12th Round of the European Social Survey (ESS) Begins in Cyprus

The University of Cyprus Field Research Center (PAKEPE), in collaboration with the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK), announced the launch of the 12th round of the European Social Survey (ESS) for 2025/2026. Data collection began on November 10, 2025, and invitations were sent to randomly selected households across the country.

The ESS is a major comparative European research program that studies citizens’ opinions on democracy, trust in institutions, attitudes toward migration, employment, and political behavior. The survey’s methodology received the Descartes Prize in 2005 and was a European Commission priority until 2013.

Respondents in each household are selected using the “next birthday” method. Questionnaires can be completed either on paper or electronically, providing flexibility for participation.

Results from previous rounds (Round 10 — 2022 and Round 11 — 2024) show a steady decline in trust toward domestic institutions since 2006, with the biggest concerns regarding politicians and parties. Meanwhile, external institutions, such as the European Parliament and the UN, receive higher trust levels. Cyprus also records some of the highest levels of xenophobia among participating countries — ranking in the bottom ten in this regard.

Organizers emphasize that the success of participation in Cyprus directly depends on the responses of invited households, as their input is necessary for reliable data that informs public dialogue and policy development. Additional questions related to Cyprus-specific issues and intercommunal relations will be published separately.