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{{short description|Overview of religion in the European Union}} |
{{short description|Overview of religion in the European Union}} |
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{{Pie chart |
{{Pie chart |
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|thumb = right |
|thumb = right |
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|caption = Religion in the European Union (2021)<ref name="EB2021">{{cite web|url=https://data.europa.eu/data/datasets/s2237_95_2_516_eng?locale=en|via=[[European Data Portal]] (see Volume B: EU/socio-demographics: Question D90.2. "Do you consider yourself to be...")|title=Special Eurobarometer 516 : European citizens’ knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology|publisher=[[European Union]]: [[European Commission]]|date=September 2021|access-date=11 June 2023}}</ref> |
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|caption = Religion in the European Union (December 2018)<ref name="EB2018">{{citation|title=Eurobarometer 90.4 (December 2018): Attitudes of Europeans towards Biodiversity, Awareness and Perceptions of EU customs, and Perceptions of Antisemitism|work=[[Eurobarometer|Special Eurobarometer]] |year=2019 |url=http://zacat.gesis.org/webview/index.jsp?headers=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA7556_V204&v=2&stubs=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA7556_V11&weights=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA7556_V440&V204slice=1&study=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfStudy%2FZA7556&charttype=null&tabcontenttype=row&V11slice=1&V204subset=1+-+10%2C11%2C12+-+13%2C14&mode=table&top=yes |access-date=9 August 2019|publisher=[[European Commission]] |location=[[European Union]]|via=[[GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences|GESIS]]}}</ref> |
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|label1 = [[Catholic Church in Europe|Catholic]] |
|label1 = [[Catholic Church in Europe|Catholic]] |
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|value1 = |
|value1 = 45.3 |
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|color1 = Purple |
|color1 = Purple |
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|label2 = [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] |
|label2 = [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] |
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|value2 = |
|value2 = 9.9 |
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|color2 = DarkOrchid |
|color2 = DarkOrchid |
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|label3 = [[Protestant]] |
|label3 = [[Protestant]] |
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|value3 = |
|value3 = 8.3 |
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|color3 = DodgerBlue |
|color3 = DodgerBlue |
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|label4 = Other Christian |
|label4 = Other Christian |
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|value4 = |
|value4 = 2.6 |
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|color4 = LightBlue |
|color4 = LightBlue |
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|label5 = [[Irreligion in Europe|No religion]]/[[Agnostic]] |
|label5 = [[Irreligion in Europe|No religion]]/[[Agnostic]] |
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|value5 = |
|value5 = 15 |
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|color5 = Honeydew |
|color5 = Honeydew |
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|label6 = [[Atheist]] |
|label6 = [[Atheist]] |
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|value6 = |
|value6 = 10.5 |
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|color6 = LightGrey |
|color6 = LightGrey |
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|label7 = [[Islam|Muslim]] |
|label7 = [[Islam|Muslim]] |
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|value7 = |
|value7 = 1.4 |
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|color7 = #87A96B |
|color7 = #87A96B |
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|label8 = [[Hinduism|Hindu]] |
|label8 = [[Hinduism|Hindu]] |
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|value8 = |
|value8 = 0.1 |
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|color8 = #FFA500 |
|color8 = #FFA500 |
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|label9 = [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] |
|label9 = [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] |
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|color9 = #FFFF00 |
|color9 = #FFFF00 |
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|label10 = [[Judaism|Jewish]] |
|label10 = [[Judaism|Jewish]] |
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|value10 = 0. |
|value10 = 0.1 |
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|color10 = #008080 |
|color10 = #008080 |
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|label11 = Other religion |
|label11 = Other religion |
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|value11 = |
|value11 = 4.8 |
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|color11 = #C3B091 |
|color11 = #C3B091 |
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|label12 = Don't know and refusal to answer |
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|value12 = 1.1 |
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|color12 = Grey |
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}} |
}} |
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[[File:Roma-via concilazione01.jpg|thumb|200px|St. Peter's Basilica from [[Castel Sant'Angelo]] showing the dome rising behind Maderno's facade.|alt=Photo.]] |
[[File:Roma-via concilazione01.jpg|thumb|200px|St. Peter's Basilica from [[Castel Sant'Angelo]] showing the dome rising behind Maderno's facade.|alt=Photo.]] |
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[[File:Salute 2 (7257153200).jpg|thumb|200px|[[Santa Maria della Salute]], Venice.]] |
[[File:Salute 2 (7257153200).jpg|thumb|200px|[[Santa Maria della Salute]], Venice.]] |
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[[File: |
[[File:Lodz katedra (dron).jpg|thumb|200px|Cathedral Basilica of [[Stanislaus Kostka|St. Stanislaus Kostka]] in [[Łódź]], Poland.]] |
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[[File:Mânăstirea Argeșului.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Curtea de Argeș Monastery]] in Romania.]] |
[[File:Mânăstirea Argeșului.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Curtea de Argeș Monastery]] in Romania.]] |
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[[File:Cologne Cathedral (6679344321).jpg|thumb|200px|[[Cologne Cathedral|Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Mary]] in [[Cologne]].]] |
[[File:Cologne Cathedral (6679344321).jpg|thumb|200px|[[Cologne Cathedral|Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Mary]] in [[Cologne]].]] |
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[[File:PilsenSynagogue.JPG|thumb|200px|[[Great Synagogue (Plzeň)|Great Synagogue]] in [[Plzeň]].]] |
[[File:PilsenSynagogue.JPG|thumb|200px|[[Great Synagogue (Plzeň)|Great Synagogue]] in [[Plzeň]].]] |
