EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP

Transcription

1 Standard Eurobarometer 77 Spring 2012 EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP REPORT Fieldwork: May 2012 This survey has been requested and co-ordinated 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. Standard Eurobarometer 77 / Spring 2012 TNS Opinion & Social

2 Standard Eurobarometer 77 Spring 2012 European Citizenship Survey carried out by TNS Opinion & Social at the request of the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication Survey coordinated by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication Research and Speechwriting Unit

3 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 2 I. EUROPEANS AND THE EUROPEAN UNION What Europeans expect from the European Union Attachment of Europeans to their city, their country and the European Union The level of public authorities which has the greatest impact on living conditions II. THE RESULTS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE PERCEIVED BENEFITS The most positive results of the European Union The benefits of the achievements of the European Union III. EUROPEAN IDENTITY AND CITIZENSHIP The feeling of being a European citizen Rights as a citizen of the European Union IV. THE OPENNESS OF EUROPEANS TO OTHERS V. THE EUROPEAN FLAG VI. THE PARTICIPATION OF CITIZENS IN SOCIETY ANNEXES Technical specifications 1

4 INTRODUCTION This Standard Eurobarometer survey was carried out between 12 and 27 May 2012 in 34 countries or territories 1 : the 27 Member States of the European Union (EU), the six candidate countries (Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Iceland, Montenegro and Serbia), and the Turkish Cypriot Community in the part of the country not controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus. The theme of European citizenship is examined from a number of perspectives: - The relationship of Europeans with the EU: How attached are citizens to the European Union? What is its perceived influence on living conditions in comparison with national and local public authorities? What do citizens expect from the European Union? - Perceptions of the European Union s achievements: What are the European Union s successes? What are the perceived benefits? - The notions of European citizenship and identity: Do Europeans see themselves as European citizens? Do they define themselves primarily by their nationality or by their European identity? What are the factors which contribute to European cohesion? What are the best ways of enhancing the sense of European citizenship? How do Europeans see their rights as citizens? - The openness of Europeans to other Member States: Have Europeans travelled to neighbouring countries within the EU? Do they socialise with other EU nationals, take an interest in European culture or shop in other EU countries? - Opinions of the European flag: What do Europeans think of this symbol of the European Union? What place do they think it should have? Do they identify with this flag? - The participation of citizens in society: For Europeans, what are the best means of making their voice heard by decision-makers? What use would they like to make of the European Citizens Initiative? The full Standard Eurobarometer survey report consists of several volumes. This first volume analyses the results of the historical indicators of the Standard Eurobarometer surveys. Four other volumes present the state of European public opinion on other themes: the financial and economic crisis; the Europe 2020 strategy; European citizenship; values. This volume is devoted to European citizenship. The general analysis and the socio-demographic analyses are based on the average results in the 27 Member States. This average is weighted so that it reflects the actual population of each Member State. The averages for previous years represent the results obtained in all the Member States of the European Union, as it was composed at the time the survey was conducted. 1 Please consult the technical specifications for the exact dates of the fieldwork in each country 2

5 32,728 people from different social and demographic backgrounds were interviewed face to face in their homes in their mother tongue at the request of the European Commission. The methodology used is that of the Standard Eurobarometer surveys conducted by the Directorate-General for Communication (Research and Speechwriting Unit) 2. A technical note concerning the interviews carried out by the institutes within the TNS Opinion & Social network is annexed to this report. This note also describes the confidence intervals 3 The following abbreviations are used in this report: ABREVIATIONS BE Belgium LV Latvia CZ Czech Republic LU Luxembourg BG Bulgaria HU Hungary DK Denmark MT Malta DE Germany NL The Netherlands EE Estonia AT Austria EL Greece PL Poland ES Spain PT Portugal FR France RO Romania IE Ireland SI Slovenia IT Italy SK Slovakia CY Republic of Cyprus*** FI Finland LT Lithuania SE Sweden UK United Kingdom CY (tcc) Turkish Cypriot Community HR Croatia EU27 European Union 27 Member States TR Turkey MK Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia**** EU15 BE, IT, FR, DE, LU, NL, DK, UK, IE, PT, ES, EL, AT, SE, FI* IS Iceland NMS12 BG, CZ, EE, CY, LT, LV, MT, HU, PL, RO, SL, SK** ME Montenegro Eurozone BE, FR, IT, LU, DE, AT, ES, PT, IE, NL, FI, EL, EE, SI, CY, MT, SK RS Serbia Non- Eurozone BG, CZ, DK, LV, LT, HU, PL, RO, SE, UK * EU15 refers to the 15 European Union Member States before the enlargements of 2004 and 2007 ** The NMS12 countries are the 12 new Member States that joined the European Union at the time of the 2004 and 2007 enlargements *** Cyprus as a whole is one of the 27 European Union Member States. However, the acquis communautaire has been suspended in the part of the country which is not controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus. For practical reasons, only the interviews carried out in the part of the country controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus are included in the CY category and in the EU27 average. The interviews carried out in the part of the country that is not controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus are included in the CY(tcc) (tcc: Turkish Cypriot Community) category) **** Provisional abbreviation which in no way prejudges the definitive name of this country, which will be agreed once the current negotiations at the United Nations have been completed * * * * * We wish to thank all the people interviewed throughout Europe who took the time to take part in this survey. Without their active participation, this survey would not have been possible The results tables are annexed. It should be noted that the total of the percentages indicated in the tables in this report may exceed 100% when the respondent was able to choose several answers to the same question. 3

6 I. EUROPEANS AND THE EUROPEAN UNION - Declining attachment to the European Union; the national level still seen to have most influence on living conditions - 1. What Europeans expect from the European Union When asked to indicate spontaneously their main expectations of the European Union 4, Europeans gave priority to subjects related to the economy and fighting the crisis (51%). Various themes come under this heading: - Employment, in particular job creation and youth employment (15%). - The quality of life, i.e. the standard of living, improving purchasing power and higher wages (12%). - The notion of economic stability (10%) in the sense of financial security, help in an economic downturn, budgetary support and support for the banks. - Directly combatting the crisis, by supporting SMEs and companies in difficulty and via the introduction of a financial transactions tax and Eurobonds (9%). - Europeans also mentioned managing deficits and debt (6%), growth (6%), combatting poverty (3%), regulating financial markets (3%) and supporting the euro (1%). After these economic issues related to tackling the crisis, Europeans also spontaneously mentioned their expectations of the European Union in terms of governance and cooperation (27%), such as solidarity and cooperation between the Member States (13%), legislative harmonisation and improving the way the EU works (7%), reducing bureaucracy, greater transparency and tackling corruption (5%), a fair welfare and pension systems (3%) and crime in their country (2%). Citizenship issues (11%) come next in order of priority: defending European values, peace, gender equality and justice (6%), human rights, democracy and the Charter of Fundamental Rights (2%), listening to European citizens and the European Citizens Initiative (2%), and the freedom to travel and work (2%). Europeans also mentioned subjects relating to the external relations of the EU (6%), such as developing a European defence policy (2%), managing immigration and border controls (2%), development aid for poor countries (1%) and combatting terrorism (1%). These were followed by environmental aspects (3%), in particular the environment and climate change (2%), energy issues (1%) and agriculture (1%). 4 QD1 Regarding the "European Union, please tell me what you expect from it? Open question, no answers were suggested and the interviewers noted the answers of the respondents. To facilitate interpretation of the results, answers have been grouped together. 4

