This contribution examines the impact of the first four years, 2008–2012, of the financial and economic crisis on trust in national and European institutions in the EU15 and EU27. It documents a pronounced decline in trust on the part of the public in the periphery countries of the eurozone, namely Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and Greece, and identifies the driving forces behind this phenomenon and discusses their immediate consequences. Potential policy options available to national and European policymakers to address this crisis are then explored. In conclusion, the contribution highlights the enduring and significant support shown for the euro in each individual eurozone country throughout the financial and eurozone crisis.
This contribution examines the impact of the first four years, 2008–2012, of the financial and economic crisis on trust in national and European institutions in the EU15 and EU27. It documents a pronounced decline in trust on the part of the public in the periphery countries of the eurozone, namely Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and Greece, and identifies the driving forces behind this phenomenon and discusses their immediate consequences. Potential policy options available to national and European policymakers to address this crisis are then explored. In conclusion, the contribution highlights the enduring and significant support shown for the euro in each individual eurozone country throughout the financial and eurozone crisis.