The European Parliament published today its Spring 2023 Eurobarometer study, which shows that citizens are very supportive of democracy and aware of the upcoming European Elections.

The public’s interest in the next European elections has increased measurable. A clear majority (56%) of citizens are interested in the upcoming European elections. This is 6 points higher than 2018, the year before the previous European elections.

Around two thirds (67%) of respondents say they would likely vote if European elections were held the following week. In April 2018, the EP Eurobarometer poll asked a similar question. 58% of respondents said they would vote. This indicates that citizens are more likely to vote for the 2024 European Elections than they were before the 2019 elections.

Roberta Metsola, President of the European ParliamentCommenting on the survey results, he said: “Elections are important.” Voting gives you the chance to speak out on issues that are important to you. I urge everyone, especially our young people, to vote and help shape the future. European “Union you want to live in.”

The European Parliament must defend democracy as the cornerstone of any democracy. 37% of respondents consider this to be a priority. Human rights In the EU and around the world (28%) and freedom of thought and speech (27%).

54% of respondents are satisfied by the way the democracy works in the EU. When evaluating the various elements of democracy within the EU, the citizens are most satisfied by free and fair elections (70%), freedom of speech (70%), and respect for fundamental rights (66%), but less satisfied by the fight against corruption and disinformation.

Four years into the current legislative term of the European Parliament, citizens recognize the EU’s leadership role in tackling the crises that have characterized this period. The EU has a significant impact on the daily lives of EU citizens: 71% of EU citizens agree with this statement, and close to a fifth (18%) believe that the EU’s actions have a’very’ large impact. The European Parliament’s role is also acknowledged – 62% remember hearing about it recently.

The EU’s support Ukraine The accomplishment that citizens are most satisfied with is achieving a measurable goal: 69% of them are satisfied. The Netherlands (90%), Sweden (87%) Finland (87%) Ireland (87%) and the Netherlands have the highest satisfaction rates. The lowest satisfaction rates are among respondents in Slovakia (45%), Greece (48%), and Ireland (87%). The satisfaction with EU action is relatively high also in the areas of protecting democracy rights and respecting the rule of law (64%), as well as in foreign policy (54%).

When examining the current state of the economy, it is easy to see the multiple crises that have occurred in recent years. The financial situation of citizens. Half of the respondents (50%) expect a decline in standard of living over the next 12 months. Another 29% of respondents have not yet experienced a decline in their standard of living, but expect to do so over the next 12 months. The expectation of concrete solutions is also increasing: Nearly two thirds (65%), are not satisfied by the measures taken to combat the cost-of-living crisis in their own country, and 57% with what the EU did to alleviate the problem.

Accordingly, citizens expect the European Parliament to prioritize the fight against social exclusion and poverty (38%). The priority is then followed by action against climate changes (31%), public health (33%), and support for the economy and creation of new job (31%).

You can find the full results Here is a link to the article.

Background

Kantar conducted the Spring 2023 Eurobarometer Survey for the European Parliament in all 27 EU member states between 2 and 26 of March. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in all 27 EU member states, with video interviews (CAVIs) being used in Czechia. Denmark, Finland, and Malta. Total, 26 376 interviews have been conducted. The EU results are weighted based on the population size in each country.

Source link