7 Finally, they mentioned the subject of education and research (3%), which includes education as such (2%), and new technology, and research and development (1%). The issues of withdrawal from the EU or the euro were spontaneously raised by 2% of respondents. Open question, several answers possible 5

8 The economy and managing the crisis appear to be the priority expectations of the European Union in all Member States, particularly in Bulgaria and Austria (both 70%) and in Cyprus (64%), Italy (63%) and Latvia (62%). Respondents in the EU15 countries (29%) are more likely than those in the NMS12 countries (20%) to mention governance and cooperation, with a particular focus on this area in Austria (45%), the Netherlands (42%), Belgium (39%) and Italy (36%). Expectations regarding citizenship are higher than elsewhere in Sweden (29%), Austria (28%) and Estonia (25%). Respondents in Cyprus (23%) and Luxembourg (19%) are the most likely to mention issues relating to the UE s external relations. Environmental issues are most likely to strike a chord in Sweden (14%), Austria (12%) and Latvia (12%) where respondents also attach significant importance to educational matters (12%). Respondents in Finland (5%) and the Czech Republic (4%) are slightly more likely than average to mention withdrawing from the EU or the euro. This question was also raised by 3% of respondents in Estonia, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria and the United Kingdom. Finally, a fifth or more of respondents in the United Kingdom (22%), Lithuania (21%) and Hungary (20%) spontaneously said that they expected nothing of the European Union. This view is also more prevalent in the non-eurozone countries (14%) than in the Eurozone countries (9%). A socio-demographic analysis reveals only minor differences: the expectations of a very large majority of respondents in all categories relate to economic issues. 6

9 2. Attachment of Europeans to their city, their country and the European Union Attachment of Europeans to their country and town A very large majority of Europeans are attached to their country 5 (91%) and more than half of them are very attached to it (51%). However, these proportions are lower than those recorded in the Special Eurobarometer survey 346 of March (93%, of whom 56% then described themselves as very attached ). Local attachments are also strong, though they have declined slightly: 88% of Europeans are attached to their city/town/village (+1) including 49% who are very attached (unchanged). - More than 80% of respondents in all Member States are attached to their country. This attachment is particularly strong in Greece (99%, including 79% who are very attached ), Denmark (98% and 81%), Poland (97% and 54%), Ireland (97% and 67%) and Cyprus (97% and 72%). Although still strong in all countries, it is now less marked in several countries, in particular in Italy (87%, representing a 10-point decline since March 2010, with an even more striking 20- point fall to 41% for very attached ), and to a lesser extent in Hungary (90%, - 7), Estonia (91%, -6 and 55%, -11 very attached ) and Lithuania (88%, -6). - Europeans are also attached to their city/town/village, with high scores in all European Union countries (in excess of 70%). Once again, Greece leads the way (97% and 71% very attached ), followed by Bulgaria (95% and 73%) and Poland (95% and 51%). Italy is again the only country where opinions have deteriorated sharply (88%, -7). Conversely, attachment has grown in Malta (83%, +11) and the Netherlands (73%, +9). 5 QD2.1-3 Please tell me how attached you feel to : your city/town/village; (OUR COUNTRY); the European Union. 6 Special Eurobarometer survey 346: New Europeans 7

10 Attachment to the European Union Opinions are far more divided as regards attachment to the European Union. Following a significant deterioration since the spring 2010 survey (EB73), Europeans who are attached to the European Union are now in the minority: 46% are attached to the EU (-7 percentage points) compared with 52% who feel no attachment to it (+7), 15% of whom are not at all attached to it (+2). Attachment is greater in the NMS12 countries, where it remains the majority position (51%, -3 percentage points versus 44%, +3), whereas respondents who feel attached to the EU are now in the minority in the EU15 countries (44%, -8 versus 54%, +7). Although attachment has declined sharply in the Eurozone countries, where it is now the minority position, Eurozone respondents (48%, -10 versus 50%, +9) are still more likely than non-eurozone respondents (42%, -2 versus 54%, +2) to be attached to the European Union. A majority of respondents are attached to the European Union in eight Member States (compared with 14 in March 2010): Luxembourg (72%), Poland (60%), Belgium (58%), France (55%), Latvia (54%), Bulgaria (53%), Germany (52%) and Romania (51%). Opinions are evenly divided in Malta (49%). Attachment to the EU has deteriorated sharply in several countries where this is now the minority position: Italy (45%, -28 percentage points), Spain (46%, -15), Austria (41%, -13), Slovakia (49%, -13), Hungary (46%, -12) and Portugal (42%, -12). The countries where respondents are the least attached to the EU are the United Kingdom (27%), Finland (33%), Cyprus (33%), Lithuania (34%), the Netherlands (35%), Sweden (37%) and Greece (37%). 8

11 A socio-demographic analysis reveals that: - Men are slightly more likely to be attached to the EU (48%) than women (44%). - Attachment varies very little according to age. - However, it is far more widespread among Europeans who studied up to the age of 20 or beyond (57%) than among those who left school before the age of 16 (36%). - It is also more widespread among managers (55%) than among self-employed people (48%) and white-collar workers (48%), and far more so than among manual workers (43%), house persons (41%) and unemployed people (38%). - Attachment is more pronounced among who almost never have difficulties paying their bills (50%) than among those who have such difficulties most of the time (31%). - Attachment to the EU is far higher among Europeans who place themselves at the top of the social scale (53%, versus 38% of Europeans at the bottom of the social scale). - Finally, attachment to the EU is the majority position, and thus more widespread, among Europeans with a high political interest index (56%, compared with 37% of those with no interest in politics). 9

