AUSTRIA: 20 YEARS IN THE EU

Transcription

1 Flash Eurobarometer 407 AUSTRIA: 20 YEARS IN THE EU NATIONAL REPORT Fieldwork: November-December 2014 Publication: January 2015 This survey has been requested by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication. This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission. The interpretations and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors. Flash Eurobarometer TNS Political & Social

2 Project title Flash Eurobarometer 407 Austria: 20 Years in the EU Linguistic Version Catalogue Number 2C NA C-N ISBN DOI / European Union, 2015

3 Flash Eurobarometer 407 Austria: 20 Years in the EU Conducted by TNS Political & Social at the request of the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication Survey co-ordinated by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication (DG COMM Strategy, Corporate Communication Actions and Eurobarometer Unit)

4 Austria: 20 Years in the EU TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... 3 I. GENERAL PERCEPTION OF EUROPE What citizens associate when thinking of Europe Sentiments towards Europe and the European Union Attitudes towards the European identity Feelings toward the European Union Cooperation between Member States II. THE IMPACT OF THE EU MEMBERSHIP ON AUSTRIA III. THE PRIORITIES FOR THE NEW EUROPEAN COMMISSION IV. THE MOST MEMORABLE EVENT RELATED WITH AUSTRIAN'S EU MEMBERSHIP ANNEXES Technical specifications Questionnaire Tables 1

5 Austria: 20 Years in the EU INTRODUCTION Austria joined the European Union on 1 January 1995 alongside Finland and Sweden in the fourth round of EU enlargement, bringing the number of Member States at the time to 15. These three countries were the first new countries to join the EU since the end of the Cold War. This survey was commissioned to understand how people in these three countries view the EU and the impact of EU membership, twenty years after accession. This report looks specifically at the results from Austria. There is an accompanying report covering all three countries combined, as well as individual reports for Finland and Sweden. The questionnaire covered people s associations with Europe, their sense of European identity, the nature of the impact of EU membership on national life, people's views on the priorities for the new European Commission and one country-specific question for each of the three Member States. This survey was carried out by TNS Political & Social network in Austria, Finland and Sweden between the 24 th of November and the 3 rd of December Some respondents from different social and demographic groups were interviewed online 1 in their mother tongue on behalf of the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication. The methodology used is that of Eurobarometer surveys as carried out by the Directorate-General for Communication ( Strategy, Corporate Communication Actions and Eurobarometer Unit) 2.. A technical note on the manner in which interviews were conducted by the Institutes within the TNS Political & Social network is appended as an annex to this report. Also included are the interview methods and confidence intervals 3. * * * * * We wish to thank the people throughout Austria, Sweden and Finland who have given their time to take part in this survey. Without their active participation, this study would not have been possible. 1 As for any online survey the results cannot be considered as fully representative of the national population in Austria, Finland and Sweden because only respondents with online access were interviewed The results tables are included in the annex. It should be noted that the total of the percentages in the tables of this report may exceed 100% when the respondent has the possibility of giving several answers to the question. 2

6 Austria: 20 Years in the EU EXECUTIVE SUMMARY When asked what comes to mind when thinking about Europe, Austrian respondents are most likely to say EU and euro. Additionally Europe is frequent associated with open borders and community. Respondents in Austria have a strong sense of European identity, with almost nine out of ten respondents (87%) agreeing that they feel European. Two thirds of respondents (66%) in Austria agree that there is a lot in common between people in Europe and around six in ten (61%) agree that feel closer to other Europeans than to people from other parts of the world. A majority of respondents have positive feelings about the EU (59%). Almost half of the respondents (49%) would like a closer level of cooperation between EU Member States. A majority of respondents say that EU membership has had a positive impact on consumer choice (72%), mobility of students and workers (69%), the national infrastructure (67%), and the role Austria plays in the world (65%). However, a majority think that EU membership has had a negative impact on social welfare (59%), the security and protection of citizens (56%), the economy, and the environment (both 54%). Employment (51%) is seen as the most important priority for the new European Commission, followed by the stabilisation of the euro (39%). Around nine in ten respondents (91%) say that the introduction of the euro is one of the events they remember most from the last twenty years of EU membership. 3

7 Austria: 20 Years in the EU I. GENERAL PERCEPTION OF EUROPE 1. What citizens associate when thinking of Europe - Europe is spontaneously associated primarily with the EU and the Euro - At the beginning of the survey, the respondents were asked to give the two words that spontaneously came to mind when thinking about Europe 4. The question was deliberately left open-ended in order to capture the first answers that occurred to the respondents. The top results are presented below in the form of word clouds, in which the font size of the word is proportional to the number of respondents who spontaneously associated it with Europe. When looking at the words most often mentioned in Austria, Europe is associated most often with the European Union ( EU ). Unsurprisingly, Euro is also often mentioned by respondents; Austria has been a member of the Eurozone since its implementation in Q1 What are the first two words or ideas that come to your mind when you think about Europe? (OPEN ANSWER) 4

8 Austria: 20 Years in the EU Additionally, Europe is frequently associated with open borders, referring to the ability of Europeans to travel, study and work in all Member States. Austria joined the Schengen area in 1997 and by today, all neighbouring countries have joined the EU, making travelling a lot easier for Austrian citizens. Another fact that can support this association with Europe is the mobility of students: between 2000 and 2012, more than students from Austrian universities took part in Erasmus exchange programs, spending between three and twelve months abroad in another European Member State. 5 Peace stands out and is also implied in words such as community, continent or unity. In a different survey, 69% of respondents reported that they regard the EU as peace-making. 6 Brussels appears among the words most often mentioned by respondents in Austria, referring to the political and administrative heart of the European Union located in the Belgian capital city Austrian society for European Politics: 20 Years of EU membership. An account by Austrians. Österreichische Gesellschaft für Europapolitik: 20 Jahre EU-Mitgliedschaft. Eine Bilanz der ÖsterreicherInnen. (data from November 2014) 5

