Flash Eurobarometer ELECTORAL RIGHTS REPORT Fieldwork: November 2012 Publication: March 2013 This survey has been requested by the European Commission, Directorate-General Justice and co-ordinated by 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
Flash Eurobarometer Electoral rights Conducted by TNS Political & Social at the request of the European Commission, Directorate-General Justice Survey co-ordinated by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication (DG COMM Research and Speechwriting Unit)
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 2 MAIN RESULTS... 5 I. EU CITIZENS AWARENESS OF THEIR ELECTORAL RIGHTS... 8 II. EU CITIZENS' FULL POLITICAL PARTICIPATION... 18 1. Losing electoral rights in the country of origin... 19 2. Acquiring electoral rights in the country of residence... 22 III. INCREASING TURNOUT IN EUROPEAN ELECTIONS... 26 IV. VOTING FOR CANDIDATES IN EUROPEAN AND MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS... 34 1. Country of residence versus country of origin... 34 2. Non-national EU citizens as candidates in EP elections... 38 3. Non-national EU citizens as candidates in local elections... 40 ANNEXES Technical specifications Questionnaire Tables 1
INTRODUCTION In 1993 the Treaty of Maastricht established the citizenship of the European Union, with a clear set of rights for nationals of all EU states 1. European citizenship does not replace citizenship of a Member State. Instead it supplements these rights and responsibilities, and includes electoral rights - in particular the right to vote for and to stand as a candidate for European and municipal elections in the state in which the person resides 2. This Flash Eurobarometer survey on European Union citizenship (No ) follows on from past surveys (FL: 2010 3, FL213: 2007). It investigates the knowledge of citizens of the EU on their voting rights, opinions about voting rights for non-national EU citizens residing in other EU countries and ways to increase voter participation in European Parliament elections. Methodological note on the survey The interviews were carried out by telephone (fixed-line and mobile phone) between 5-7 November 2012 with nationally representative samples of EU citizens (aged 15 and older) living in the 27 Member States. The target sample size in most countries was 1,000 interviews; in total, 25,568 interviews were conducted. Statistical results were weighted to correct for known demographic discrepancies. More details on the survey methodology can be found in the annex to this report. 1 http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/institutional_affairs/treaties/treaties_maastricht_en.htm 2 http://ec.europa.eu/justice/citizen/voting rights/index_en.htm 3 http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl en.pdf 2
In this report, the countries are represented by their official abbreviations. The abbreviations used in this report correspond to: ABBREVIATIONS EU27 European Union 27 Member States BE BG CZ DK DE EE EL ES FR IE IT CY LT LV LU HU MT NL AT PL PT RO SI SK FI SE UK Belgium Bulgaria Czech Republic Denmark Germany Estonia Greece Spain France Ireland Italy Republic of Cyprus Lithuania Latvia Luxembourg Hungary Malta The Netherlands Austria Poland Portugal Romania Slovenia Slovakia Finland Sweden The United Kingdom 3
************** The Eurobarometer web site can be consulted at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/index_en.htm We would like to take the opportunity to thank all the respondents across the continent who gave their time to take part in this survey. Without their active participation, this study would simply not have been possible. 4
MAIN RESULTS EU citizens awareness of their electoral rights The majority of European citizens are correctly identifying their electoral rights at local and European level. Such awareness significantly increased as regards European elections in the last few years. It is however also a majority who wrongly believe that their electoral rights cover also national and regional elections. 72% are aware that a citizen of the EU living in their country has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in European Parliament elections. Knowledge in this area has continued to improve since 2007, when 54% gave the correct response. An absolute majority of respondents in all countries are aware of this right. 66% are aware that a citizen of the EU living in their country has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in municipal elections. There have been large increases in awareness in some countries since 2007, especially amongst respondents in Slovakia (+56 percentage points), Hungary (+44), Lithuania and Poland (both +41). 41% are aware that a citizen of the EU living in their country does not have the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in elections to the national Parliament. In countries where regional elections are held, just over one third (35%) are aware that a citizen of the EU living in their country does not have the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in regional elections. EU citizens' full political participation Europeans would be willing to grant electoral rights to non-national EU citizens living in their country as well as to maintain such right for those who no longer live in their country of origin. Almost two thirds (65%) of Europeans would not consider it justified that EU citizens residing in an EU country other than their country of origin lose their voting rights in national election - and most respondents in each country think this way. (new question) 67% think that a non-national EU citizen living in another EU country should be allowed to vote in the national elections of the country they are currently living in. This is a notable increase since 2010 (+17 percentage points). A majority of respondents in all countries think this way. 64% think that such a citizen should have the right to vote and stand as a candidate in regional elections in the country where they are living, assuming such elections are held in that country (+10 percentage points since 2010). 5