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[[File:DITIB-Zentralmoschee_Köln_-_April_2015-7489.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Cologne Central Mosque|Central Mosque]] of [[Cologne]].]] |
[[File:DITIB-Zentralmoschee_Köln_-_April_2015-7489.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Cologne Central Mosque|Central Mosque]] of [[Cologne]].]] |
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[[File:MpbmuDrjzgbW68ZesrE5WqT-C9kbkyznZiNw nxFW5I.jpg|thumb|A Hindu temple in Germany ([[Hamm |
[[File:MpbmuDrjzgbW68ZesrE5WqT-C9kbkyznZiNw nxFW5I.jpg|thumb|A Hindu temple in Germany ([[Hamm, Westphalia]]).]] |
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'''Religion in the European Union''' is diverse. The largest religion in the EU is [[Christianity]], which accounted for 72.8% of [[European Union|EU]] population {{as of|2018|lc=y}}.<ref name="EB2018"/> Smaller groups include those of [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], [[Judaism]], [[Hinduism]], and some [[East Asian religions]], most concentrated in Germany and France. Also present are [[modern paganism|revival movements]] of [[Paganism#Ethnic religions of pre-Christian Europe|pre-Christianity European folk religions]] including [[Germanic neopaganism|Heathenism]], [[Slavic neopaganism|Rodnovery]], [[Romuva (religion)|Romuva]], and [[Druidry]].<ref>Strmiska, Michael F. (2005). Modern Paganism in World Cultures: Comparative Perspectives. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.</ref> |
'''Religion in the European Union''' is diverse. The largest religion in the EU is [[Christianity]], which accounted for 72.8% of [[European Union|EU]] population {{as of|2018|lc=y}}.<ref name="EB2018">{{citation|title=Eurobarometer 90.4 (December 2018): Attitudes of Europeans towards Biodiversity, Awareness and Perceptions of EU customs, and Perceptions of Antisemitism|work=[[Eurobarometer|Special Eurobarometer]] |year=2019 |url=http://zacat.gesis.org/webview/index.jsp?headers=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA7556_V204&v=2&stubs=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA7556_V11&weights=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA7556_V440&V204slice=1&study=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfStudy%2FZA7556&charttype=null&tabcontenttype=row&V11slice=1&V204subset=1+-+10%2C11%2C12+-+13%2C14&mode=table&top=yes |access-date=9 August 2019|publisher=[[European Commission]] |location=[[European Union]]|via=[[GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences|GESIS]]}}</ref> Smaller groups include those of [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], [[Judaism]], [[Hinduism]], and some [[East Asian religions]], most concentrated in Germany and France. Also present are [[modern paganism|revival movements]] of [[Paganism#Ethnic religions of pre-Christian Europe|pre-Christianity European folk religions]] including [[Germanic neopaganism|Heathenism]], [[Slavic neopaganism|Rodnovery]], [[Romuva (religion)|Romuva]], and [[Druidry]].<ref>Strmiska, Michael F. (2005). Modern Paganism in World Cultures: Comparative Perspectives. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.</ref> |
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Over the last several decades, religious practice has been on the decline in a process of [[secularisation]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/31/arts/31iht-idlede1.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all |work=The New York Times |first=Mark |last=Lilla |title=Europe and the legend of secularization | date=31 March 2006}}</ref> [[Eurostat]]'s [[Eurobarometer]] survey in 2010 showed that 20% of EU citizens don't believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force.<ref name="eurobarometer 2010">{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf|title=Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, page 204|date=2010}}</ref> Many countries have experienced falling [[church attendance]] and membership in recent years.<ref>{{cite news|work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-02-21-god-europe_x.htm|title=What place for God in Europe|access-date=24 July 2009|date=22 February 2005|first=Peter|last=Ford}}</ref> |
Over the last several decades, religious practice has been on the decline in a process of [[secularisation]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/31/arts/31iht-idlede1.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all |work=The New York Times |first=Mark |last=Lilla |title=Europe and the legend of secularization | date=31 March 2006}}</ref> [[Eurostat]]'s [[Eurobarometer]] survey in 2010 showed that 20% of EU citizens don't believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force.<ref name="eurobarometer 2010">{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf|title=Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, page 204|date=2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215001129/http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Many countries have experienced falling [[church attendance]] and membership in recent years.<ref>{{cite news|work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-02-21-god-europe_x.htm|title=What place for God in Europe|access-date=24 July 2009|date=22 February 2005|first=Peter|last=Ford}}</ref> |
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The countries with the most people reporting no belief in any sort of spirit, god, or |
The countries with the most people reporting no belief in any sort of spirit, god, or higher power are [[Religion in France|France]] (40%), [[Religion in the Czech Republic|Czech Republic]] (37%), [[Religion in Sweden|Sweden]] (34%), [[Religion in the Netherlands|Netherlands]] (30%), [[Religion in Estonia|Estonia]] (29%), [[Religion in Germany|Germany]] (27%), [[Religion in Belgium|Belgium]] (27%) and [[Religion in Slovenia|Slovenia]] (26%).<ref name="eurobarometer 2010"/> The most religious countries are [[Religion in Romania|Romania]] (1% non-believers) and [[Religion in Malta|Malta]] (2% non-believers).<ref name="eurobarometer 2010"/> Across the EU, belief is more common with older age and is higher amongst women, those with only basic education, and those "positioning themselves on the right of the political scale (57%)".<ref name="eurobarometer 2005">{{cite web|title=Eurobarometer 225: Social values, Science & Technology|publisher=[[Eurostat]]|year=2005|url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060524004644/http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf|archive-date=24 May 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==Church and state== |
==Church and state== |