9 Austria: 20 Years in the EU 2. Sentiments towards Europe and the European Union 2.1. Attitudes towards the European identity - People in Austria have a strong sense of European identity - Respondents were asked to what extent they agree or disagree with a series of three statements related to European identity: feeling close to other Europeans; perceiving commonalities between Europeans; and personally feeling European 7. Nearly nine out of ten respondents (87%) agree with the statement you feel European yourself. European identity is felt strongly in Austria, with a majority of respondents (57%) strongly agreeing with this statement. While around two thirds of respondents in Austria (66%) agree that there is a lot in common between people in Europe, the feeling is much less strong, with only 15% strongly agreeing. About six out of ten respondents (61%) agree that they feel closer to other Europeans than to people from other parts of the world, though only 20% of these strongly agree. This statement also has the highest level of respondents who strongly disagree (13%). Overall, 39% either fairly disagree or strongly disagree. 7 Q2 Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? (ONE ANSWER PER LINE): Strongly agree/fairly agree/fairly disagree/strongly disagree/dk: You feel closer to other Europeans than people from other parts of the world; There is a lot in common between people in Europe; You feel European yourself 6

10 Austria: 20 Years in the EU The level of agreement with the statement You feel closer to other Europeans than people from other parts of the world is higher amongst men (65% vs. 57% of women) and older respondents (71% of people aged 55 and over vs. 57% of year-olds). People who say that they feel European are also understandably more likely to say that they feel closer to other Europeans than respondents who do not feel European (66% vs. 28%). The same can be said about those expressing positive feelings about the EU (69% vs. 48% of people with negative feelings). Q2.1 Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? You feel closer to other Europeans than people from other parts of the world 'Agree' 'Disagree' 61% 39% Gender Male 65% 35% Female 57% 43% Age % 43% % 45% % 44% 55 or more 71% 29% Feel European 'Agree' 66% 34% 'Disagree' 28% 72% Feelings about the EU 'Positive' 69% 31% 'Negative' 48% 52% 7

11 Austria: 20 Years in the EU There are limited socio-demographic differences when it comes to the statement that there is a lot in common between people in Europe. People who say that they feel European are more likely to think that there is a lot in common between people in Europe than those who do not feel European (72% vs. 33%). Respondents expressing positive feelings about the EU are also most likely to agree with this statement (80% vs. 49% of people with negative feelings). Q2.2 Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? There is a lot in common between people in Europe 'Agree' 'Disagree' 67% 33% Feel European 'Agree' 72% 28% 'Disagree' 33% 67% Feelings about the EU 'Positive' 80% 20% 'Negative' 49% 51% The situation is similar with the statement You feel European yourself, with which respondents expressing positive feelings about the EU (97%) are more likely to agree than those with negative feelings about the EU (73%). People who think there should be more cooperation between EU states are also more likely to agree than those who feel there should be less cooperation (93% vs. 64%). Q2.3 Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? You feel European yourself 'Agree' 'Disagree' 87% 13% Feelings about the EU 'Positive' 97% 3% 'Negative' 73% 27% Cooperation between EU states Should be closer 93% 7% Is close enough 91% 9% Should be less close 64% 36% 8

12 Austria: 20 Years in the EU 2.2. Feelings toward the European Union - Six out of ten respondents express positive feelings about the EU - Respondents were then asked whether they had positive or negative feelings about the EU 8. Nearly six out of ten people in Austria (59%) say that they have positive feelings about the EU, with most of these (51%) saying they are fairly positive about it. Around four out of ten respondents (42%) have negative feelings, though again most of the people in this group (33%) express only fairly negative feelings. The overall positive feelings about the EU can be analysed in the context of the above average trust in the EU. The results from the Standard Eurobarometer of autumn 2014 show that in Austria 9, around four in ten respondents tend to trust the EU, compared to 37% at EU level. In a different survey, done by the Austrian Society for European Politics, 57% of the respondents said that the decision to enter the EU, which was taken in a public referendum, was the right one. On top of that, 67% of respondents share the opinion that Austria should stay in the EU, while 25% do not share this view Q3 In general, do you have positive or negative feelings about EU? (ONE ANSWER ONLY): Very positive; Fairly positive; Fairly negative; Very negative; DK Austrian society for European Politics: 20 Years of EU membership. An account by Austrians. Österreichische Gesellschaft für Europapolitik: 20 Jahre EU-Mitgliedschaft. Eine Bilanz der ÖsterreicherInnen. (data from November 2014) 9

13 Austria: 20 Years in the EU Young respondents are the most likely to express positive feelings about the EU: 71% of year-olds do so, compared with 50% of year-olds. In terms of the respondents occupation, employees (61%) and respondents without a professional activity (60%) are more likely than manual workers (44%) and self-employed respondents (54%) to have positive feelings about the EU. People who say that they feel European are much more likely to have positive feelings about the EU than respondents who do not feel European (65% vs. 13%). Similarly, respondents who think there should be closer cooperation between EU states are more likely to have positive feelings about the EU than those who argue for less cooperation (71% vs. 17%). Q3. In general, do you have positive or negative feelings about EU? 'Positive' 'Negative' 58% 42% Age % 29% % 43% % 50% 55 or more 61% 39% Respondent occupation scale Self-employed 54% 46% Employee 61% 39% Manual worker 44% 56% Without a professional activity 60% 40% Feel European 'Agree' 65% 35% 'Disagree' 13% 87% Cooperation between EU states Should be closer 71% 29% Is close enough 62% 38% Should be less close 17% 83% 10

