Get you up to speed: Europeans’ Opinions on the ECHR and Migrant Rules
The majority of Europeans are dissatisfied with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), with many desiring changes to migrant rules. A YouGov survey shows significant support for modifying the convention’s rules to allow deportation of immigrants committing serious crimes, especially among German respondents at 75%.
Despite a call from 27 European nations for a new migration framework, only 2% to 4% of Europeans claim to know a great deal about the ECHR’s purpose. For instance, only 8% of Spanish and Italian respondents understood that the ECHR does not address the right to migrate.
Nonetheless, between half and two-thirds of respondents in five EU countries want to remain members of the ECHR, believing it positively affects national security cooperation. Citizens generally feel the ECHR improves their everyday rights, despite acknowledging a lack of knowledge about its operations.
What we know so far
Most Europeans don’t know what the ECHR does, but do they want to leave it?
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) faces significant scrutiny across Europe, as many citizens express dissatisfaction with its current rules, especially regarding migration. A YouGov survey revealed that a notable majority of EU citizens favour modifications that would permit the deportation of immigrants who have committed serious crimes, with support peaking at 75% among Germans.
In a joint statement to the Council of Europe, Italy and Denmark, along with 27 other European nations, called for a new ECHR migration framework, stressing that current challenges were not foreseen during the convention’s drafting process. The call reflects a growing concern about immigration issues impacting societal stability.
Despite the significant majority wanting to modify ECHR rules, awareness of the convention’s purpose remains alarmingly low. According to the survey, only 2% to 4% of Europeans profess to know a “great deal” about the ECHR, and many misunderstand its scope, including the misconception that it governs the right to migrate.
Moreover, even with limited understanding, some citizens perceive that the ECHR is performing effectively. For example, half of Polish respondents believe the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) effectively carries out its functions, while opinions among Spanish, Germans, Italians, and French citizens are more divided.
Interestingly, despite their lack of knowledge about the ECHR, a significant portion of Europeans do not wish to withdraw from it. Between half and two-thirds of respondents across five EU countries expressed a desire to remain part of the ECHR, citing its positive impact on national security cooperation and their everyday rights.