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The EU is a secular body with a [[separation of church and state]]. There are no formal ties to any religion and no mention of any specific religion in any current or proposed treaty.<ref name="Consolidated Treaties">{{cite web|title=Consolidated Treaties on European Union and establishing the European Community|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)|Eur-Lex]]|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2006:321E:0001:0331:EN:pdf|access-date=2007-06-25}}</ref> Discussion over the European Constitution's draft texts and later the Treaty of Lisbon have included proposals to mention Christianity and/or God in the preamble of the document. This call has been supported by Christian religious leaders, most notably the Pope.<ref name="BBC Vatican">{{cite news|title=Vatican resists European secularism|publisher=BBC News|date=11 February 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4253937.stm|access-date=2007-07-14}}</ref> However, the explicit inclusion of a link to religion faced opposition from secularists, and the final Constitution referred to Europe's "Religious and Humanist inheritance". A second attempt to include Christianity in the treaty was undertaken in 2007 with the drafting of the Treaty of Lisbon. [[Angela Merkel]] promised the Pope that she would use her influence during Germany's presidency to try to include a reference to Christianity and God in the treaty. This has provoked opposition, not least in the German press,<ref name="God Const">{{cite news|title=European press review: God and the EU Constitution|publisher=BBC News/[[Süddeutsche Zeitung]]|date=12 September 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5337166.stm|access-date=2007-07-14}}</ref> and as this inclusion may have caused problems in reaching a final agreement, this attempt was given up.<ref name="EUO Merkel God">{{cite web|last=Rettman|first=Andrew|title=Merkel gives up on God in EU treaty|publisher=EU Observer|date=12 September 2006|url=http://euobserver.com/15/24066 |access-date=2007-07-21}}</ref> Of the Union's 27 states, only three have an official [[state religion]], these being Denmark ([[Church of Denmark]]), Greece ([[Church of Greece]]), and Malta (Catholic Church). Some other churches have a close relationship with the state.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ferrari|first=Silvio|title=Silvio Ferrari on "Church and State in Europe"|publisher=Concordat Watch|url=http://www.concordatwatch.eu/showtopic.php?org_id=871&kb_header_id=1551|access-date=2007-08-23}}</ref> Until 2000, the [[Church of Sweden]] was the state church of Sweden. |
The EU is a secular body with a [[separation of church and state]]. There are no formal ties to any religion and no mention of any specific religion in any current or proposed treaty.<ref name="Consolidated Treaties">{{cite web|title=Consolidated Treaties on European Union and establishing the European Community|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)|Eur-Lex]]|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2006:321E:0001:0331:EN:pdf|access-date=2007-06-25}}</ref> Discussion over the European Constitution's draft texts and later the Treaty of Lisbon have included proposals to mention Christianity and/or God in the preamble of the document. This call has been supported by Christian religious leaders, most notably the Pope.<ref name="BBC Vatican">{{cite news|title=Vatican resists European secularism|publisher=BBC News|date=11 February 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4253937.stm|access-date=2007-07-14}}</ref> However, the explicit inclusion of a link to religion faced opposition from secularists, and the final Constitution referred to Europe's "Religious and Humanist inheritance". A second attempt to include Christianity in the treaty was undertaken in 2007 with the drafting of the Treaty of Lisbon. [[Angela Merkel]] promised the Pope that she would use her influence during Germany's presidency to try to include a reference to Christianity and God in the treaty. This has provoked opposition, not least in the German press,<ref name="God Const">{{cite news|title=European press review: God and the EU Constitution|publisher=BBC News/[[Süddeutsche Zeitung]]|date=12 September 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5337166.stm|access-date=2007-07-14}}</ref> and as this inclusion may have caused problems in reaching a final agreement, this attempt was given up.<ref name="EUO Merkel God">{{cite web|last=Rettman|first=Andrew|title=Merkel gives up on God in EU treaty|publisher=EU Observer|date=12 September 2006|url=http://euobserver.com/15/24066 |access-date=2007-07-21}}</ref> Of the Union's 27 states, only three have an official [[state religion]], these being Denmark ([[Church of Denmark]]), Greece ([[Church of Greece]]), and Malta (Catholic Church). Some other churches have a close relationship with the state.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ferrari|first=Silvio|title=Silvio Ferrari on "Church and State in Europe"|publisher=Concordat Watch|url=http://www.concordatwatch.eu/showtopic.php?org_id=871&kb_header_id=1551|access-date=2007-08-23}}</ref> Until 2000, the [[Church of Sweden]] was the state church of Sweden. |
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In the secularising EU, [[Holy See| |
In the secularising EU, the [[Holy See|Vatican]] has been vocal against a perceived "militant [[atheism]]". It based this on a number of events, for example: the rejection of religious references in the [[European Constitution|Constitution]] and [[Treaty of Lisbon]], the rejection by Parliament of [[Rocco Buttiglione]] as [[List of European Commission portfolios#Justice, Freedom and Security|Justice Commissioner]] in 2004,<ref name="BBC Vatican2">{{cite news|date=11 February 2005|title=Vatican resists European secularism|publisher=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4253937.stm|access-date=2007-07-14}}</ref> while at the same time Parliament approved [[Peter Mandelson]] (who is gay<ref name="PN IGM2">{{cite web|last=Shoffman|first=Marc|date=3 June 2006|title=Ian McKellen ranked most influential gay man|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-1863.html|access-date=2007-08-23|publisher=Pink News}}</ref>) as [[European Commissioner for Trade|Trade Commissioner]], and the legalisation of [[same-sex marriage]] in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain.<ref name="BBC Vatican2" /> The European Parliament has also been calling for same-sex marriages to be recognised across the EU.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} Meanwhile, states such as Latvia and Poland<ref name="European Parliament2">{{cite web|date=23 April 2007|title=Poland urged to drop new law banning 'homosexual propaganda' in schools|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/017-5745-113-04-17-902-20070420IPR05691-23-04-2007-2007-false/default_en.htm|access-date=2007-11-14|publisher=[[European Parliament]]}}</ref> have rejected legislation designed to stop discrimination against homosexuals. This has been stated to be on religious grounds, with homosexual behaviour described as "unnatural", and the Catholic Church influencing public opinion. The difference of opinion between these countries and Brussels has been damaging relations.<ref>{{cite news|last=Easton|first=Adam|date=10 May 2006|title=Fears of Poland's gay community|publisher=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5068318.stm|access-date=2007-08-23}}</ref><ref name="BBC Latvia2">{{cite news|last=Sheeter|first=Laura|date=16 May 2006|title=Latvia defies EU over gay rights|publisher=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/5084832.stm|access-date=2007-08-23}}</ref> |
