It always depends on who responds and where they respond. But there are some topics that have appeared more frequently.
The new year has begun. As always, there are projects, dreams, objectives; as well as hesitations and fears.
When asking, in general, what is the biggest fear for 2026it is difficult to have a concrete answer. Because there is no single and universal “greatest fear”; It depends on who asks, the type of survey, the region.
The most recent global barometers indicate, however, that there is a more frequent fear: the money. Worsening economic conditions, recession, cost of living.
In , 48% of respondents think that the country where they live will enter a recession this year.
In the survey published on the last day of the year, only 24% of respondents expect economic prosperity in 2026; 40% have economic difficulties.
It’s not too surprising: in 2025, in addition to the war in and which also affects key sectors of the global economy, the war started by Donald Trump shook the markets.
Last year, the world economy grew, but at a moderate and uneven pace; with disinflation in many economies and a slowdown in trade.
The global economic growth recorded was below pre-pandemic averages and with risks on the rise.
All this in an environment of greater geopolitical and commercial uncertainty. Indeed, Geopolitical instability and security risks are the other two biggest fears for 2026.
Returning to the Gallup study, 40% of people anticipate that the world will become more troubled in 2026.
Already Europa, and looking at the European Parliament, the fear that arises most consistently (41%) is the cost of living – inflation and rising prices; followed by defense and security (34%) and combating poverty and social exclusion (31%)
It has already been shown that, for 47% of Europeans, the biggest challenge facing the continent is the war in Ukraine.
Nuno Teixeira da Silva, ZAP //