14 Austria: 20 Years in the EU 3. Cooperation between Member States - Almost half of the respondents would like to see closer cooperation between EU Member States - Respondents were asked what they think about the level of cooperation between EU Member States 11. Just under half (49%) of respondents in Austria believe this cooperation should be closer, while a third (33%) say the current level of cooperation is close enough, and just under a fifth (18%) think cooperation should be less close. This result can be analysed in the context of the benefits from the cooperation with the other EU Member States. As the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs notes, around 70% of the foreign commerce of Austria is done with other countries within the EU. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and simplifying the export of goods helped the economy as well. Since joining the EU, every year jobs have been created and exports have tripled 12. Moreover, the results from the Standard Eurobarometer of autumn 2014 show that 54% of Austrians are optimistic about the future of the EU Q4 Do you think the level of cooperation between EU member states (ONE ANSWER ONLY): should be closer; is close enough; should be less close; DK 12 Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration, Foreign Affairs, Republic of Austria: 20 years Austrian EU membership. Bundesministerium für Europa, Intergration, Äusseres, Republik Österreich

15 Austria: 20 Years in the EU Men are more likely than women (54% vs. 45%) to think that the level of cooperation between EU member states should be closer. In terms of the age of the respondents, people aged are the most likely to take this view, while those aged are the least likely to do so (56% vs. 45%). In a different survey conducted among high school students 14 years and over, 68% of the respondents think that the EU is important. The statement that the EU is necessary and influential was supported by 64% of the respondents each. Furthermore 58% of the young interviewees thought the term freedom was appropriate when thinking about the EU. On the other hand, 16% regard the EU as not influential and another 23% think the word constraint is fitting to describe the union 14. At the same time, Austrian students ask for more information regarding the EU since they feel they do not receive enough information, both in school and outside of it 15. Respondents who feel European (53% vs. 28%) or have positive feelings about the EU (60% vs. 35%) are also more likely to agree that the level of cooperation between EU member states should be closer. Q4. Do you think the level of cooperation between EU Member States... should be closer is close enough should be less close 49% 33% 18% Gender Male 54% 28% 18% Female 45% 37% 18% Age % 30% 14% % 34% 17% % 35% 20% 55 or more 51% 31% 18% Feel European 'Agree' 53% 34% 13% 'Disagree' 28% 22% 49% Feelings about the EU 'Positive' 60% 35% 5% 'Negative' 35% 30% 35% 14 Austrian Society for European Politics, Youth Survey: Youth sees EU as being important but foreign. Österreichische Gesellschaft für Europapolitik, Jugendumfrage: Jugendliche halten EU für wichtig, aber fremd. (data gathered between September 2013 and May 2014). e47e 15 Austrian Society for European Politics: EU for what? Analysis of EU competencies at Austrian schools. Österreichische Gesellschaft für Europapolitik: Wozu EU? EU-Kompetenzanalyse an österreichischen Schulen. s]=597&chash=472c7796f2 12

16 Austria: 20 Years in the EU II. THE IMPACT OF THE EU MEMBERSHIP ON AUSTRIA - The choice of consumer products and mobility for students and workers are the areas seen to have benefited most from EU membership - Respondents in Austria are somewhat ambivalent about the impact of membership: while a majority feel there has been a positive impact on four of the aspects (mobility, choice of consumer products, infrastructure and country s role in the world), a majority see a negative impact on the remaining four aspects (economic situation, environment, security and protection of citizens, and social welfare) 16. Over seven in ten respondents in Austria agree that EU membership has had a positive impact on consumer choice (72%) and interestingly more than 71% of imports into Austria come from other EU member states 17. Two thirds of respondents agree that there has been a positive impact on mobility (69%), national infrastructure (67%) and the role Austria plays in the world (65%). Concerning national infrastructure, the new transport infrastructure policy of the European Union will do even more to increase the connection between all parts of Europe, with an overall budget of 26 billion until Furthermore, looking at electricity infrastructures, upgrades and new connections to and from Austria will be built Q5 Please indicate if the EU membership had a positive or a negative impact for (OUR COUNTRY) on each of the following: Very positive/rather positive/somewhat negative/very negative/dk: Economic situation; Choice of consumer products; Social welfare; The mobility of students and workers; Security and protection of citizens; Environment; (OUR COUNTRY)'s infrastructures (roads, bridges, network communications, etc); (OUR COUNTRY)'s role in the world; DK 17 Federal Ministry for Science, Research and Economy, Republic of Austria: Bilateral Economic Relations to EU Member States. Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Wirtschaft, Republic Österreich: Bilaterale Wirtschaftsbeziehungen zu EU-Mitgliedsstaaten. ehungenzueu-mitgliedsstaaten.aspx

17 Austria: 20 Years in the EU Over four in ten agree that membership has had a positive impact on the economy (46%), the environment (46%), citizen security and protection (43%) and social welfare (41%). However, in these areas, a majority view the impact of membership as negative in particular, for social welfare (59%), security (56%, with 23% saying very negative), economy and environment (both 54%). 14

