Cyprus ranks among the 10 most xenophobic countries in Europe, according to findings from the latest rounds of the European Social Survey (ESS).
The University of Cyprus Field Research Centre (PAKEPE), in partnership with the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK), revealed the data as they launched Round 12 of the pan-European survey for 2025/2026.
Out of 31 countries surveyed in the most recent round, Cyprus placed in the top 10 for xenophobia levels, with researchers noting that the situation worsened in Round 11, according to the announcement.
The survey, which won Europe’s prestigious Descartes Prize in 2005, also uncovered a systematic decline in trust towards institutions since 2006.
Politicians and political parties face the deepest crisis of confidence, though a slight recovery has emerged recently, possibly due to new political formations.
External institutions fare better, with the European Parliament and the United Nations commanding significantly higher trust levels than domestic parties and the House of Representatives, researchers said.
The data reveals a dangerous gap between democratic values and political reality in Cyprus. Whilst citizens rate the importance of democratic principles as very high, their satisfaction with how democracy actually functions remains desperately low, according to the announcement.
Data collection for the new round began on 10 November 2025, with invitation letters sent to a randomly selected small number of households sufficient to reliably represent the entire country.
In each selected household, the person with the next birthday is invited to participate, an internationally established practice that strengthens sample randomness.
The survey covers current issues affecting life in Cyprus and Europe more broadly, including perceptions of democracy, trust in institutions, attitudes towards the European Union, migration, employment and political behaviour.
Cyprus’s participation allows tracking of critical social indicators over time. Additional questions specific to Cyprus focus on the Cyprus problem and inter-communal relations, with results expected in a separate announcement.
Researchers emphasised that the success of Cyprus’s participation depends directly on the involvement of households receiving postal invitations.
(information from CNA)