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Due to the rise of other religions, and some intolerance towards them, the [[EU Commission]] now regularly meets with different religious leaders.<ref name="EC Meeting2">{{cite web|date=12 July 2005|title=José Manuel Barroso meets European religious leaders|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/904&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en|access-date=2007-08-23|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)]]}}</ref> In November 2005, a delegation from the [[European Humanist Federation]] was invited to a meeting by [[President of the European Commission|Commissioner-President]] [[José Manuel Barroso|Barroso]]. This was the first time a [[Humanism|humanist]] group had been consulted in this manner by the [[European Commission|Commission]]. President [[Romano Prodi]] has refused such meetings, despite meeting various religious leaders, causing some resentment by humanists. |
Due to the rise of other religions, and some intolerance towards them, the [[EU Commission]] now regularly meets with different religious leaders.<ref name="EC Meeting2">{{cite web|date=12 July 2005|title=José Manuel Barroso meets European religious leaders|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/904&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en|access-date=2007-08-23|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)]]}}</ref> In November 2005, a delegation from the [[European Humanist Federation]] was invited to a meeting by [[President of the European Commission|Commissioner-President]] [[José Manuel Barroso|Barroso]]. This was the first time a [[Humanism|humanist]] group had been consulted in this manner by the [[European Commission|Commission]]. President [[Romano Prodi]] has refused such meetings, despite meeting various religious leaders, causing some resentment by humanists. |
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==Secularisation== |
==Secularisation== |
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[[Atheism]] and [[agnosticism]] have increased among the general population in Europe, with falling [[church attendance]] and membership in many countries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cline|first=Austin|title=Secularism in Europe|publisher=About.com|date=28 February 2005|url=http://atheism.about.com/b/a/149439.htm|access-date=2007-07-21}}</ref><ref name="Zuckerman Atheism">{{cite web|last=Zuckerman|first=Phil|title=Atheism: Contemporary Rates and Patterns|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2005|url=http://www.pitzer.edu/academics/faculty/zuckerman/atheism.html|access-date=2007-07-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610084208/http://www.pitzer.edu/academics/faculty/zuckerman/atheism.html|archive-date=10 June 2007 |
[[Atheism]] and [[agnosticism]] have increased among the general population in Europe, with falling [[church attendance]] and membership in many countries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cline|first=Austin|title=Secularism in Europe|publisher=About.com|date=28 February 2005|url=http://atheism.about.com/b/a/149439.htm|access-date=2007-07-21}}</ref><ref name="Zuckerman Atheism">{{cite web|last=Zuckerman|first=Phil|title=Atheism: Contemporary Rates and Patterns|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2005|url=http://www.pitzer.edu/academics/faculty/zuckerman/atheism.html|access-date=2007-07-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610084208/http://www.pitzer.edu/academics/faculty/zuckerman/atheism.html|archive-date=10 June 2007}}</ref> The countries where the most people reported no religious belief were France (40%), Czech Republic (37%), Sweden (34%), Netherlands (30%), Estonia (29%), Germany (27%), Belgium (27%) and Slovenia (26%).<ref name="eurobarometer 2010"/> The most religious societies are those in Romania with 1% non-believers and Malta with 2% non-believers. Across the EU, belief was higher among: the elderly, those with strict upbringings, those with the lowest levels of formal education, those leaning towards [[right-wing politics]], and those more concerned with moral and ethical issues in science and technology over [[risk-benefit analysis]].<ref name="eurobarometer 2005"/> |
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In 2012, the highest ever number of births outside of marriage were recorded in the European Union, at 40%,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&plugin=1&language=en&pcode=tps00018 |title=Eurostat |
In 2012, the highest ever number of births outside of marriage were recorded in the European Union, at 40%,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&plugin=1&language=en&pcode=tps00018 |title=Eurostat – Tables, Graphs and Maps Interface (TGM) table |publisher=European Commission |date=2016-08-11 |access-date=2017-01-10}}</ref> with first-births out of wedlock and cohabitation figures being even higher. Seven EU countries recorded a majority of births outside of marriage – [[Estonia]] (59% in 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csb.gov.lv/en/notikumi/among-baltic-states-greatest-birth-rate-growth-2014-was-registered-latvia-43062.html |title=Among the Baltic States the greatest birth rate growth in 2014 was registered in Latvia | Latvijas statistika |website=Csb.gov.lv |date=2015-07-24 |access-date=2017-01-10}}</ref>), [[Bulgaria]] (58.8% in 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nsi.bg/sites/default/files/files/pressreleases/Population2014_en_2Y19BGI.pdf |title=Population and Demographic Processes in 2014: (Final Data) |website=Nsi.bg |access-date=2017-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417174523/http://www.nsi.bg/sites/default/files/files/pressreleases/Population2014_en_2Y19BGI.pdf |archive-date=2015-04-17 |url-status=live }}</ref>), [[Slovenia]] (58.3% in 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stat.si/StatWeb/en/show-news?id=5284 |title=Births, Slovenia, 2014 |website=Stat.si |date=2015-06-29 |access-date=2017-01-10}}</ref>), [[France]] (57.4% in 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ined.fr/fr/tout-savoir-population/chiffres/france/naissance-fecondite/naissances-hors-mariage/ |title=Naissances hors mariage – Naissance, fécondité – France – Les chiffres – Ined – Institut national d'études démographiques |website=Ined.fr |access-date=2017-01-10}}</ref>), [[Sweden]] (54.4% in 2013<ref name="ReferenceA">Riché, Preface xviii, Pierre Riché reflects: "[H]e enjoyed an exceptional destiny, and by the length of his reign, by his conquests, legislation and legendary stature, he also profoundly marked the history of Western Europe."</ref>), [[Belgium]] (52.3% in 2012<ref name="ReferenceA"/>), and [[Denmark]] (51.5% in 2013<ref name="ReferenceA"/>). These countries tend to be some of the less religious ones.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/22418149/Report-Evolution-on-the-Family-in-Europe-2009recored|title=Report Evolution on the Family in Europe 2009 – Euro – Ethnicity, Race & Gender|via=Scribd}}</ref> |