18 Austria: 20 Years in the EU Looking at the socio-demographic analysis, the biggest difference between men and women is on the issue of the economic situation in Austria: 51% of men, but only 40% of women, think that EU membership has had a positive impact on this. Younger people generally take a more positive view of the impact of EU membership. For example, 81% of year-olds, but only 67-68% of older respondents, think that EU membership has had a positive impact on the mobility of students and workers. Individuals with a higher level of education are also more likely to be positive about the impact of EU membership. For example, 53% of people who finished their education aged 20 or over say that EU membership has had a positive impact on the economic situation in Austria, compared with 36-41% of people who left education at a younger age. Furthermore, respondents who are still studying are more likely to see a positive impact of the EU membership on mobility of students and workers. As mentioned before, between 2000 and 2012, more than students from Austrian universities took the opportunity to spend at least 3 months abroad as part of the Erasmus program 20. Respondents who feel positive about the EU or who feel European are more likely to agree that EU membership has had a positive impact. For example, 85% of people with positive feelings about the EU think EU membership has had a positive impact on the choice of consumer products, whereas only 55% of people with negative feelings about the EU say this. Q5 Please indicate if the EU membership had a positive or a negative impact for (OUR COUNTRY) on each of the following: ( 'Positive') Choice of consumer products Mobility of students and workers Country's infrastructure Country's role in the world Economics situation Environment Security and protection of citizens Social welfare 72% 69% 67% 65% 46% 46% 43% 40% Gender Male 74% 71% 68% 68% 51% 47% 42% 37% Female 71% 67% 67% 63% 40% 45% 45% 43% Age % 81% 79% 67% 51% 53% 60% 54% % 67% 69% 65% 45% 46% 45% 41% % 67% 61% 58% 40% 39% 36% 33% 55 or more 72% 68% 67% 71% 48% 50% 42% 41% Education (End of) 15 years or less 69% 59% 63% 63% 41% 46% 41% 38% 16 years 19 years 68% 62% 60% 61% 36% 40% 33% 33% 20 years or more 74% 79% 71% 69% 53% 48% 49% 43% Still Studying 84% 80% 82% 71% 58% 58% 62% 54% Feel European 'Agree' 49% 75% 45% 73% 47% 51% 72% 69% 'Disagree' 23% 55% 12% 47% 17% 18% 37% 37% 20 Austrian society for European Politics: 20 Years of EU membership. An account by Austrians. Österreichische Gesellschaft für Europapolitik: 20 Jahre EU-Mitgliedschaft. Eine Bilanz der ÖsterreicherInnen. (data from November 2014) 15

19 Austria: 20 Years in the EU III. THE PRIORITIES FOR THE NEW EUROPEAN COMMISSION - Employment and stabilising the euro are seen as the top priorities for the new European Commission - Around half of Austrian respondents (51%) agree that employment is one of the most important priorities for the new Commission. This is followed by four in ten respondents who believe that stabilising the euro should be a priority (39%). A third of respondents believe that the security of citizens and the environment are some of the most important priorities (both 33%), closely followed by immigration (31%), economic growth (29%) and foreign policy (26%). Around a fifth think climate change is one of the most important priorities (19%), with around one in ten saying energy (14%) or social dialogue (13%). The digital economy was a priority for only 2% of respondents in Austria. 16

20 Austria: 20 Years in the EU Older citizens are more likely to view employment as an important priority for the new Commission: 60% of people aged 55 and over mention employment, compared with just 37% of those aged Data from Eurostat for the second quarter of 2014 show that the unemployment rate for people younger than 25 years is 9.4%; for people older than 25 years, it is 4.3. The overall unemployment rate is 5% 21. Respondents aged 55 and over are also more likely to see foreign and security policy as a priority (31% vs. 16%). In contrast, year-old respondents are more likely than those aged 55 and above to mention as top priorities energy (21% vs. 9%), the environment (49% vs. 28%) and climate change (29% vs. 16%). Those who finished education below the age of 20 are more likely to consider immigration (32-37% vs. 27%) and the security and protection of citizens (36-39% vs. 27%) as the most important priorities for the new European Commission. Q6. Among the following list of priorities for the new European Commission which are in your opinion the most important ones? Employment The stability of the Euro Security and protection of Environment Immigration citizens Economic growth Foreign and security policy Climate change Energy Social dialogue Digital economy 51% 39% 33% 33% 31% 29% 26% 19% 14% 13% 2% Gender Male 51% 39% 29% 31% 32% 32% 24% 17% 19% 13% 2% Female 51% 40% 36% 35% 30% 27% 28% 21% 10% 13% 3% Age % 36% 35% 49% 28% 26% 16% 29% 21% 11% 4% % 41% 28% 32% 34% 32% 24% 18% 18% 15% 3% % 37% 34% 33% 32% 29% 27% 18% 12% 11% 2% 55 or more 60% 41% 34% 28% 29% 29% 31% 16% 9% 13% 2% Education (End of) 15 years or less 54% 39% 39% 29% 32% 34% 24% 14% 14% 7% 1% 16 years 19 years 54% 36% 36% 28% 37% 30% 28% 17% 11% 13% 1% 20 years or more 52% 47% 27% 32% 27% 29% 29% 20% 13% 18% 4% Still Studying 39% 34% 28% 53% 26% 24% 19% 28% 22% 12% 4%