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13 3. The level which has the greatest impact on living conditions Europeans consider that their national public authorities have the most impact on their living conditions 7 (51%), while just over a third of respondents mentioned regional/local authorities (34%) and 9% mentioned the European level. These proportions have changed somewhat since this question was last asked in the autumn 2009 survey (EB72): the national level now seems far more predominant (+6), while the local (-4) and European (-2) levels have slipped back. The national level is seen as having the most influence on living conditions in almost all Member States, except for Estonia and Austria where the regional/local level is ranked first (46% in both countries). In Slovakia, national and local levels are ranked equally (40%). The influence of national decision-making particularly striking in Malta (80%) and Greece (71%). Since the autumn 2009 survey (EB72), recognition of its influence has increased significantly in several countries, including Cyprus (+17 percentage points to 68%), Greece (+16 to 71%), France (+13 to 58%), Finland (+11 to 53%), Portugal (+10 to 61%) and Belgium (+10 to 56%). 7 QD14 In your opinion, which of these different levels of public authorities, European level, national level, regional or local level, has the most impact on your living conditions: the European level, the national level or the regional or local level? 11

14 Respondents in Portugal (17%, although this proportion has declined sharply, -8), Slovakia (16%, -7) and Greece (15%, -5) are far more likely than average to say that the European level has the most influence on their living conditions. This view has gained the most ground in Poland (12%, +3). A socio-demographic analysis reveals some slight differences, although almost all categories consider that the national level is the most influential: - Women are slightly more likely than average to mention the regional/local level (37%, versus 32% of men), as are Europeans aged 55 or over (39%, versus 28% of year-olds). - The local level is seen as particularly influential by respondents who studied the least (44%, versus 43% for the national level), whereas the most educated respondents are far more likely to mention the national level (58%, versus 28% for the local level). - Finally, Europeans with a strong political interest index are more likely than average to mention both the national level (56%) and the European level (10%), whereas respondents with no interest in politics are more likely than average to mention the local level (40%). 12

15 II. THE RESULTS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE PERCEIVED BENEFITS - The euro is now more often seen a positive result of the European Union. The reduction of border controls is still seen as the EU achievement from which citizen have benefited the most - 1. The greatest achievements of the European Union Europeans were then asked to choose the most positive results of the European Union 8, firstly and then. The answers as a whole suggest that although the ranking of areas in which the European Union is thought to have achieved positive results is more or less the same as in the Special Eurobarometer survey 379 of December , there have been some significant changes, in particular a downward trend in the scores for most items. Peace among the Member States is still seen as the EU s greatest achievement (53%), though it is mentioned less often than in December 2011 (-4 percentage points). It is followed by the free movement of people, goods and services within the EU (51%), also with a lower score (-6). The euro, in joint 3rd place with other items in December 2011, is now mentioned more often (28%, +3). The next highest scores (albeit lower than previously) were recorded by the economic power of the EU (22%, -3), its political and diplomatic influence in the rest of the world (21%, -4) and student exchange programmes, such as ERASMUS (21%, -1). Social welfare (healthcare, education and pensions) was also mentioned by fewer respondents (19%, -4). However, it is still ahead of the CAP (12%, -1). In this context of lower scores for most items (apart from the euro), the proportion of Europeans who spontaneously answered none has increased (12%, +3). When we turn to the first answer given by respondents, the ranking is the same as for total answers, with peace (33%, =), free movement (24%, -3) and the euro (10%, +2) occupying the first three places. The next highest scores were obtained by the economic power of the EU (6%, +1), student exchange programmes such as Erasmus (5%, =), the political influence of the EU in the rest of the world (5%, -1), the level of social welfare (healthcare, education and pensions) in the EU (4%, -2) and the common agricultural policy (2%, =). Finally, 6% of Europeans spontaneously answered that the EU has achieved no positive results (+1) and 5% expressed no opinion (+2). 8 QD8T Which of the following do you think is the most positive result of the EU? Firstly? And then? 9 Special Eurobarometer survey 379: Future of Europe. 13

16 Perceptions vary quite markedly between respondents in the EU15 countries and those in the NMS12. The latter give pride of place to the free movement of people, goods and services within the European Union (62%), followed by peace (54%), whereas the order is reversed in the EU15 countries (48% and 53%). While respondents in the EU15 countries then mentioned the euro (30%), those in the NMS12 countries preferred the economic power of the EU (25%) and ERASMUS programmes (24% versus 23% for the euro). Respondents in the Eurozone countries also ranked the euro in 3rd place among the positive results of the European Union (36%), after peace and the freedom of movement, whereas the euro is ranked lower in the non-eurozone countries (15%). Peace among the Member States is seen as the EU s most positive result in 11 Member States, with the highest scores in Germany (73%) and Denmark (70%). However, this achievement was mentioned far less frequently than in December 2011 in Finland (55%, -12 percentage points), Sweden (64%, -11), Hungary (41%, -10) and Spain (31%, -10). The free movement of people, goods and services within the European Union was mentioned as its most positive result in 16 Member States, in particular in Bulgaria (76%) and Slovakia (71%). However, this achievement was mentioned far less frequently than in December 2011 in Finland (47%, -15 percentage points), Sweden (57%, -12) and Italy (43%, -12). Respondents in Belgium (52%, +3 points) and in Finland, which has seen a spectacular increase (50%, +15 percentage points), are more likely than average to mention the euro. Significantly higher scores were also recorded in the Netherlands (44%, +14 percentage points), Ireland (44%, +13), Cyprus (29%, +12), Estonia (32%, +10) and France (35%, +10). Romania is the only country where the number of respondents mentioning the euro has fallen sharply (36%, -7). 14

17 Decline in the recognition of social welfare as a positive result of the EU is particularly evident in Denmark (24%, -17 percentage points), the Netherlands (16%, -16) and France (19%, -14). Conversely, there was a steep rise in the number of respondents mentioning this item in Cyprus (38%, +14). Respondents in the United Kingdom (28%, +5), Greece (22%, +2), Spain (14%, +5) and Italy (13%, +3) are the most likely to say spontaneously that they can see no positive results of the European Union. The differences between the socio-demographic categories on this question are limited. However, men are slightly more likely than women to mention the free movement of people, goods and services within the European Union (53%, versus 48% of women). Education levels produce more pronounced differences: 59% of those who studied beyond the age of 19 mentioned this positive result of the European Union, compared with 39% of those who left school before the age of 16. Fairly logically, the youngest respondents (30% of year-olds) and students in particular (35%) are more likely to mention student exchange programmes such as Erasmus than the oldest (17%) or least educated (14%) respondents. Equally, people who almost never have difficulties paying their bills are generally more likely to mention the various positive results of the European Union: that is the case for peace among the Member States (57%, versus 46% of those who have such difficulties most of the time), the free movement of people, goods and services within the European Union (54% versus 44%) and the euro (31% versus 23%). Conversely, they are less likely to answer none spontaneously to this question (11%, versus 18% of those have these problems most of the time). 15

