What’s the deal? The latest poll of EU citizens, commissioned by Brussels-based think tank Friends of Europe, sheds light on what Europeans want from the EU in terms of priorities, tackling inequalities and having a bigger say.
In France, despite having a pro-EU president, 72% of citizens aren’t convinced their lives would be worse without the EU. In a surprising twist, Poland turned out to be the only country where a majority of the population was certain they would miss the EU.
Other key highlights from the survey of over 12,000 citizens include:
A message to Ursula: “Strengthening European identity” is NOT among the top ten priorities for citizens. Only 18% selected it as a priority for the EU.
The Greta Effect: No surprise here. Safeguarding the environment and tackling climate change is the number one priority citizens want the EU to focus on.
The most divisive issue? Younger and older generations disagree about the importance of securing Europe’s borders. 22% of young people see this as a top priority, compared to 33% of the older generation.
Inequalities: Safety, healthcare and income were the top three inequalities citizens want the EU to focus on.
Another interesting outtake? Young people care nearly twice as much about solving gender and LGBTQ+ inequalities compared to the older generation.
Power to the citizens: Nearly half (45%) of all citizens want a more direct say in the EU’s decisions – and what they want is an online voting and debating platform on EU-wide policies.
*first published in: www.friendsofeurope.org
By: N. Peter Kramer
