A greater proportion, 52 percent, believe that further wars within Europe are likely Researchers note a correlation between heightened anxieties regarding military escalation and increased susceptibility to disinformation, with concerns amplifying agreement with pro-Russian narratives
“Anxieties can be a gateway for radicalization processes and manipulation” explains Pia Lamberty, Co-Director of Cemas Cemas has been tracking public anxieties since 2022, with fears peaking in May 2025 Alongside growing concerns, a majority of respondents (53 percent) report feeling inadequately informed, expressing a desire for greater clarity from the government regarding potential war-related risks
Despite anxieties, willingness to participate in national defense appears limited Only 20 percent of those polled indicate they would actively defend the country if attacked and a mere 9 percent have considered joining the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) A larger percentage, 24 percent, feel they would need to take self-defense measures in an escalation scenario – a sentiment most strongly expressed among supporters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) political party
The Cemas survey, conducted via Bilendi, involved 2,136 participants between April 24th and May 18th
