The European Commission conducted a survey of 15 000 residents of the EU between 13- 23 November about the international crisis generated by the 11 September. The main results of the opinion survey are as outlined below:

The majority supports military actions; there is massive support for humanitarian aid rather than sending arms, support by 60% for concerted action both by Member States and the EU, rather than isolated intervention, and support for restoring democracy and the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Over 85% of those interviewed also expect the EU to take preventive action to ensure that the conflict does not extend to other countries. At the time that the survey was carried out, one European out of five said they “certainly” expected terrorist attacks. Nine Europeans out of ten thinks it “essential” or “necessary” to improve European co-operation between the police and judicial authorities. Finally, the results of this survey also show the clear distinction drawn by Europeans between terrorist acts and the Muslim and Arab communities. Over 85% of Europeans agreed that the Arab world cannot be judged on the basis of terrorist acts committed by a few individuals.