Poll finds Greeks among most anti-migrant in EU

eKathimerini — A new survey shows that most Europeans fear a refugee influx will heighten the risk of terrorist attacks and cost them jobs, with Greeks among those displaying the most negative values toward Muslims but also Jews.

In Greece, 55 percent of respondents said they thought refugees would increase the likelihood of terrorist attacks in the country, below the European Union average of 59 percent and significantly lower than the 76 percent rate in Hungary and 71 percent in Poland, according to the survey by the Pew Research Center. But 72 percent of Greeks said they believe refugees are a burden on the country because they take jobs and social benefits, above the EU average of 50 percent.

Sixty-five percent of Greeks expressed an unfavorable view of Muslims compared to just 28 percent in the UK. The highest rate was in Hungary, where 72 percent had a negative view of Muslims.

Meanwhile relatively few Europeans expressed a negative opinion about Jews. The Pew survey found the EU average to be just 16 percent, noting that Greece is major exception with a 55 percent majority expressing a negative view about Jews