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==Religiosity== |
==Religiosity== |
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{{legend|#C8B7B7|Protestant, Catholic, non-religious split (Germany)}}]] |
{{legend|#C8B7B7|Protestant, Catholic, non-religious split (Germany)}}]] |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" |
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
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|+Eurobarometer survey 2015 |
|+Eurobarometer survey 2015 – Religious affiliation in the EU<ref name="EB2015">{{citation|title=Discrimination in the EU in 2015|work=[[Eurobarometer|Special Eurobarometer]] |year=2015 |series=437|url=http://zacat.gesis.org/webview/index.jsp?headers=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA6595_V355&V355slice=1&previousmode=table&stubs=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA6595_V10&weights=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA6595_V42&analysismode=table&study=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfStudy%2FZA6595&tabcontenttype=row&gs=362&V10slice=1&mode=table&top=yes |access-date=2 March 2019|publisher=[[European Commission]] |location=[[European Union]]|via=[[GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences|GESIS]]}}</ref> |
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!Region |
!Region |
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!Catholic |
!Catholic |
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==Diversity== |
==Diversity== |
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It was estimated that the Union's Muslim population in 2009 was 13 million people.<ref name="mgmpPRC">{{Cite book | editor-last = Miller | editor-first = Tracy | date = October 2009 | publisher = [[Pew Research Center]] | title = Mapping the Global Muslim Population: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World's Muslim Population | url = http://pewforum.org/newassets/images/reports/Muslimpopulation/Muslimpopulation.pdf | access-date = 2009-11-11 | pages = 31–32 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091010050756/http://pewforum.org/newassets/images/reports/Muslimpopulation/Muslimpopulation.pdf | archive-date = 10 October 2009 |
It was estimated that the Union's Muslim population in 2009 was 13 million people.<ref name="mgmpPRC">{{Cite book | editor-last = Miller | editor-first = Tracy | date = October 2009 | publisher = [[Pew Research Center]] | title = Mapping the Global Muslim Population: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World's Muslim Population | url = http://pewforum.org/newassets/images/reports/Muslimpopulation/Muslimpopulation.pdf | access-date = 2009-11-11 | pages = 31–32 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091010050756/http://pewforum.org/newassets/images/reports/Muslimpopulation/Muslimpopulation.pdf | archive-date = 10 October 2009 }}</ref> The country with the largest number of Muslims in western Europe is believed to be France with an estimated 6–7 million (though the French census does not ask religious questions) followed by Germany (4.5 million), the United Kingdom (2.7 million)<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/ian-birrell-we-have-nothing-to-fear-from-our-muslim-citizens-8405793.html |title=Ian Birrell: We have nothing to fear from our Muslim citizens| date=11 December 2012}}{{unreliable source?|date=August 2020}}</ref> and Italy (1.5 million).<ref name="BBC Countries Muslims">{{cite news|title=Muslims in Europe: Country guide|publisher=BBC News|date=23 December 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4385768.stm|access-date=2007-08-26}}</ref> Aside from Turkey, the other possible future member to have a majority of Muslims is Albania, although other Balkan states like [[Bosnia]] (where Muslims enjoy a plurality), [[Montenegro]] and [[North Macedonia]] also have sizeable Muslim populations. Kosovo is also a Muslim majority state (but doesn't enjoy universal diplomatic recognition). A series of clashes and incidents connected to the religion have occurred in recent years, including: the murder of [[Theo van Gogh (film director)|Theo van Gogh]], the [[2004 Madrid train bombings]], the [[Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy]], and the [[7 July 2005 London bombings]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Muslims in the European Union|publisher=[[Europa (web portal)|EU FRA]]|year=2006|url=http://fra.europa.eu/fra/material/pub/muslim/Manifestations_EN.pdf|access-date=2007-08-26|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605110344/http://fra.europa.eu/fra/material/pub/muslim/Manifestations_EN.pdf|archive-date=5 June 2007}}</ref> In response to extremism, some figures, such as [[List of European Commission portfolios#Justice, Freedom and Security|Justice Freedom & Security Commissioner]] [[Franco Frattini]], have suggested creating a "[[European Islam]]" – a branch of the Islamic faith that is compatible with European values.<ref>{{cite web|last=Goldirova|first=Renata|title=Brussels questions EU capitals over approach to Islam|publisher=EU Observer|date=6 July 2007|url=http://euobserver.com/9/24436|access-date=2007-08-26}}</ref> |
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Judaism has had a long history in Europe going back to the Roman Empire. Prior to [[the Holocaust]], the area of the European Union had a Jewish population of 5,375,000 but they were largely exterminated in [[Nazi concentration camps]]. In 2002, the EU had a [[Jewish population]] of barely over a million, including about 519,000 in France and about 273,500 in the United Kingdom. This can be compared with about 5.8 million Jews living in Israel.<ref>Jewish population figures may be unreliable. These estimates are taken from: {{cite web|url=http://www.jafi.org.il/education/100/concepts/demography/demjpop.html|title=World Jewish Population (2002)|author=Sergio DellaPergola|work=American Jewish Year Book|publisher=The Jewish Agency for Israel|access-date=2007-05-03|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041222130930/http://www.jafi.org.il/education/100/concepts/demography/demjpop.html|archive-date=22 December 2004 |
Judaism has had a long history in Europe going back to the Roman Empire. Prior to [[the Holocaust]], the area of the European Union had a Jewish population of 5,375,000 but they were largely exterminated in [[Nazi concentration camps]]. In 2002, the EU had a [[Jewish population]] of barely over a million, including about 519,000 in France and about 273,500 in the United Kingdom. This can be compared with about 5.8 million Jews living in Israel.<ref>Jewish population figures may be unreliable. These estimates are taken from: {{cite web|url=http://www.jafi.org.il/education/100/concepts/demography/demjpop.html|title=World Jewish Population (2002)|author=Sergio DellaPergola|work=American Jewish Year Book|publisher=The Jewish Agency for Israel|access-date=2007-05-03|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041222130930/http://www.jafi.org.il/education/100/concepts/demography/demjpop.html|archive-date=22 December 2004}}</ref> In view of the [[History of antisemitism|history of persecution]] of [[History of the Jews in Europe|Jews in Europe]], [[antisemitism]] remains a matter of attention within the EU.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fra.europa.eu/fra/material/pub/AS/Antisemitism_Overview_December_2006_en.pdf|title=Anti-Semitism Summary overview of the situation in the European Union|author=EUMC|date=December 2006|publisher=EUMC|access-date=2007-05-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611121835/http://fra.europa.eu/fra/material/pub/AS/Antisemitism_Overview_December_2006_en.pdf|archive-date=11 June 2007}}</ref> |
