Milan, January 30 – A significant majority of Milanese citizens, 61%, believe that civic sense in the city has declined over the years, according to a new Ipsos survey. Furthermore, 58% of respondents feel that their fellow citizens are more withdrawn and self-centered than in the past. Despite this critical perception, a notable portion of the population, 35%, still acknowledges a widespread concern for those in need.
Ipsos Survey Highlights Critical Perception of Civic Engagement
These insights come from an Ipsos survey on civic sense in Milan, commissioned by Comieco and the group of associations promoting the Panettone d’Oro, an award for Civic Virtue. The findings were presented on Thursday, January 29, 2026, by Andrea Scavo, Public Affairs Director at Ipsos Doxa.
The survey reveals a complex picture of civic engagement in Milan. While a considerable number of citizens express concern about declining civic values, there remains a strong undercurrent of active citizenship. This duality suggests that while individual perceptions may be critical, there is still a foundation for community involvement.
Less Control, More Citizen Involvement
The study indicates that civic sense is still primarily rooted in individual moral values, cited by 58% of respondents. However, the importance of a sense of belonging to the territory is growing, reaching 26%. Interestingly, there is a decreasing belief that repression and controls are effective tools for strengthening civility, with only 37% endorsing this approach. Conversely, the idea that greater citizen involvement in decision-making is the most effective way to foster civic culture is gaining traction, supported by 17% of those surveyed.
This shift in perspective suggests a desire among Milanese citizens for more participatory governance and a move away from punitive measures as the primary means of encouraging civic behavior. The emphasis on territorial belonging also highlights the importance of local identity in shaping community values.
Generational Differences in Civic Perception
The transformation in civic perception is particularly evident when examining generational differences:
- Baby Boomers: This generation is the most critical, with 71% perceiving a decrease in civic sense. However, they are also the strongest defenders of a supportive Milan, with 42% holding this view. For Boomers, individual moral values remain central (68%).
- Millennials (53%) and Generation Z (55%): The perception of declining civic sense is less pronounced among these younger generations. For them, individual moral values are less central (53% and 41% respectively, compared to Boomers). Instead, the connection to the territory and collective experiences play a more significant role in forming their understanding of civic sense.
These generational disparities underscore a changing landscape of civic values, with younger generations placing more emphasis on collective action and local connections rather than solely on individual morality.
Separate Waste Collection: A Testament to Functioning Civility
Within this intricate framework, separate waste collection stands out as one of the most robust and widely shared examples of Milanese civility. A remarkable 91% of citizens consider it a concrete expression of civic sense. There have also been significant improvements in the level of information (+19%), daily commitment (+11%), and the importance attributed to the practice (+11%). For a growing number of citizens, separate waste collection is not merely an environmental tool but a behavior that encourages thinking about the community and the common good.
This success story demonstrates that when clear guidelines and collective benefits are evident, Milanese citizens are willing to engage in civic actions. It serves as a model for how other areas of civic engagement could be strengthened.
Environment and Public Policies: New Priorities Emerge
On the environmental front, a shift in sensitivity is emerging. Measures perceived as more burdensome for individuals, such as traffic blocks or the use of electric cars, are losing their centrality. Instead, structural interventions like the expansion of urban green spaces (indicated by 75% of respondents) and the strengthening of public transport (77%) are considered fundamental.
The overall assessment of the environmental policies of the Municipality of Milan remains positive, but with areas for improvement, particularly concerning public green spaces, Zone B, and overall environmental quality.
This indicates a growing awareness among citizens of the need for systemic changes to address environmental challenges, rather than solely relying on individual sacrifices. The demand for more green spaces and improved public transport reflects a desire for a more sustainable and livable city.
The Ipsos survey provides a comprehensive look at the state of civic sense in Milan, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for fostering a more engaged and responsible citizenry. The findings will likely inform future public policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the social fabric of the city.