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19 2. The benefits of the EU s achievements A majority of Europeans say that they have not benefited directly from the various achievements of the European Union tested in this survey 10. The results are unchanged or slightly lower than in the spring 2010 (EB73) survey. We note that: - The reduction in border controls when travelling abroad is, by far, the main achievement of the EU from which Europeans say that they have benefited (44%, unchanged since the spring 2010 survey (EB73)). - Around a quarter of Europeans say that they have benefited from improved consumer rights when buying products or services in another EU country (26%, -1 percentage point) and from lower communication costs when using a mobile phone in another EU country (25%, -2). - Enhanced air passenger rights in the EU were mentioned by 18% of the people polled, 3 points less than in the spring 2010 (EB73) survey. Receiving medical assistance in another EU country was mentioned by 15% of respondents (-4). - Living in another EU country, included for the first time in this survey, was mentioned by 13% of Europeans, as was working in another EU country. Finally, 11% of Europeans have benefited from the opportunity to study in another EU country. 10 QD13 For each of the following achievements of the EU, could you tell me whether you have benefited from it or not? No\Less border controls when travelling abroad; Improved consumer rights when buying products or services in another EU country; Less expensive communication costs when using a mobile phone in another EU country; Receiving medical assistance in another EU country; Strengthened rights of air transport passengers in the EU; Working in another EU country; Living in another EU country; Studying in another EU country. 17

20 In general, respondents in the NMS12 countries are more likely than EU15 respondents to say that they have benefited from the European Union s various achievements, except for the benefits of reduced border controls, for which the scores are identical in both groups of countries (44%): - Respondents in the NMS12 countries are more likely to say that they have benefited from improved consumer rights (35%, versus 24% of EU15 respondents), lower communication costs (34% versus 22%), medical assistance in another EU country (24% versus 13%) and enhanced air passenger rights (25% versus 17%). - There are particularly striking differences as regards living in another EU country (27%, versus 9% for EU15 respondents), working there (29% versus 9%) and studying there (23% versus 7%). A national analysis highlights significant differences from one country to another: A majority of respondents say that they have benefited from reduced border controls in 13 Member States, led by Luxembourg (83%), Slovakia (73%), Slovenia (69%) and the Netherlands (67%). That is also the case in Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Belgium, Poland, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark and Estonia. However, relatively few respondents share this opinion in Hungary (only 18%), Romania (23%), Bulgaria (23%) and Portugal (24%). Improved consumer rights have especially benefited respondents in Slovakia (61%), Malta (50%) and Poland (49%), where they are in the majority. However, this view is less widespread in Italy (19%), Romania (17%), Portugal (15%), Bulgaria (13%), Spain (13%) and Hungary (10%): fewer than one in five people in these countries say that they have benefited from this European Union achievement. More generally, Poland and Slovakia are the two Member States in which respondents are most likely to say that they have benefited from the achievements of the European Union: a majority in these two countries say that they have benefited from lower mobile phone communication costs (58% in Slovakia, 52% in Poland), and the opportunity to work in another EU country (50% and 48% respectively). In Slovakia this also applies to studying in another EU country (48%). Further, even when they do not form a majority, respondents in Poland and Slovakia are almost always the most likely to have benefited from the EU s other achievements. Conversely, the countries where respondents seem to have benefited the least from the achievements of the European Union are Hungary, Bulgaria and Spain. 18

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22 The experience of the EU s achievements is also very divided on socio-demographic lines: the youngest respondents, those who stayed the longest in full-time education and the Europeans who place themselves at the top of the social scale are far more likely to say they have benefited from the achievements of the EU than those aged 55 or over, the least educated and those at the bottom of the social scale. 20

23 III. EUROPEAN IDENTITY AND CITIZENSHIP 1. A sense of European citizenship - A majority of Europeans feel that they are citizens of the EU, with significant shared elements, such as the currency and values, and a key lever for strengthening the sense of citizenship: social harmonisation State of play regarding the sense of European citizenship Six out of ten Europeans see themselves as citizens of the European Union 11, more or less unchanged since the spring 2011 (EB75) and the spring 2010 (EB73) surveys. Conversely, 38% of respondents do not feel that they are European citizens (+2 percentage points since the spring 2011 survey and +1 since spring 2010). The sense of European citizenship is shared equally by EU15 respondents (60%) and NMS12 respondents (61%). However, it is more widespread in the Eurozone countries (63%) than in the non-eurozone countries (55%). This feeling is shared by a majority of respondents in almost all Member States, led by Luxembourg (85%), Denmark (75%) and Germany (74%). It is the minority view in two countries: the United Kingdom (42%, +1 since the spring 2100 (EB75) survey, compared with 57% who do not feel that they are citizens of the EU) and, now, Italy (45% versus 54%), as a result of a sharp decline over one year (-16 percentage points). It has also lost ground, while remaining the majority view, in Slovakia (70%, -9) and Portugal (60%, -8). 11 QD3.1 For each of the following statements, please tell me to what extent it corresponds or not to your own opinion. You feel you are a citizen of the EU. 21

24 However, the sense of European citizenship has gained ground in several countries. Whereas it was the minority view last year, it is now shared by a majority of respondents in Bulgaria (50%, +6), Greece (50%, +6) and Latvia (54%, +6). It has also gained 7 percentage points in France (65%). A socio-demographic analysis reveals sometimes significant differences between categories: - The sense of European citizenship is slightly more prevalent among men (62%) than among women (59%). - It decreases with age: 67% of year-olds, 62% of year-olds, 61% of year-olds and 56% of those aged 55 or over. - Although this feeling is shared by a large majority of Europeans who have studied up to the age of 20 or beyond (72%), only a minority of those who left school before the age of 16 feel that they are EU citizens (48% versus 50%). - It is also more widespread among managers (71%) and white-collar workers (64%) than among self-employed people (61%) and manual workers (59%), even if it is still the majority opinion. - Finally, Europeans who almost never have difficulties paying their bills (66%) are far more likely to feel that they are citizens of the EU than those who struggle to pay their bills most of the time, only a minority of whom share this feeling (41% versus 58%). 22

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26 The sense of citizenship in the near future Almost four out of ten Europeans continue to define themselves only by their nationality 12 (38%, -1 percentage point since the Special Eurobarometer survey 379 of December 2011). Nonetheless, an increased majority of Europeans define themselves by their nationality and as Europeans (49%, +3 percentage points). This feeling has increased significantly since the spring 2010 survey (EB73) when only 41% of respondents gave this answer, compared with 46% who then defined themselves solely by their nationality. Just 6% (- 2) of respondents mentioned European and (NATIONALITY). Only 3% (- 1) of the people polled mentioned European only. Respondents in the United Kingdom (60%) are particularly likely to define themselves only by their nationality; this mirrors the low European citizenship score recorded in the UK (42% of UK respondents feel that they are citizens of the EU, the lowest percentage in Europe 13 ). The nationality-only option was also frequently mentioned in Lithuania (56%) and Ireland (52%), despite the high European citizenship score of 60% or above in those two countries (60% and 69% of respondents respectively see themselves as citizens of the EU). 12 QD5 In the near future, do you see yourself as? (NATIONALITY) only; (NATIONALITY) and European; European and (NATIONALITY); European only. 13 See the results of QD3.1 Do you feel you are a citizen of the EU? 24