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Following the nationalization of the former British colonies in the 1960s and 1970s, many Hindus migrated to Europe from India and East Africa, often with British passports allowing them to pursue a future in Britain (which is no longer part of the EU). The Netherlands has also been a top destination for migrating Hindus, worldwide. Many Hindus who originally arrived in the country did not come directly from places like India, however. Hindus began arriving in the Netherlands in larger numbers beginning in the 1970s. This group came from Suriname, which was a Dutch colony up until 1975. Many more Hindus came in another wave of migration starting in the early 1980s spurred by the conflict in Sri Lanka that targeted Tamils. Hindus in Europe originate from different countries and practice their faith in different ways, depending on the group of Hinduism they belong to.<ref>{{Cite web|title=European Countries With The Highest Number Of Hindus: 2010 To 2050|url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/european-countries-with-the-highest-number-of-hindus-2010-to-2050.html|access-date=2021-05-08|website=WorldAtlas|language=en-US}}</ref> As of 2021, there are |
Following the nationalization of the former British colonies in the 1960s and 1970s, many Hindus migrated to Europe from India and East Africa, often with British passports allowing them to pursue a future in Britain (which is no longer part of the EU). The Netherlands has also been a top destination for migrating Hindus, worldwide. Many Hindus who originally arrived in the country did not come directly from places like India, however. Hindus began arriving in the Netherlands in larger numbers beginning in the 1970s. This group came from Suriname, which was a Dutch colony up until 1975. Many more Hindus came in another wave of migration starting in the early 1980s spurred by the conflict in Sri Lanka that targeted Tamils. Hindus in Europe originate from different countries and practice their faith in different ways, depending on the group of Hinduism they belong to.<ref>{{Cite web|title=European Countries With The Highest Number Of Hindus: 2010 To 2050|url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/european-countries-with-the-highest-number-of-hindus-2010-to-2050.html|access-date=2021-05-08|website=WorldAtlas|date=19 August 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 2021, there are greater than 450,000 Hindus in various EU member states.<ref>{{Cite web |title=data.europa.eu |url=https://data.europa.eu/data/datasets/s2237_95_2_516_eng |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=data.europa.eu}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Fundamental Rights Agency]] |
* [[Fundamental Rights Agency]] |
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* [[Holy See–European Union relations]] |
* [[Holy See–European Union relations]] |
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* [[LGBT rights in the European Union]] |
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* [[Christianity in Europe]] |
* [[Christianity in Europe]] |
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* [[Judaism in Europe]] |
* [[Judaism in Europe]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist |
{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Religion in Europe}} |
{{Religion in Europe}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Religion |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Religion in the European Union}} |
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[[Category:Religion in Europe]] |
[[Category:Religion in Europe]] |
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[[Category:European Union and the Catholic Church]] |
[[Category:European Union and the Catholic Church]] |
Latest revision as of 20:37, 2 April 2024
Religion in the European Union is diverse. The largest religion in the EU is Christianity, which accounted for 72.8% of EU population as of 2018.[2] Smaller groups include those of Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, and some East Asian religions, most concentrated in Germany and France. Also present are revival movements of pre-Christianity European folk religions including Heathenism, Rodnovery, Romuva, and Druidry.[3]
Over the last several decades, religious practice has been on the decline in a process of secularisation.[4] Eurostat's Eurobarometer survey in 2010 showed that 20% of EU citizens don't believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force.[5] Many countries have experienced falling church attendance and membership in recent years.[6]
The countries with the most people reporting no belief in any sort of spirit, god, or higher power are France (40%), Czech Republic (37%), Sweden (34%), Netherlands (30%), Estonia (29%), Germany (27%), Belgium (27%) and Slovenia (26%).[5] The most religious countries are Romania (1% non-believers) and Malta (2% non-believers).[5] Across the EU, belief is more common with older age and is higher amongst women, those with only basic education, and those "positioning themselves on the right of the political scale (57%)".[7]
Church and state
The EU is a secular body with a separation of church and state. There are no formal ties to any religion and no mention of any specific religion in any current or proposed treaty.[8] Discussion over the European Constitution's draft texts and later the Treaty of Lisbon have included proposals to mention Christianity and/or God in the preamble of the document. This call has been supported by Christian religious leaders, most notably the Pope.[9] However, the explicit inclusion of a link to religion faced opposition from secularists, and the final Constitution referred to Europe's "Religious and Humanist inheritance". A second attempt to include Christianity in the treaty was undertaken in 2007 with the drafting of the Treaty of Lisbon. Angela Merkel promised the Pope that she would use her influence during Germany's presidency to try to include a reference to Christianity and God in the treaty. This has provoked opposition, not least in the German press,[10] and as this inclusion may have caused problems in reaching a final agreement, this attempt was given up.[11] Of the Union's 27 states, only three have an official state religion, these being Denmark (Church of Denmark), Greece (Church of Greece), and Malta (Catholic Church). Some other churches have a close relationship with the state.[12] Until 2000, the Church of Sweden was the state church of Sweden.