21 Austria: 20 Years in the EU IV. THE MOST MEMORABLE EVENT RELATED WITH AUSTRIAN'S EU MEMBERSHIP - The introduction of the euro is the most memorable event for respondents in Austria - Respondents in Austria were asked which event related to EU membership they remember most from the preceding twenty years 22. Adopting the euro in 1999 is one of the most memorable events for nine out ten Austrian respondents (91%). According to the results of the survey conducted in autumn 2014 by the Austrian society for European Politics 61% of respondents said that they had a favourable view of the Euro 23. Second ranks the accession of Austria to the EU in 1995, mentioned by six in ten (59%). The EU sanctions against Austria in 2000 following the election of the Austrian Freedom Party into government were referred by three in ten (29%). The round of EU enlargement in 2004, the largest single expansion of the EU in its history, was mentioned by 23% of Austrian respondents. Around one in ten mentioned the European elections 12%, while 9% mentioned the Austrian presidencies. Base: Respondents in Austria (n=1000) 22 Q7a If you think about the last 20 years and the period during which Austria has been a member of the EU: Which EU related event or occasion do you remember most? (MAX 3 ANSWERS): The accession of Austria to the EU; The introduction of the euro; The European Parliament elections; The sanctions in 2000; Austria's Presidencies; The EU enlargement in 2004; None (SPONTANEOUS); DK 23 Austrian society for European Politics: 20 Years of EU membership. An account by Austrians. Österreichische Gesellschaft für Europapolitik: 20 Jahre EU-Mitgliedschaft. Eine Bilanz der ÖsterreicherInnen. (data from November 2014) 18

22 Austria: 20 Years in the EU The most notable differences in the socio-demographic analysis were unsurprisingly by age with older citizens more likely to remember Austria s accession and the 2000 sanctions in particular. However, the introduction of the euro is among the most memorable events for around nine in ten respondents across all age groups. Respondents who do not feel European (36% vs. 28%) are more likely to recall the sanctions against Austria in However, people who do feel European are more likely to mention the introduction of the euro (91% vs. 81%). Q7a. If you think about the last 20 years and the period during which Austria has been a member of the EU: Which EU related event or occasion do you remember most? The introduction of the euro The accession of Austria to the EU The sanctions in 2000 The EU enlargement in 2004 The European Parliament elections Austria's Presidencies 91% 59% 29% 23% 12% 9% Age % 32% 4% 33% 19% 9% % 52% 23% 29% 11% 8% % 65% 29% 18% 9% 11% 55 or more 91% 71% 45% 18% 14% 7% Feel European 'Agree' 59% 92% 13% 28% 9% 24% 'Disagree' 59% 81% 6% 36% 4% 17% Base: Respondents in Austria (n=1000) 19

23 ANNEXES

24 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

25 Austria: 20 years in the EU FLASH EUROBAROMETER 407 Austria, Finland and Sweden: 20 Years in the EU TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Between the 24 th of November and 3 rd of December 2014, TNS political & social, a consortium created between TNS UK and TNS opinion, carried out the survey FLASH EUROBAROMETER 407 about ' Austria, Finland and Sweden: 20 Years in the EU '. This survey has been requested by the EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Directorate-General for Communication. It is an online survey co-ordinated by the Directorate-General for Communication ('Strategy, Corporate Communication Actions and Eurobarometer' Unit). The FLASH EUROBAROMETER 407 covers the online population (aged 15 years or more) of the respective nationalities of the European Union Member States, resident in Austria, Finland and Sweden. The survey covers the national online population of citizens as well as the population of citizens of all the European Union Member States that are residents in these countries and who have a sufficient command of the national languages to answer the questionnaire. All interviews were carried out online and thus self-completed by the respondent. Quotas based on age, gender and region were set at the online stage in order to monitor the sample distribution of those who agreed to take part in the survey. In every country respondents were pre-recruited 1 both on fixed lines and mobile phones using the TNS e-call center (our centralized CATI system). The basic sample design used at the recruitment stage applied in all countries is multi-stage random (probability). In each household, the respondent was drawn at random following the "last birthday rule". Sampling for EB Flash General Population Surveys: TNS have developed their own RDD sample generation capabilities based on using contact telephone numbers from responders to random probability or random location face to face surveys, such as Eurobarometer, as seed numbers. The approach works because the seed number identifies a working block of telephone numbers and reduces the volume of numbers generated that will be ineffective. The seed numbers are stratified by NUTS2 region and urbanisation to approximate a geographically representative sample. From each seed number the required sample of numbers are generated by randomly replacing the last two digits. The sample is then screened against business databases in order to exclude as many of these numbers as possible before going into field. This approach provides a consistent approach across all countries. 1 Pre-recruitment by phone consists in obtaining from people eligible for the survey, their agreement to receive an enabling them to participate in an Internet survey. TS1