27 Levers for strengthening the sense of European citizenship When asked to identify levers for strengthening their sense of European citizenship 14, respondents first mentioned the creation of a harmonised EU social welfare system (37%), + 3 percentage points since the spring 2010 survey (EB73) 15. Being able to move to another EU country after retirement and take their pension with them is again in second place, albeit with a slightly lower score than two years earlier (24%, -3). Next, respondents mentioned creating a European response service to fight natural disasters (19%, -4 percentage points), followed, in similar proportions, by the creation of a European ID card in addition to national ID cards (18%, -3) and being able to use a mobile phone in all EU countries at the same price (18%, -1). A directly elected President of the EU is ranked in 6th place (17%, -1), ahead of a European civic education course for primary school children (14%, -4). With a fairly similar score, Europeans then identified being able to shop online in all EU countries at the same price and with the same consumer protection legislation (13%, - 1). The number of respondents who mentioned being able to vote in all elections organised in the Member State where they live even if they are not a citizen of that country has fallen slightly since spring 2010 (13%, -4). A European Parliament with the right to set taxes is seen as a way of strengthening the feeling of European citizenship by 12% of respondents (unchanged). The opportunity to participate in national debates on Europe (included for the first time in this survey) was mentioned by 10% of respondents, ahead of the creation of a European army (9%, -1 percentage point). There is relatively little support for seeing the President of the European Commission on TV delivering a general policy speech to the European Parliament (6%, -1), creating EU embassies in non-eu countries (5%, -2) or seeing a European researcher winning a Nobel prize (3%, unchanged). 14 QD6 Which of the following elements would best strengthen your feeling about being a European citizen? 15 A new elements has been added since the EB73 survey, namely participating in national debates about the future of Europe ; this may have an impact on the analysis of changes. 25

28 A harmonised EU social welfare system is the most frequently mentioned item in all Member States, except for Finland and the United Kingdom where respondents are more likely to opt for being able to retire to another EU country and take their pension with them (32% and 22% respectively). A common social welfare system is mentioned most often in Cyprus (60%), Bulgaria (57%), Sweden (55%), Romania (54%) and the Czech Republic (53%). In general, this item is more frequently cited in the NMS12 countries (45%) than in the EU15 (35%). 26

29 A national analysis shows that: - Respondents in Cyprus are particularly receptive to the idea of creating a European response service to fight natural disasters (40%). - Respondents in Luxembourg are more likely than average to emphasise the importance of being able to make phone calls at the same price in all EU countries (35%). - In France, respondents attach more importance than their neighbours to a European ID card (29%), the election of a President of the EU (26%) and the creation of a European civic education course at primary school level (23%), which was also frequently mentioned in Romania (23%). - Respondents in Ireland are most likely to mention the right of citizens to vote in elections in the European country where they live (33%). - The new item, participation in national debates on the future of Europe, strikes a chord in particular in Greece (21%) and Cyprus (21%). The elements which go to make up the European identity and create the sense of a European community When asked to identify the most important elements that go to make up the European identity 16, Europeans first mentioned the euro (41%), just ahead of democratic values (40%), followed by culture (26%) and history (26%). The success of the European economy (European navigation satellite, European airplane manufacturers, high-speed international trains, etc.) is also seen as an important element (21%), ahead of geography (18%), the European flag (16%) and the European Union s motto Unity in Diversity (12%). The European hymn was mentioned by only 7% of respondents. 16 QD7 The European identity can be composed of several elements. In your opinion, which of the following are the most important elements that go to make up the European identity? 27

30 There are few differences between the answers in EU15 countries and NMS12 countries, except that NMS12 respondents place democratic values just ahead of the euro and are more likely than average to mention the European flag. The single currency is seen as the most important element of the European identity in 14 Member States, led by the Netherlands (69%), Slovakia (65%), Slovenia (64%) and Belgium (64%). In 12 Member States, democratic values are perceived to embody the European identity, in particular in Denmark (69%), Sweden (64%), Germany (57%) and Cyprus (57%). In one country geography is identified as the most important element of the European identity: Latvia (38%). Respondents in Denmark attach special importance to history (56%) and culture (42%), while the success of the European economy (30%) is seen as particularly important in Italy. The European flag is seen as a special symbol in Slovenia (35%). A socio-demographic analysis reveals few variations for this question: however, respondents who studied beyond the age of 19 are more likely to mention most of these elements than those who completed their studies at an earlier age. This is particularly true in the case of democratic values (49% of those who studied the longest, versus 32% of those who left school before the age of 16). 28

31 29

32 When asked next to decide which issues most create a feeling of community among European Union citizens 17, Europeans first mentioned the economy (26%) ahead of values (23%), culture (22%) and history (20%). In comparison with the spring 2007 survey (EB67), when this question was last measured, the scores for the economy (-1 percentage point) and history (-1) are more or less unchanged. However, the number of respondents mentioning values has increased slightly (+3), while culture has lost significant ground (-5). Next came solidarity with poorer regions (18%, +1), which has now overtaken sports (17%, -3). The wording of this question has been changed slightly: the item Welfare State, which was mentioned by 12% of respondents in the autumn 2007 survey (EB67), has been replaced by healthcare, education and pensions. This new item is ranked in 7th place, with a score of 16%, ahead of languages (14%, -3), geography (14%, -2), legislation (12%, =), inventions, science and technology (11%, -3), and religion, which has lost ground since spring 2007 (8%, -5). 17 QD9 In your opinion, among the following issues, which are those that most create a feeling of community among European Union citizens? 30

33 This question reveals no significant differences between the EU15 countries and the NMS12 countries, although EU15 respondents are slightly more likely to mention sport (18% versus 14%). Two items are mentioned slightly more frequently in the Eurozone countries than elsewhere: the economy (28%, versus 22% for the non-eurozone countries) and solidarity with poorer regions (19% versus 15%). The economy is seen as the issue the most likely to create a feeling of community in 13 Member States (Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia), while values are ranked first in eight Member States (the Czech Republic, Greece, France, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malta, Finland and Sweden). Respondents are evenly divided on these issues in Bulgaria. For respondents in Lithuania the economy is particularly important (34%), as are values in Cyprus (40%). It should be noted that: - Respondents Denmark mentioned history as the issue the most likely to create a feeling of community (35%). - Respondents in Ireland and the United Kingdom put sport at the top of their list (31% and 22% respectively). - In Latvia, interviewees believe that geography (34%) is the issue that most creates a feeling of community. - In Portugal, healthcare, education and pensions obtained the highest score (24%), but this subject also recorded high scores in Malta (25%) and Ireland (24%). 31