In the secularising EU, the Vatican has been vocal against a perceived "militant atheism". It based this on a number of events, for example: the rejection of religious references in the Constitution and Treaty of Lisbon, the rejection by Parliament of Rocco Buttiglione as Justice Commissioner in 2004,[13] while at the same time Parliament approved Peter Mandelson (who is gay[14]) as Trade Commissioner, and the legalisation of same-sex marriage in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain.[13] The European Parliament has also been calling for same-sex marriages to be recognised across the EU.[citation needed] Meanwhile, states such as Latvia and Poland[15] have rejected legislation designed to stop discrimination against homosexuals. This has been stated to be on religious grounds, with homosexual behaviour described as "unnatural", and the Catholic Church influencing public opinion. The difference of opinion between these countries and Brussels has been damaging relations.[16][17]
Due to the rise of other religions, and some intolerance towards them, the EU Commission now regularly meets with different religious leaders.[18] In November 2005, a delegation from the European Humanist Federation was invited to a meeting by Commissioner-President Barroso. This was the first time a humanist group had been consulted in this manner by the Commission. President Romano Prodi has refused such meetings, despite meeting various religious leaders, causing some resentment by humanists.
Secularisation
Atheism and agnosticism have increased among the general population in Europe, with falling church attendance and membership in many countries.[19][20] The countries where the most people reported no religious belief were France (40%), Czech Republic (37%), Sweden (34%), Netherlands (30%), Estonia (29%), Germany (27%), Belgium (27%) and Slovenia (26%).[5] The most religious societies are those in Romania with 1% non-believers and Malta with 2% non-believers. Across the EU, belief was higher among: the elderly, those with strict upbringings, those with the lowest levels of formal education, those leaning towards right-wing politics, and those more concerned with moral and ethical issues in science and technology over risk-benefit analysis.[7]
In 2012, the highest ever number of births outside of marriage were recorded in the European Union, at 40%,[21] with first-births out of wedlock and cohabitation figures being even higher. Seven EU countries recorded a majority of births outside of marriage – Estonia (59% in 2014[22]), Bulgaria (58.8% in 2014[23]), Slovenia (58.3% in 2014[24]), France (57.4% in 2014[25]), Sweden (54.4% in 2013[26]), Belgium (52.3% in 2012[26]), and Denmark (51.5% in 2013[26]). These countries tend to be some of the less religious ones.[27]
Religiosity
Most EU countries have experienced a decline in church attendance, as well as a decline in the number of people professing belief. The 2010 Eurobarometer survey found that, on average, 51% of the citizens of the EU Member States state that they believe there is a god, 26% state that they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force and 20% state that they don't believe there is any sort of spirit, god or life force. 3% declined to answer.[5] According to a recent study (Dogan, Mattei, Religious Beliefs in Europe: Factors of Accelerated Decline), 47% of French people declared themselves as agnostics in 2003. The situation of religion varies between countries in European Union. A decrease in religiousness and church attendance in Western Europe (especially in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Luxembourg and Czech Republic) has been noted and called "Post-Christian Europe". There has also been a sharp reduction in church attendance since 2005 in Poland, the most populous Eastern European EU member state, although with church attendance at 41.5% in 2009,[28] it is still well above the single-digit figures that are so typical for Sunday service attendance in other EU countries.
The following is a list of European countries ranked by religiosity, based on the rate of belief, according to the 2010 Eurobarometer survey. The 2010 Eurobarometer survey asked whether the person "believes there is a God", "believes there is some sort of spirit or life force" or "doesn't believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force".
Country | "I believe there is a God" |
"I believe there is some sort of spirit or life force" |
"I don't believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force" |
"Declined to answer" |
---|---|---|---|---|
Malta | 94% | 4% | 2% | 0% |
Romania | 92% | 7% | 1% | 0% |
Cyprus | 88% | 8% | 3% | 1% |
Greece | 79% | 16% | 4% | 1% |
Poland | 79% | 14% | 5% | 2% |
Italy | 74% | 20% | 6% | 0% |
Ireland | 70% | 20% | 7% | 3% |
Portugal | 70% | 15% | 12% | 3% |
Croatia | 69% | 22% | 7% | 2% |
Slovakia | 63% | 23% | 13% | 1% |
Spain | 59% | 20% | 19% | 2% |
Lithuania | 47% | 37% | 12% | 4% |
Luxembourg | 46% | 22% | 24% | 8% |
Hungary | 45% | 34% | 20% | 1% |
Austria | 44% | 38% | 12% | 6% |
Germany | 44% | 25% | 27% | 4% |
Latvia | 38% | 48% | 11% | 3% |
United Kingdom | 37% | 33% | 25% | 5% |
Belgium | 37% | 31% | 27% | 5% |
Bulgaria | 36% | 43% | 15% | 6% |
Finland | 33% | 42% | 22% | 3% |
Slovenia | 32% | 36% | 26% | 6% |
Denmark | 28% | 47% | 24% | 1% |
Netherlands | 28% | 39% | 30% | 3% |
France | 27% | 27% | 40% | 6% |
Estonia | 18% | 50% | 29% | 3% |
Sweden | 18% | 45% | 34% | 3% |
Czech Republic | 16% | 44% | 37% | 3% |
EU28 | 51% | 26% | 20% | 3% |
Religious affiliation
