Fresh data from the Centre d’Estudis d’Opinió (CEO) survey shows rising concerns in Catalonia about the future of the Catalan language and attitudes toward global powers. These changes touch not only on cultural identity, but also reflect shifts in public opinion that could influence the region’s politics and its international relations.
According to the study, conducted among more than 6,700 residents over the age of 16, 53% of respondents believe the Catalan language is not used often enough. Only 9% are confident it is frequently spoken, and 35% consider its usage sufficient. For the first time in three years of observation, most respondents indicate a decline in the use of the language. In 2023, 42% thought so, and in 2024—46%. Now, this figure has reached its highest point. At the same time, 52% expect the situation to worsen over the next five years and believe Catalan will be heard even less. Only 9% are optimistic about the opposite, while 37% do not expect any change.
Language and identity
Looking back, 57% of those surveyed are convinced that the use of Catalan has declined over the past five years. Only 12% believe it is spoken more, and 30% have not noticed any change. These sentiments reflect concerns about preserving the region’s cultural uniqueness. As El Pais notes, falling optimism about the language’s future coincides with a rise in those who feel discriminated against because of language—41% cited language as the reason they faced inequality.
Questions of identity are closely linked to migration. Forty percent of Catalonia’s residents believe that more than half of the region’s population was born outside Spain. By comparison, in 2023 only 16% thought so. This shift in perception has been accompanied by an increase in those reporting experiences of discrimination—from 35% to 37% in a year. Besides language, the most cited reasons include nationality (39%), ethnic origin (22%), and appearance (21%).
Attitudes toward world powers
For the first time in years of observation, Catalans’ favorability toward the United States has fallen below that for China. The average rating on a scale from 0 to 10 was 3.7 for the US and 4.7 for China. In 2024, the US still received 4.6, while China scored 4.2. The decline in trust toward America coincided with recent US military actions in Venezuela and the start of conflict with Iran, although the survey was conducted before these events. The European Union remains more trusted—with a score of 6.5—while Russia received only 2.4.
These shifts in public opinion may be connected to changes in Spain’s political climate. For instance, recent debates on the influence of new political forces such as Vox also reflect a transformation in attitudes toward foreign policy and national identity. You can find a detailed analysis of the reasons behind the growing popularity of radical parties in the article about political changes in Spain’s parliament.
Security and social networks
Safety concerns remain relevant for residents of Catalonia. 33% of respondents sometimes fear becoming victims of crime, 28% experience anxiety often, and 11% — constantly. Only 6% report no worries. At the same time, 75% believe that punishments for crimes are too lenient, a figure that has been rising for the third year in a row. Only 2% think the punishments are excessively harsh.
When it comes to social networks, attitudes are growing increasingly critical. 32% of respondents view them negatively or very negatively, while only 25% see them positively. Over two years, the share of those not using social media has dropped from 23% to 14%. Instagram and TikTok continue to gain popularity, while Facebook and X are losing their audience.
In recent years, Spain has regularly conducted large-scale surveys on language policy, migration, and public safety. In 2024, initiatives to strengthen the role of regional languages in education and measures to combat discrimination were discussed. Issues of trust in world powers and attitudes toward social networks are also entering public debate. Such studies help identify emerging trends and adjust policies in response to shifting public sentiment.
