Econintersect: Europe has had a history of random terrorist acts, but today Europeans fear the financial crisis more than they fear terrorism. A survey by the European Commission released Friday (November 25) and reported by the EUObserver found that 34% percent of Europeans rank the financial situation as the biggest threat to European security, just ahead of terrorism at 33%. Other security concerns mentioned were organized crime (21%), poverty (16%) and illegal immigration (16%). Obviously more than one concern was allowed per person since the total adds to 120%.
However, what appears to be most imposrtant apparently depends on what survey you look at. Another survey released the same day by The European Commission revealed that four out of ten citizens think that the EU needs better tools to fight organized crime, terrorism and extremism. This article (in New Europe) made no mention of the financial crisis.
Sources: EUObserver and New Europe