Public opinion on economic impact of globalization in Belgium in 2022

Globalization translates into important flows of people, merchandise, capital, and information. Public opinion on globalization in Belgium was quite contrasted in 2022. In June and July of 2022, roughly six percent of the respondents in Belgium did not consider globalization to be an opportunity for economic growth at all, and a further 26 percent tended to feel the same way. On the other hand, 12 percent of the respondents considered globalization as an economic opportunity, and approximately 54 percent of respondents shared this sentiment, although to a lesser degree.

The negative aspects of globalization

Globalization has many faces, it touches topics such as politics, the economy, culture, society, and information. This phenomenon is characterized by the openness of a country’s borders, international commerce, delocalization, and free trade. Globalization, as we know it today, is said to have many consequences on our environment and our societies. Indeed, globalization is deemed to play a part in climate change, the depletion of natural resources, and deforestation. Globalization is also pointed out for creating a global culture that alienates local cultures. Finally, this phenomenon is allegedly linked to increasing poverty and economic inequalities. To this day views on the matter can be negative in Belgium, or the Benelux in general.

The positive aspects of globalization

Positive and negative aspects are often two sides of the same coin: although increasing poverty is denounced, it is believed that globalization is linked to the rise of quality of life, especially in well-developed countries. Globalization is said to be providing economic growth and to widen the variety of goods for consumers. It is discussed that globalization favors international competition which encourages innovations and creativity. When it comes to free trade, the Belgian respondent’s views were mostly positive. A survey revealed that nearly 82 percent of the Belgian respondents saw free trade as something fairly positive or very positive. In comparison, only 18 percent of the respondents answered that they think free trade is something fairly negative or very negative.