On Saturday 3 October 2026, Luxembourg's Zentrum fir politesch Bildung (ZpB) published the results of its "Demokratie-Sondage 2026", revealing that 71% of respondents believe democratic culture in Luxembourg should be strengthened.
The survey, carried out to mark the ZpB's tenth anniversary, questioned 600 Luxembourg residents aged fifteen and over, in a timeframe between 19 June and 2 July 2026. It focused on perceptions of democracy in Luxembourg and Europe.
More than seven in ten respondents believed European democracies currently face real or very significant threats. While 44% expressed doubts about whether democracy in Europe could address current challenges, 52% remained optimistic.
Respondents identified declining trust in politics (43%) and the spread of false information (40%) as the main perceived threats, followed by growing tensions within society and internationally (34% each).
When asked what should be prioritised in response, 47% pointed to combating disinformation, 43% to reducing social inequalities and 38% to strengthening citizens' critical thinking skills.
The survey also found that 71% believed democratic culture should be strengthened in Luxembourg. Among respondents aged 55 and over, 57% viewed schools as the main means of doing so, as did 58% of Luxembourg nationals.
When it came to children and young people, 63% identified learning mutual respect and tolerance as particularly useful for raising awareness of democratic issues, while 54% pointed to learning how to resolve conflicts without violence.
Artificial intelligence (AI), disinformation, social inequalities, freedom of expression and its limits, as well as citizens' rights and responsibilities, ranked among the democracy-related topics respondents wanted to learn more about.
Around four in ten respondents (41%) also believed the government should do more to foster democracy in Luxembourg society, followed by schools (35%) and citizens themselves (32%).
"Citizenship education is a shared responsibility. Schools contribute to it, as does the ZpB, but society as a whole must support it and bring it to life," said ZpB co-director Marc Schoentgen.
According to the foundation, more than one third of Luxembourg's population aged fifteen and over is now aware of the ZpB, rising to 53% among Luxembourg nationals. The organisation said the findings highlighted a need to reach people who are less engaged in civic participation, particularly residents of foreign origin.
ZpB co-director Michèle Schilt added: "Teaching democratic skills is not enough to address the challenges we face when social inequalities are widening and AI and social media are amplifying disinformation and eroding trust. That is why we are bringing together people from academia, the press, culture, social media and teaching to share our perspectives and discuss what democracy needs today."
The survey results will also form part of a panel discussion entitled "Democracy at risk? Is citizenship education the answer?", taking place at Neumünster Abbey (neimënster) in Luxembourg-Grund on Tuesday 13 October 2026 at 18:30.
Moderated by Caroline Mart, the discussion will bring together Trier University social science researcher Dr Matthias Busch, Escher Theater Director Carole Lorang, social media strategist and content creator Cecilia Said Vieira, English teacher Amela Skenderovic, former Schifflange Mayor Paul Weimerskirch and journalist and Press Council member Sidney Wiltgen.
The discussion will take place in Luxembourgish with simultaneous interpretation into French. It is free of charge but prior registration is required.
