The Eurobarometer is a program commissioned by the European Commission to monitor public opinion in the European Union member countries. Topics vary with each series, and have included agriculture, energy, environment, gender roles, immigration, knowledge of foreign languages, poverty, public health, technology, and other special topics.

Topics covered by Eurobarometer 40 included: social behavior and attitudes; law, crime, and legal systems; international politics and organization; mass political behavior, attitudes, and opinion; government, political systems, and organization; social exclusion; specific social services (use and provision); economic conditions and indicators; and economic systems and development.

Data collection took place from 27 October-28 November, 1993.