26 Austria: 20 years in the EU Readers are reminded that survey results are estimations, the accuracy of which, everything being equal, rests upon the sample size and upon the observed percentage. Depending on sample sizes the real percentages vary within the following confidence limits: Statistical Margins due to the sampling process (at the 95% level of confidence) various sample sizes are in rows various observed results are in columns 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 95% 90% 85% 80% 75% 70% 65% 60% 55% 50% N=50 6,0 8,3 9,9 11,1 12,0 12,7 13,2 13,6 13,8 13,9 N=50 N=500 1,9 2,6 3,1 3,5 3,8 4,0 4,2 4,3 4,4 4,4 N=500 N=1000 1,4 1,9 2,2 2,5 2,7 2,8 3,0 3,0 3,1 3,1 N=1000 N=1500 1,1 1,5 1,8 2,0 2,2 2,3 2,4 2,5 2,5 2,5 N=1500 N=2000 1,0 1,3 1,6 1,8 1,9 2,0 2,1 2,1 2,2 2,2 N=2000 N=3000 0,8 1,1 1,3 1,4 1,5 1,6 1,7 1,8 1,8 1,8 N=3000 N=4000 0,7 0,9 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,4 1,5 1,5 1,5 1,5 N=4000 N=5000 0,6 0,8 1,0 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,3 1,4 1,4 1,4 N=5000 N=6000 0,6 0,8 0,9 1,0 1,1 1,2 1,2 1,2 1,3 1,3 N=6000 N=7000 0,5 0,7 0,8 0,9 1,0 1,1 1,1 1,1 1,2 1,2 N=7000 N=7500 0,5 0,7 0,8 0,9 1,0 1,0 1,1 1,1 1,1 1,1 N=7500 N=8000 0,5 0,7 0,8 0,9 0,9 1,0 1,0 1,1 1,1 1,1 N=8000 N=9000 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 0,9 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 N=9000 N= ,4 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,8 0,9 0,9 1,0 1,0 1,0 N=10000 N= ,4 0,6 0,7 0,7 0,8 0,9 0,9 0,9 0,9 0,9 N=11000 N= ,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,8 0,9 0,9 0,9 0,9 N=12000 N= ,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,7 0,8 0,8 0,8 0,9 0,9 N=13000 N= ,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,7 0,8 0,8 0,8 0,8 0,8 N=14000 N= ,3 0,5 0,6 0,6 0,7 0,7 0,8 0,8 0,8 0,8 N= % 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 95% 90% 85% 80% 75% 70% 65% 60% 55% 50% TS2

27 Austria: 20 years in the EU ABBR. COUNTRIES INSTITUTES N INTERVIEWS FIELDWORK DATES UNIVERSE AT Austria TNS Austria /11/ /12/ FI Finland TNS Gallup Oy /11/ /12/ SE Sweden TNS SIFO /11/ /12/ TOTAL /11/ /12/ TS3

28 QUESTIONNAIRE

29 Austria: 20 years in the EU 20 Years in the EU ASK ALL Q1 What are the first two words or ideas that come to your mind when you think about Europe? OPEN QUESTION Answer Don t know 1 2 First Answer: 99 Second Answer: 99 NEW ROTATE STATEMENTS 1-3 Q2 Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? ONE ANSWER ONLY Strongly agree Fairly agree Fairly disagree Strongly disagree Don t know 1 You feel closer to other Europeans than people from other parts of the world There is a lot in common between people in Europe You feel European yourself NEW Q3 In general, do you have positive or negative feelings about EU? ONE ANSWER ONLY Very positive Fairly positive Fairly negative Very negative Don't Know NEW Q1

30 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q4 Do you think the level of cooperation between EU member states ONE ANSWER ONLY should be closer is close enough should be less close Don't Know NEW ROTATE STATEMENTS 1-8 Q5 Please indicate if the EU membership had a positive or a negative impact for (OUR COUNTRY) on each of the following: ONE ANSWER ONLY Very positive Rather positive Somewhat negative Very negative Don t know Economic situation Choice of consumer products Social welfare The mobility of students and workers Security and protection of citizens Environment (OUR COUNTRY)'s infrastructures (roads, bridges, network communications, etc) (OUR COUNTRY)'s role in the world NEW Q2

31 Austria: 20 years in the EU ROTATE ITEMS 1-11 Q6 Among the following list of priorities for the new European Commission which are in your opinion the most important ones? (MAX 3 ANSWERS) MULTIPLE ANSWERS Energy Immigration Digital economy Security and protection of citizens Employment The stability of the Euro Economic growth Environment Climate change Social dialogue Foreign and security policy Don't know NEW ASK ONLY TO RESPONDENTS IN AUSTRIA (AT) ROTATE ITEMS 1-6 Q7a If you think about the last 20 years and the period during which Austria has been a member of the EU: Which EU related event or occasion do you remember most? (MAX 3 ANSWERS) MULTIPLE ANSWERS The accession of Austria to the EU The introduction of the euro The European Parliament elections The sanctions in 2000 Austria's Presidencies The EU enlargement in 2004 None Don't Know NEW Q3

32 Austria: 20 years in the EU ASK ONLY TO RESPONDENTS IN FINLAND (FI) Q7b Do you think that Finland has a say on EU policy making? ONE ANSWER ONLY Strongly agree Fairly agree Fairly disagree Strongly disagree Don't Know NEW ASK ONLY TO RESPONDENTS IN SWEDEN (SE) Q7c Please indicate if the 20 years of EU-membership has had an overall positive, neutral or negative impact on your daily life? ONE ANSWER ONLY Very positive Fairly positive Neutral Fairly negative Very negative Don't Know NEW Q4

33 TABLES

34 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q2.1 Etes-vous d'accord ou pas d'accord avec chacune des propositions suivantes? Vous vous sentez-plus proche d'autres Européens que les gens d'autres parties du monde Q2.1 Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? You feel closer to other Europeans than people from other parts of the world Q2.1 Stimmen Sie den folgenden Aussagen zu oder nicht zu? You feel closer to other Europeans than people from other parts of the world Tout à fait d'accord Plutôt d'accord Plutôt pas d'accord Pas du tout d'accord NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) 'D'accord' 'Pas d'accord' Strongly agree Fairly agree Fairly disagree Strongly disagree DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) 'Agree' 'Disagree' Stimme voll und ganz zu Stimme eher zu Stimme eher nicht zu Stimme überhaupt nicht zu WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) 'Stimme zu' 'Stimme nicht zu' % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T1

