Highest support for the EU in 35 years: poll
Photo © Andre - Fotolia
(BRUSSELS) - Two thirds of Europeans believe their country has benefited from being a member of the EU, according to a survey - up three percentage points since the autumn. and the highest percentage since 1983.
The latest Eurobarometer survey finds that In addition 60% of Europeans consider EU membership a good thing, according to the latest Eurobarometer published on Wednesday 23 May.
"The next European elections will undoubtedly be a battle, not just between the traditional parties of the Right, Left and Centre but between those who believe in the benefits of continued cooperation and integration at EU level and those who would undo what has been achieved over the last 70 years,'" said the European Parliament's President Antonio Tajani, announcing the results. "It is essential to continue the effort of demonstrating to citizens that the EU contributes in many ways to their well-being and protection."
The study, which is published exactly one year before the European elections take place in 2019, also reveals that:
- Half of Europeans are interested in the EU elections and almost one third know the date of the elections next year (23-26 May)
- The lead candidate process - who are also known as 'spitzenkandidaten' - is seen as a positive step: 63% say it creates more transparency, but nearly three quarters of respondents want this process to be accompanied by a real debate about European issues and the future of the EU.
- People cite the fight against terrorism (49%), youth unemployment (48%), immigration (45%), economy and growth (42%) as their priorities for the election campaign.
For the survey carried out in April 2018, 27,601 people from all 28 EU countries were interview. The survey takes a close look at people's views on EU membership as well as attitudes towards the European Parliament and its priorities.