Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser (NI) has challenged the European Commission over the methodology of its Eurobarometer surveys, arguing that the polls contain inherent biases that misrepresent EU citizens' opinions and could mislead policy recommendations. In a written parliamentary question dated 8 July 2026, Kartheiser pointed to a recent survey where nearly half of respondents said the EU should have greater financial means, but were not given the option to say the budget should be decreased.
He also cited academic studies highlighting suggestive wording, overly complex questions, aggregation that obscures national differences, and the removal of questions that previously showed negative perceptions of the EU. Kartheiser further noted that Eurobarometer surveys residents of member states, not necessarily citizens, and thus cannot claim to reflect national perspectives. The MEP asked the Commission whether it is concerned about these biases, how relevant the surveys are given their cost and alleged failure to represent genuine opinions, and what steps it will take to prevent biased data from misleading policy and spreading misinformation. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it acknowledges methodological shortcomings or defends the current approach. The issue touches on the credibility of EU institutions' data-driven policymaking and the representation of citizens' views, with potential implications for EU budget debates and public trust.