A Fresh Perspective on Eurobarometer Data: - Constructing ‘Social Mood Indices’

To enhance the accessibility of Eurobarometer insights, we engage in a meta-analysis of the collected data conducted by means of three constructed mega-indices: the ‘Life Satisfaction’ Index, the ‘Country Performance’ Index, and the ‘Trust in Institutions’ Index. [...] The questions chosen for the construction of the indices appear in all questionnaires over time, which enables data gathering in a standardized manner and enhances the consistency and across-time comparability of the findings. [...] These findings suggest a two-forked criticism of the EU based on both the--perceived--negative economic repercussions associated with the EU and the social/ cultural impact of the country’s membership on the fabric of society. [...] Country Performance Index • The general situation in the country • The economic situation in the country • The employment situation in the country c. [...] The yellow bars show the Life Satisfaction index, the orange the Trust in Institutions index, and the green the Country Performance index.