34 2. Rights as a citizen of the European Union A widespread desire to know more about the rights of European citizens in a context where a majority say they know little about them Familiarity with rights as European citizens and a wish to know more 18 A majority of Europeans, slightly more than in the spring 2011 (EB75) survey, feel that they do not know their rights as Europeans (54%, +2, versus 45% who are aware of them, -2). A majority of respondents also want to know more about these rights (63% versus 34%), though this majority has shrunk since the spring 2011 survey (-10 percentage points). There are no significant differences on these questions between the EU15 countries and the NMS12 countries. A majority of respondents in 14 Member States feel that they know little about their rights as a European citizen, notably in France (68%), Italy (68%) where this feeling has increased significantly (+13 percentage points), Greece (62%), Hungary (62%) and Portugal where it has also gained significant ground (61%, +9). It is also the case in Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Romania, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia and Malta. However, a large proportion of respondents Germany (62%), Luxembourg (62%), Denmark (59%), Estonia (58%) and the Netherlands (58%) are familiar with these rights. This view has gained the most ground in Latvia (43%, +5 percentage points). 18 QD3.2-3 For each of the following statements, please tell me to what extent it corresponds or not to your opinion... You know what your rights are as a citizen of the EU; you would like to know more about your rights as a citizen of the EU. 32

35 Respondents in Cyprus (89%), Slovakia (81%), Sweden (78%), Romania (75%), Malta (74%), France (73%), Estonia (70%) and Luxembourg (70%) are the most likely to want to know more about their rights as European citizens. This list includes not only countries where citizens feel that they are ill-informed (in particular France and to a lesser extent Romania), but also some well-informed countries (such as Luxembourg and Estonia). Conversely, countries such as the United Kingdom and Portugal, where respondents are more likely than average to know little about their rights, are less likely than average to want to know more (48% in both cases). The areas in which Europeans would like to know more The Europeans who would like to know more about their rights 19 are primarily interested in working in another EU country (41%), followed by receiving medical assistance in another EU country (36%) and living in another EU country (35%). These items were followed in lower proportions by opportunities for study (16%), buying goods (15%) or services (11%) in another EU country, and voting there (10%). 14% of respondents spontaneously answered none, although they had previously said that they wanted to know more about their rights as a citizen of the EU. Base: those who would like to know more about their rights as a European citizen (63% of the sample) 19 QD4T About which rights as a citizen of the EU would you like to know more? Firstly? And then? 33

36 For some items, there are significant differences between the EU15 countries and the NMS12 countries, as well as between the Eurozone countries and the non-eurozone countries. Respondents in the NMS12 (42%) and in the non-eurozone countries (41%) are more likely than respondents in the EU15 countries (34%) and in the Eurozone (33%) to want to know more about the right to receive medical assistance in another EU country. There is an even more striking difference between NMS12 respondents (52%) and those in the EU15 countries (38%) on the right to work in another EU country; however, for this item, there are less pronounced differences between non-eurozone (44%) and Eurozone countries (39%). In 16 Member States, the right to work in another EU country is the first right about which respondents would like to know more, particularly in Bulgaria (62%), Hungary (58%) and Lithuania (56%), but also in Spain, Poland, Slovakia, Estonia, Greece, Slovenia, Latvia, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, France, Finland and Ireland. In Greece, Portugal and Denmark, the right to work in another EU country was mentioned as frequently as the right to live in another EU country. In Finland and Ireland, the right to work in another EU country was the most frequently mentioned item, jointly with the right to receive medical assistance in another EU country. Receiving medical assistance in another EU country was mentioned most in Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta. This is the first item cited in eight other countries: the Czech Republic, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Finland, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Living in another EU country tops the list in Romania, Greece, Portugal, Denmark and Austria. The rights about which respondents would like to know more vary considerably between the socio-demographic categories. For example: Men are more likely to be interested in the right to work in another EU country (44%, versus 38% of women). The latter are more likely to want to know more about receiving medical assistance in another EU country (37%, versus 34% of men). The differences based on the respondent s age are more striking: the youngest respondents are far more likely to mention studying, living and working in another EU country than those aged 55 or over, while the latter are more likely to mention receiving medical assistance in another EU country. 34

37 The most vulnerable respondents are more likely to want to know more about working in another EU country: this is particularly true in the case of people who struggle to pay their bills almost all the time (48%), those who place themselves at the bottom of the social scale (45%) and unemployed people (59%), compared with 41% of Europeans as a whole. 35

38 IV. THE OPENNESS OF EUROPEANS TO OTHERS The index measuring openness to other European countries is still low, but stable Europeans were polled on several elements to measure their openness to their EU neighbours 20. The results reveal that: - Almost half of Europeans have socialised with people from another EU country during the twelve months preceding the survey, unchanged since the EB73 survey of spring 2010 (49%): 30% have done so on several occasions and 19% have done so once or twice. - A slightly smaller proportion of respondents have visited another EU country during the last twelve months: 43% (including 18% on several occasions and 25% once or twice). However, this proportion has risen by two percentage points since the spring 2010 survey (EB73). - Just over a third of Europeans have watched a TV programme in a language other than their mother tongue (36%, -1). - Just over a quarter of Europeans have read a book, magazine or newspaper in a language other than their mother tongue (26%, unchanged). - Finally, use of the Internet to buy a product or service in another EU country (21%) is less widespread, but the percentage has increased slightly since spring 2010 (+2). 20 QD In the last twelve months, have you? Visited another EU country; read a book, a newspaper or magazine in a language other than your mother tongue; socialised with people from another EU country; watched TV programmes in a language other than your mother tongue; used Internet in order to purchase a product of a service from another EU country. 36