35 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q2.2 Etes-vous d'accord ou pas d'accord avec chacune des propositions suivantes? Les gens en Europe ont beaucoup de choses en commun Q2.2 Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? There is a lot in common between people in Europe Q2.2 Stimmen Sie den folgenden Aussagen zu oder nicht zu? Die Menschen in Europa haben vieles gemeinsam Tout à fait d'accord Plutôt d'accord Plutôt pas d'accord Pas du tout d'accord NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) 'D'accord' 'Pas d'accord' Strongly agree Fairly agree Fairly disagree Strongly disagree DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) 'Agree' 'Disagree' Stimme voll und ganz zu Stimme eher zu Stimme eher nicht zu Stimme überhaupt nicht zu WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) 'Stimme zu' 'Stimme nicht zu' % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T2

36 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q2.3 Etes-vous d'accord ou pas d'accord avec chacune des propositions suivantes? Vous vous sentez européen(ne) vous-même Q2.3 Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? You feel European yourself Q2.3 Stimmen Sie den folgenden Aussagen zu oder nicht zu? Die Menschen in Europa haben vieles gemeinsam Tout à fait d'accord Plutôt d'accord Plutôt pas d'accord Pas du tout d'accord NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) 'D'accord' 'Pas d'accord' Strongly agree Fairly agree Fairly disagree Strongly disagree DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) 'Agree' 'Disagree' Stimme voll und ganz zu Stimme eher zu Stimme eher nicht zu Stimme überhaupt nicht zu WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) 'Stimme zu' 'Stimme nicht zu' % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T3

37 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q3 D'une manière générale, avez-vous un sentiment positif ou négatif à l'égard de l'ue? Q3 In general, do you have positive or negative feelings about EU? Q3 Verbinden Sie mit der EU ganz allgemein positive oder negative Gefühle? Très positif Plutôt positif Plutôt négatif Très négatif NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) 'Positif' 'Négatif' Very positive Fairly positive Fairly negative Very negative DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) 'Positive' 'Negative' Sehr positive Eher positive Eher negative Sehr negative WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) 'Positiv' 'Negativ' % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T4

38 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q4 Pensez-vous que le degré de coopération entre les Etats membres de l'ue Q4 Do you think the level of cooperation between EU member states... Q4 Sind Sie der Meinung, dass die Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten der EU? devrait être plus rapproché est suffisamment rapproché devrait être moins rapproché NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) should be closer is close enough should be less close DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) enger sein sollte eng genug ist weniger eng sein sollte WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T5

39 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q5.1 Veuillez indiquer si l'appartenance à l'ue a eu un impact positif ou négatif pour (NOTRE PAYS) sur chacun des éléments suivants : La situation écconomique Q5.1 Please indicate if the EU membership had a positive or a negative impact for (OUR COUNTRY) on each of the following: Economic situation Q5.1 Bitte geben Sie für jeden der folgenden Bereiche an, ob sich die Mitgliedschaft in der EU positiv oder negativ auf (UNSER LAND) ausgewirkt hat. Die wirtschaftliche Situation Très positif Plutôt positif Plutôt négatif Très négatif NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) 'Positif' 'Négatif' Very positive Rather positive Somewhat negative Very negative DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) 'Positive' 'Negative' Sehr positiv Ziemlich positiv Etwas negativ Sehr negativ WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) 'Positiv' 'Negativ' % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T6

40 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q5.2 Veuillez indiquer si l'appartenance à l'ue a eu un impact positif ou négatif pour (NOTRE PAYS) sur chacun des éléments suivants : Le choix des produits de grande consommation Q5.2 Please indicate if the EU membership had a positive or a negative impact for (OUR COUNTRY) on each of the following: Choice of consumer products Q5.2 Bitte geben Sie für jeden der folgenden Bereiche an, ob sich die Mitgliedschaft in der EU positiv oder negativ auf (UNSER LAND) ausgewirkt hat. Die Auswahl an Konsumgütern Très positif Plutôt positif Plutôt négatif Très négatif NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) 'Positif' 'Négatif' Very positive Rather positive Somewhat negative Very negative DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) 'Positive' 'Negative' Sehr positiv Ziemlich positiv Etwas negativ Sehr negativ WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) 'Positiv' 'Negativ' % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T7

41 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q5.3 Veuillez indiquer si l'appartenance à l'ue a eu un impact positif ou négatif pour (NOTRE PAYS) sur chacun des éléments suivants : La protection sociale Q5.3 Please indicate if the EU membership had a positive or a negative impact for (OUR COUNTRY) on each of the following: Social welfare Q5.3 Bitte geben Sie für jeden der folgenden Bereiche an, ob sich die Mitgliedschaft in der EU positiv oder negativ auf (UNSER LAND) ausgewirkt hat. Die Sozialfürsorge Très positif Plutôt positif Plutôt négatif Très négatif NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) 'Positif' 'Négatif' Very positive Rather positive Somewhat negative Very negative DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) 'Positive' 'Negative' Sehr positiv Ziemlich positiv Etwas negativ Sehr negativ WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) 'Positiv' 'Negativ' % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T8