Region | Catholic | Orthodox | Protestant | Other Christian | Total Christians | Non-Believer / Agnostic | Atheist | Muslim |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Austria | 66.5% | 2.2% | 7.2% | 1.9% | 77.8% | 15.4% | 4.1% | 1.5% |
Belgium | 52.9% | 1.6% | 2.1% | 4.1% | 60.7% | 17.1% | 14.9% | 5.2% |
Bulgaria | 1.6% | 83.3% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 85.8% | 3.3% | 2.3% | 7.7% |
Cyprus | 1.3% | 96.3% | 0.0% | 0.8% | 98.4% | 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.0% |
Croatia | 84.2% | 2.3% | 0.2% | 0.0% | 86.7% | 6.6% | 3.6% | 1.3% |
Czech Republic | 27.1% | 0.2% | 1.0% | 3.2% | 31.5% | 38.6% | 25.8% | 0.0% |
Denmark | 1.2% | 2.2% | 60.0% | 8.8% | 72.2% | 12.5% | 13.2% | 0.8% |
Estonia | 2.8% | 23.2% | 9.0% | 23.6% | 58.6% | 16.6% | 22.2% | 0.2% |
Finland | 0.1% | 2.0% | 69.7% | 7.4% | 79.2% | 12.7% | 6.5% | 0.5% |
France | 47.8% | 0.6% | 1.8% | 4.1% | 54.3% | 17.6% | 22.8% | 3.3% |
Western Germany | 37.1% | 0.6% | 36.5% | 7.2% | 81.4% | 6.7% | 7.4% | 2.8% |
Eastern Germany | 7.1% | 2.1% | 19.2% | 8.8% | 37.2% | 27.0% | 34.1% | 0.0% |
Total Germany[32] | 31.1% | 0.9% | 33.1% | 7.5% | 72.6% | 10.7% | 12.8% | 2.2% |
Greece | 0.4% | 92.9% | 0.1% | 1.0% | 94.4% | 1.9% | 1.6% | 1.2% |
Hungary | 60.3% | 1.1% | 5.1% | 8.1% | 74.6% | 18.5% | 2.7% | 0.3% |
Ireland | 80.7% | 0.7% | 1.8% | 4.3% | 87.5% | 5.8% | 4.6% | 0.8% |
Italy | 77.8% | 4.9% | 0.6% | 1.3% | 84.6% | 8.1% | 4.3% | 0.1% |
Latvia | 26.2% | 24.0% | 16.6% | 9.9% | 76.7% | 17.3% | 4.7% | 1.2% |
Lithuania | 87.7% | 3.6% | 0.5% | 0.9% | 92.7% | 4.2% | 2.6% | 0.0% |
Luxembourg | 64.8% | 3.5% | 3.6% | 0.7% | 69.8% | 11.2% | 10.3% | 2.1% |
Malta | 95.0% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 95.9% | 1.1% | 3.0% | 0.0% |
Netherlands | 21.9% | 1.9% | 17.8% | 6.2% | 47.8% | 39.6% | 9.2% | 1.4% |
Poland | 90.7% | 0.2% | 1.0% | 0.4% | 92.3% | 2.2% | 3.6% | 0.2% |
Portugal | 85.8% | 0.2% | 1.1% | 1.6% | 88.7% | 8.2% | 2.3% | 0.1% |
Romania | 5.3% | 89.9% | 3.4% | 1.0% | 99.6% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
Slovakia | 73.1% | 2.2% | 6.2% | 2.2% | 83.7% | 5.0% | 7.4% | 0.0% |
Slovenia | 66.6% | 0.9% | 1.5% | 0.2% | 69.2% | 6.6% | 16.5% | 2.7% |
Spain | 64.2% | 1.4% | 0.8% | 2.2% | 68.6% | 17.0% | 10.9% | 0.6% |
Sweden | 1.6% | 0.9% | 36.5% | 8.6% | 47.6% | 31.0% | 19.0% | 1.2% |
Great Britain | 12.7% | 9.6% | 14.7% | 19.2% | 56.2% | 20.6% | 11.8% | 4.7% |
Northern Ireland | 33.3% | 1.3% | 14.7% | 42.4% | 91.7% | 7.6% | 2.4% | 0.7% |
EU28 | 45.3% | 9.6% | 11.1% | 5.6% | 71.6% | 13.6% | 10.4% | 1.8% |
Diversity
It was estimated that the Union's Muslim population in 2009 was 13 million people.[33] The country with the largest number of Muslims in western Europe is believed to be France with an estimated 6–7 million (though the French census does not ask religious questions) followed by Germany (4.5 million), the United Kingdom (2.7 million)[34] and Italy (1.5 million).[35] Aside from Turkey, the other possible future member to have a majority of Muslims is Albania, although other Balkan states like Bosnia (where Muslims enjoy a plurality), Montenegro and North Macedonia also have sizeable Muslim populations. Kosovo is also a Muslim majority state (but doesn't enjoy universal diplomatic recognition). A series of clashes and incidents connected to the religion have occurred in recent years, including: the murder of Theo van Gogh, the 2004 Madrid train bombings, the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy, and the 7 July 2005 London bombings.[36] In response to extremism, some figures, such as Justice Freedom & Security Commissioner Franco Frattini, have suggested creating a "European Islam" – a branch of the Islamic faith that is compatible with European values.[37]
Judaism has had a long history in Europe going back to the Roman Empire. Prior to the Holocaust, the area of the European Union had a Jewish population of 5,375,000 but they were largely exterminated in Nazi concentration camps. In 2002, the EU had a Jewish population of barely over a million, including about 519,000 in France and about 273,500 in the United Kingdom. This can be compared with about 5.8 million Jews living in Israel.[38] In view of the history of persecution of Jews in Europe, antisemitism remains a matter of attention within the EU.[39]
Following the nationalization of the former British colonies in the 1960s and 1970s, many Hindus migrated to Europe from India and East Africa, often with British passports allowing them to pursue a future in Britain (which is no longer part of the EU). The Netherlands has also been a top destination for migrating Hindus, worldwide. Many Hindus who originally arrived in the country did not come directly from places like India, however. Hindus began arriving in the Netherlands in larger numbers beginning in the 1970s. This group came from Suriname, which was a Dutch colony up until 1975. Many more Hindus came in another wave of migration starting in the early 1980s spurred by the conflict in Sri Lanka that targeted Tamils. Hindus in Europe originate from different countries and practice their faith in different ways, depending on the group of Hinduism they belong to.[40] As of 2021, there are greater than 450,000 Hindus in various EU member states.[41]
See also
- Religion in Europe
- Culture of the European Union
- Fundamental Rights Agency
- Holy See–European Union relations
- Christianity in Europe
- Judaism in Europe
- Islam in Europe
- List of religious populations
- Major world religions
References
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