responses.
Public opinion is also not fixed. Attitudes may change as economic circumstances, migration patterns, government policies and political priorities evolve. A survey conducted before the 2024 European elections should therefore be understood in its historical context rather than treated as a permanent description of European society.
For a clearer picture of current attitudes, researchers would need more recent surveys using comparable questions and transparent methodologies. Comparing results over time would help establish whether public opinion has changed and where those changes have occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which country recorded the highest percentage on the map?
Greece recorded the highest share, at 90%, according to the 2024 survey.
2. Which country recorded the lowest percentage?
Hungary recorded the lowest share in the published country breakdown, at 54%.
3. When was the survey conducted?
The online survey took place between March 27 and April 9, 2024, across all 27 EU member states.
4. Does the map show the percentage of migrants in each country?
No. It shows the percentage of respondents who felt their country was accepting too many migrants. It does not measure the immigrant population.
5. Are these figures current for 2026?
No. They are results from a 2024 survey. A newer, comparable survey would be needed to determine current public opinion.
Conclusion
Europe’s migration map offers a useful look at public attitudes during a politically important period. Greece recorded the highest share of respondents who felt their country was taking in too many migrants, while Hungary recorded the lowest figure in the published comparison.
The broader lesson is that immigration attitudes differ across Europe and cannot be fully explained by a single statistic. Understanding the reasons behind those opinions requires careful research, reliable data and attention to each country’s circumstances.
The map is a starting point for that discussion—not a complete answer to the many questions surrounding migration, public policy and Europe’s future.