Trust Under Pressure – Challenges and variation (video 3)

August 28, 2025

The evidence is clear: high levels of mutual trust contribute to positive outcomes for both sides. But variations in trust across countries, sectors and issues tell us one thing: trust is never guaranteed. Watch the video.

Variations in trust across countries, sectors and issues tell us one thing: trust is never guaranteed.

The TRUE EUROPE project shows that while the case studies of Sweden and Austria confirmed high institutional trust, in Ireland, Czechia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Romania, and Serbia trust depended more on personal relations.

And across all countries, trust seems to be easier to establish around health and safety matters — less so in wage negotiations.

But there are also challenges. With weakening trade unions and fragmented collective bargaining, trust is increasingly dependent on the benevolence of employers.

Still, the evidence is clear: high levels of mutual trust contribute to positive outcomes for both sides.

The TRUE EUROPE project reveals where trust thrives — and where it’s under pressure. Find out more in our country studies and comparative report.