42 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q5.4 Veuillez indiquer si l'appartenance à l'ue a eu un impact positif ou négatif pour (NOTRE PAYS) sur chacun des éléments suivants : La mobilité des étudiants et des travailleurs Q5.4 Please indicate if the EU membership had a positive or a negative impact for (OUR COUNTRY) on each of the following: The mobility of students and workers Q5.4 Bitte geben Sie für jeden der folgenden Bereiche an, ob sich die Mitgliedschaft in der EU positiv oder negativ auf (UNSER LAND) ausgewirkt hat. Die Mobilität von Studenten und Arbeitnehmern Très positif Plutôt positif Plutôt négatif Très négatif NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) 'Positif' 'Négatif' Very positive Rather positive Somewhat negative Very negative DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) 'Positive' 'Negative' Sehr positiv Ziemlich positiv Etwas negativ Sehr negativ WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) 'Positiv' 'Negativ' % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T9

43 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q5.5 Veuillez indiquer si l'appartenance à l'ue a eu un impact positif ou négatif pour (NOTRE PAYS) sur chacun des éléments suivants : La sécurité et la protection des citoyens Q5.5 Please indicate if the EU membership had a positive or a negative impact for (OUR COUNTRY) on each of the following: Security and protection of citizens Q5.5 Bitte geben Sie für jeden der folgenden Bereiche an, ob sich die Mitgliedschaft in der EU positiv oder negativ auf (UNSER LAND) ausgewirkt hat. Die Sicherheit und der Schutz von Bürgern Très positif Plutôt positif Plutôt négatif Très négatif NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) 'Positif' 'Négatif' Very positive Rather positive Somewhat negative Very negative DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) 'Positive' 'Negative' Sehr positiv Ziemlich positiv Etwas negativ Sehr negativ WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) 'Positiv' 'Negativ' % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T10

44 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q5.6 Veuillez indiquer si l'appartenance à l'ue a eu un impact positif ou négatif pour (NOTRE PAYS) sur chacun des éléments suivants : L'environnement Q5.6 Please indicate if the EU membership had a positive or a negative impact for (OUR COUNTRY) on each of the following: Environment Q5.6 Bitte geben Sie für jeden der folgenden Bereiche an, ob sich die Mitgliedschaft in der EU positiv oder negativ auf (UNSER LAND) ausgewirkt hat. Die Umwelt Très positif Plutôt positif Plutôt négatif Très négatif NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) 'Positif' 'Négatif' Very positive Rather positive Somewhat negative Very negative DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) 'Positive' 'Negative' Sehr positiv Ziemlich positiv Etwas negativ Sehr negativ WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) 'Positiv' 'Negativ' % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T11

45 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q5.7 Veuillez indiquer si l'appartenance à l'ue a eu un impact positif ou négatif pour (NOTRE PAYS) sur chacun des éléments suivants : Les infrastructures de (NOTRE PAYS) (routes, ponts, réseaux de communication, etc.) Q5.7 Please indicate if the EU membership had a positive or a negative impact for (OUR COUNTRY) on each of the following: (OUR COUNTRY)'s infrastructures (roads, bridges, network communications, etc) Q5.7 Bitte geben Sie für jeden der folgenden Bereiche an, ob sich die Mitgliedschaft in der EU positiv oder negativ auf (UNSER LAND) ausgewirkt hat. Die Infrastruktur in (UNSEREM LAND) (Straßen, Brücken, Kommunikationsnetze etc.) Très positif Plutôt positif Plutôt négatif Très négatif NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) 'Positif' 'Négatif' Very positive Rather positive Somewhat negative Very negative DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) 'Positive' 'Negative' Sehr positiv Ziemlich positiv Etwas negativ Sehr negativ WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) 'Positiv' 'Negativ' % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T12

46 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q5.8 Veuillez indiquer si l'appartenance à l'ue a eu un impact positif ou négatif pour (NOTRE PAYS) sur chacun des éléments suivants : Le rôle joué par (NOTRE PAYS) dans le monde Q5.8 Please indicate if the EU membership had a positive or a negative impact for (OUR COUNTRY) on each of the following: (OUR COUNTRY)'s role in the world Q5.8 Bitte geben Sie für jeden der folgenden Bereiche an, ob sich die Mitgliedschaft in der EU positiv oder negativ auf (UNSER LAND) ausgewirkt hat. Die Rolle (UNSERES LANDES) in der Welt Très positif Plutôt positif Plutôt négatif Très négatif NSP/SR (NE PAS LIRE) 'Positif' 'Négatif' Very positive Rather positive Somewhat negative Very negative DK/NA (DO NOT READ OUT) 'Positive' 'Negative' Sehr positiv Ziemlich positiv Etwas negativ Sehr negativ WN/KA (NICHT VORLESEN) 'Positiv' 'Negativ' % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T13

47 Austria: 20 years in the EU Q6 Parmi la liste ci-après de priorités pour la nouvelle Commision européenne, quelles sont, selon vous, les plus importantes? (MAX 3 REPONSES) Q6 Among the following list of priorities for the new European Commission which are in your opinion the most important ones? (MAX 3 ANSWERS) Q6 Welche der folgenden Schwerpunkte der neuen Europäischen Kommission sind Ihrer Meinung nach die wichtigsten? (MAXIMAL 3 NENNUNGEN) L'énergie L'immigration L'économie numérique La sécurité et la protection des citoyens L'emploi La stabilité de l'euro Energy Immigration Digital economy Security and protection of citizens Employment The stability of the Euro Energie Einwanderung Digitale Wirtschaft Sicherheit und Schutz der Bürger Beschäftigung Die Stabilität des Euro % Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB 407 Flash EB AT FI SE T14