39 The answers to this question on openness reveal fairly significant national differences. Socialising with people from another EU Member State seems to be a relatively widespread practice and a majority of respondents in 17 Member States have done so during the last 12 months, including almost all the interviewees in Luxembourg (96%) and more than three-quarters in the Netherlands (81%) and Cyprus (80%). But it is also true in Sweden, Malta, Slovakia, Germany, Finland, Estonia, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Belgium, Latvia, Slovenia, Ireland, Lithuania and Austria. However, less than a quarter of respondents in Hungary (24%) have socialised with other EU residents during the last 12 months. In 11 Member States, a majority of respondents have visited another EU country at least once during the last 12 months. This is particularly true in the Benelux countries (Luxembourg, 89%, the Netherlands, 79%, and Belgium, 67%), Austria (72%), Denmark (72%) and Sweden (66%). But it is also true in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Finland and Germany. In contrast, it is far less true in Bulgaria (20%), Portugal (20%), Greece (22%) and Romania (25%). Europeans are slightly less open when it comes to their cultural habits: in 13 Member States, a majority of respondents have watched a TV programme in language other than their mother tongue and, once again, this practice is most widespread in Luxembourg; majorities in only five countries have read a book, newspaper or magazine in a language other than their mother tongue (Luxembourg, Malta, Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark); finally, Luxembourg and Malta are the only two countries in which a majority have used the Internet to buy a product or service in another EU country. We have constructed an international openness index on the basis of the answers to this question 21. As in spring 2010, two-thirds of Europeans have a low openness index (66%, -1), 21% a moderate index (stable) and only 13% (+1) a high index. 21 For each of the five practices of international openness analysed in this survey, points were attributed as follows: 2 points for every yes, on several occasions answer; 1 point for every yes, once or twice answer, otherwise 0 points. Therefore, each individual had a number of points between 0 and 10. Scores of 0 to 3 points correspond to a low international openness index, 4 to 6 to a moderate international openness index and 7 to 10 to a high international openness index. 37

40 There are significant differences between countries for this indicator. As in spring 2010, Luxembourg stands out, with 84% of respondents having a high openness index. Malta has the second highest score, at 47%; although this is considerably lower than the Luxembourg result, it is still above the European average. Denmark (44%), the Netherlands (44%) and Sweden (40%) have the next highest scores. Conversely, Portugal (5%), Italy (6%) and Bulgaria (6%) are the countries with the lowest proportions of high international openness indices. 38

41 A socio-demographic analysis reveals significant divisions between categories: - 19% of year-olds, 17% of year-olds and 14% of year-olds have a high openness index, compared with only 7% of those aged 55 or over. - 22% of the most educated respondents have a high openness index, compared with only 3% of Europeans who left school before the age of The index also varies significantly according to the respondent s occupation: 26% of managers, 23% of self-employed people, 15% of white-collar workers, 12% of manual workers and 8% of unemployed people have a high openness index. - It also varies according to the respondent s subjective social position: 23% of Europeans who place themselves at the top of the social scale have a high openness index, compared with 7% of those who place themselves at the bottom of the social scale. - Opinion leaders are more likely to have a high openness index (25% of the respondents in the ++ opinion leadership category) than those with the lowest opinion leadership index (8% in the - - category). 39

42 V. THE EUROPEAN FLAG The European flag is seen as a positive symbol for Europe, but there is reluctance to adopt it Familiarity with the European flag Almost all Europeans have seen the European flag 22 (95%, unchanged since the spring 2007 survey (EB67)). There are no differences between the EU15 and NMS12 countries on this subject. Italy is the only country where more than one in ten respondents have never seen it (11%). In the candidate countries, Turkey stands out with more than a quarter of respondents saying that they have never seen the European flag (27%). The proportion is also slightly higher than the European average in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia (both 7%, versus 4% for the EU as a whole). Opinions of the European flag When asked for their views on the flag 23, the vast majority of Europeans consider that: - It is a good symbol for Europe (83%), despite a slight decrease since the EB67 survey of spring 2007 (-2 percentage points). - It stands for something good (73%), but with a decline since spring 2007 (-5). 22 QD10 Have you ever seen this symbol? 23 QD This symbol is the European flag. I have a list of statements concerning it. I would like to have your opinion on each of these. For each of them, could you please tell me if you tend to agree or tend to disagree? 40

43 We observed that: - Respondents in the NMS12 countries are slightly more likely than EU15 respondents to say that the European flag stands for something good (77% versus 72%). - The feeling that it is a good symbol for Europe has declined significantly in Greece (-10 percentage points since the EB67 survey, to 78%). - The feeling that it stands for something good has fallen sharply in Cyprus (-12 to 69%), Hungary (-12 to 73%) and Portugal (-11 to 64%). - These opinions are also held by a majority of respondents in the candidate countries, although the proportions are considerably below the average in Turkey, as a result of the high DK rate (35% and 42% respectively). Other statements, tested only in the Member States, are supported by a narrower majority: - The idea of flying the European flag on all the country s public buildings next to the national flag is supported by 54% of Europeans. However, this proportion is lower than in the EB67 survey of spring 2007 (-7 percentage points, versus 36% who tend to disagree, +5). - A narrow majority of Europeans identify with the flag (53%), fairly stable over the last five years (-1), compared with almost four out of ten respondents who take the opposite view (38%, unchanged). The suggestion of placing the European flag next to the national flag in all public places is supported by a majority of respondents in 20 Member States. Support is far stronger in the NMS12 countries (63%) than in the EU15 countries (52%) and exceeds 70% in Bulgaria (77%), Cyprus (76%), Slovakia (72%) and Slovenia (70%). Support is also stronger in the Eurozone countries (59%) than in the non-eurozone countries (46%). 41

44 The countries where support is weakest include not only those where the sense of European citizenship is strong, such as Denmark (where only 18% are in favour of flying the European flag on all public buildings) and Finland (27%), but also the United Kingdom (27%), where only a minority of respondents feel that they are EU citizens. Furthermore, support for this proposal has fallen sharply since the spring 2007 survey (EB67) in several countries: Spain (-15 percentage points to 58%), Greece (-13, 54%), Hungary (-12, 56%), Estonia (-11, 39%) and also, despite strong continuing approval, in Cyprus (-14 to 76%), Poland (-12, 65%), Slovenia (-11, 70%) and Italy (-10, 67%). A majority of respondents in 17 Member States identify with the European flag. Again, scores are slightly higher in the NMS12 countries (57%) and in the Eurozone countries (55%) than in the EU15 countries (52%) and non-eurozone countries (49%), but the differences are smaller than for the previous question. Identification with the flag is particularly strong in Slovakia (80%), and also in Germany (71%) and Ireland (71%), ahead of Poland (64%) and Slovenia (64%). The countries where respondents identify the least with the European flag include the Netherlands (29%), Finland (32%), Sweden (35%), Lithuania (35%) and Denmark (35%). Identification with the flag has undergone significant changes in some countries since the spring 2007 survey (EB67): - It has lost ground significantly in Italy (56%, -12), Hungary (49%, -9) and Spain (54%, -8); - But has increased strongly in Latvia (42%, +15) and Romania (45%, +10). A socio-demographic analysis reveals that: - Opinions about the European flag vary very little with age. - However, there are sharper differences depending on the respondent s level of education. Europeans who studied the longest (58% of those who studied up to the age of 20 or beyond) are more likely than those who completed their studies before the age of 16 (45%) to identify with the European flag. The view that the European flag stands for something good is also more widespread among Europeans who studied beyond the age of 19 (80%) than among those who left school before the age of 16 (64%). - There are also significant differences between Europeans who almost never have difficulties paying their bills, who are more likely to identify with the European flag (57%) and those who often have financial difficulties, only a minority of whom identify with the flag (39%). Respondents who almost never have difficulties paying their bills are also more likely to say that the European flag stands for something good (77%), and that it is a good symbol for Europe (86%), than those who have financial difficulties most of the time (61% and 73% respectively). 42

45 - Finally, 71% of the Europeans who feel that their voice counts in the EU identify with the flag, compared with 45% of those who say it does not. Respondents who feel that their voice is heard in the European Union are also more likely to consider that the European flag is a good symbol for Europe (92%, versus 80% of those who do not feel that their voice counts), that it stands for something good (88% versus 67%), and even that it should fly next to the national flag on all public buildings (69% versus 48%). 43

46 VI. THE PARTICIPATION OF CITIZENS IN SOCIETY Europeans still consider that voting in elections is the best way of making their voice heard. The European Citizens Initiative appeals to one in five Europeans What is the best way for Europeans to make their voice heard? When asked to identify the best way of making their voice heard by decision-makers 24, a large majority of Europeans mentioned voting in elections (54%), albeit with a considerably lower score than that recoded in the spring 2010 survey (EB73) (-6 percentage points) 25. Signing a petition was the second most effective means, but with a far lower score (14%, -2). Participating in local debates ( town hall meetings ), included for the first time in this survey, was ranked third with a score of 13%. Joining a political party (12%, -3) has lost some ground and is now ranked equally with going on strike (12%, +1) and joining a demonstration (12%, unchanged). Respondents then mentioned joining a trade union (9%, -2), a consumer association (6%, -1) or an NGO (6%, -1). Finally, participating in online debates was mentioned by 5% of Europeans (-2). 24 QD15 Which two of the following do you think are the best ways of ensuring one s voice is heard by decisionmakers? 25 An additional item has been added since survey EB73, namely participating in debates at local level, which may have an impact on the analysis of evolutions. 44

47 Although voting in elections is regarded as the most effective means of have one s voice heard in the NMS12 countries, it is mentioned much less often than in EU15 countries (40% versus 57%). NMS12 respondents have more faith in going on strike (16%, versus 11% in the EU15) and in taking part in demonstrations (also 16%, versus 11%). We observe that: - Voting in elections is seen as the most effective means of making one s voice heard by decision-makers in all Member States, in particular in Denmark (81%), France (76%), the Netherlands (75%), Sweden (73%), Malta (70%) and Finland (70%). It was mentioned much less often in Slovenia (34%), Poland (31%) and Italy (30%), although this option nevertheless attracted a relative majority in these three countries. Voting in elections as a means of making one s voice heard was mentioned far less frequently than in spring 2007 in many European countries, especially in Hungary (44%, -26), Slovakia (37%, -16), Ireland (63%, - 16) and Cyprus (50%, -15). However, the number of respondents mentioning this option has increased significantly in Greece (65%, +20). - Respondents in the United Kingdom (23%), Hungary (22%) and Slovakia (21%) are most likely to mention signing a petition as a means of making their voice heard. - Participating in debates or town-hall meetings at local level (tested for the first time) was mentioned the most frequently in Denmark (26%), Sweden (23%) and the Czech Republic (20%). - Joining a political party also enjoys strong support in Sweden (37%). - Respondents in Bulgaria are most likely to opt for striking and demonstrating (24% for both). - Support for joining a trade union was greatest in Denmark (19%) and the Netherlands (19%). - Respondents in Ireland (12%) are the most likely to consider that the most effective means is to become a member of a consumer association. - Respondents in Slovenia are most likely to mention becoming a member of an NGO (11%). - Participating in debates using the Internet also obtained its highest score in Slovenia (12%). 45

48 46

49 The European Citizens Initiative The Citizens Initiative, the principle of which was explained to respondents 26, appeals to one in five Europeans 27, broadly unchanged since the spring 2007 survey: 21% said that they would probably use it (-1), while 67% (+3%) would probably not. Except for Cyprus (where 54% of respondents said that they would probably use the European Citizen s Initiative, +4 since the EB73 survey), no more than a third of interviewees in any Member State thought that they would use this right. The lowest scores were recorded in Spain (13%) and Sweden (15%). Although the youngest respondents (27%, versus 14% of those aged 55 or over), the most educated respondents (26%, versus 11% of the least educated) and the Europeans who place themselves at the top of the social scale (28%, versus 18% of those at the bottom) are slightly more likely than average to use the European Citizens Initiative, respondents in all socio-demographic categories are distinctly unlikely to do so. 26 The following introduction was read to respondents: The Lisbon Treaty came into force in December It has introduced the "European Citizens Initiative". The initiative enables one million European Union citizens to call on the European Commission to bring forward an initiative of interest to them in an area of EU competence. 27 QD16 How likely or not do you think you would make use of this European Citizens Initiative? 47

50 Whether or not they might make use of the European Citizen s Initiative, respondents were then asked in which areas they would be the most likely to use it 28. As in the spring 2010 survey (EB73), employment was by far the most frequently mentioned subject (37%, unchanged), followed by the fundamental rights of European citizens (24%, +2), which now ranks equally with pensions (24%, -1). Education was also frequently mentioned (23%, -2), ahead of the environment, which has lost ground since spring 2010 (20%, -4) and is now equal with taxation (20%, +1) and consumer protection (20%, =). Scores were also lower for the items cited next: crime (16%, -3), immigration (15%, -2) and energy (14%, -2), ahead of problems with the national government (12%, +1) and the common foreign and security policy (10%, -1). Terrorism, with a far lower score than in 2010 (8%, -4), now ranks equally with the mobility of EU citizens (8%, =). Agriculture has also lost ground (7%, -10) and now brings up the rear with the enlargement of the EU (6%, -1) and sport (4%, =). 28 QD17 And whether or not you think you might make use of it or not, if you were to do so, in which of the following fields would you be most likely to use the European Citizens Initiative? 48

51 Employment tops the list of subjects for which citizens would be the most likely to make us of their right of initiative in 20 Member States. The following countries therefore stand out: - Sweden and Denmark, where respondents put the environment first (40% and 37%) - Germany, where respondents prioritise the fundamental rights of citizens (35%) - the Czech Republic where the emphasis is on pensions (34%) - Austria, where a third of respondents mention immigration first (33%) - and The Netherlands (34%) and Estonia (29%) which place the emphasis on education. Those Europeans who said that they would probably make use of the European Citizens Initiative mentioned employment first (46%), followed by the fundamental rights of European citizens (30%) and then the environment (28%, versus an average of 20%). 49

52 50