Respondents in favour of granting national election voting rights to resident nonnational EU citizens are also more likely to be in favour of granting the right to stand and vote at regional elections. Almost eight out of ten (79%) think this way, compared to 34% of those who think non-national EU citizens should not be allowed to vote in national elections in the country where they reside. Increasing turnout in European elections Most respondents think that providing more information on candidates, parties and the European Parliament elections, as well as on the impact of the EU on daily life would increase voter turnout. More than eight out of ten (84%) agree that turnout at European elections would be higher if more information was provided about: o o o the European Parliament elections the impact of the European Union on their daily life the programmes and objectives of candidates and parties in the European Parliament. Almost three quarters (73%) think that if political parties displayed in all campaign materials to which European political party they are affiliated, voter turnout would be higher. 62% think that turnout would be higher if the elections were held on a same day across the European Union and the same proportion think that if European political parties proposed a candidate for the role of President of the European Commission, then more people would turn out to vote. Voting for candidates in European and municipal elections Opinion is fairly divided when it comes to the choice between voting for candidates in the European elections from the lists of the country of residence vs. country of origin. Half of the respondents considered that including nationals from other EU countries on the candidate lists could increase turnout. Slightly more respondents say that if they were living in another EU country they would prefer to vote for candidates from the country they are residing in (48%), rather than the candidates of their country of origin (42%). 6
Those who think that non-national EU citizens are justified in acquiring right to vote in country of residence are more likely to prefer a candidate from their country of residence (54% vs. 36% for country of origin), while those who think this right should not be granted are more likely to prefer candidates in their country of origin (55% vs. 36% for country of residence). Half of Europeans (50%) think that including nationals from other EU countries on a candidate list could attract more voters in a European election - an increase of eight percentage points since 2010. 46% think that candidates who are nationals of other EU countries could increase turnout in local elections. 7
I. EU CITIZENS AWARENESS OF THEIR ELECTORAL RIGHTS - The majority of European citizens are correctly identifying their electoral rights at local and European level. It is however also a majority who believe that their electoral rights cover national elections - Respondents were given a series of statements about electoral rights in the European Union, and asked to say if each were true or false. 4 Almost three quarters (72%) of respondents know that a citizen of the EU living in their country has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in European Parliament elections. Knowledge in this area has continued to improve since 2007, when 54% gave the correct response. The results of the current wave represent a five percentage point increase since the last wave in 2010. 4 Q1 For each of the statements which I am going to read out, please tell me if this is true or false: A citizen of the EU living in (OUR COUNTRY) has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in municipal elections; A citizen of the EU living in (OUR COUNTRY) has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in regional elections (by "regional" we mean any sub-national level of government between municipalities and the State); A citizen of the EU living in (OUR COUNTRY) has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in elections to the national Parliament; A citizen of the EU living in (OUR COUNTRY) has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in European Parliament elections (Answers: True; False; DK/NA) [Note: In 2007 the question was formulated differently: In fact, all citizens of the EU Member States are citizens of the European Union. In your opinion, what rights does a citizen of the European Union have?] 8
Two thirds of respondents in the EU gave a correct response that a citizen of the EU living in their country has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in municipal elections (66%). This is a slight decrease in awareness since 2010 (-3 percentage points), but is still substantially higher than the results of 2007 (37%). The majority of Europeans (54%) wrongly judge that European Union citizens not living in their home country have the right to vote or stand in national elections. This belief has substantially increased over the last five years. Only around four in ten (41%) correctly state that EU citizenship does not offer such right. These combined results highlight that Europeans are better able to identify their actual electoral rights, than they are at identifying rights that they do not have. The results for each of these rights are considered in detail in the next sections. 9
Awareness of the electoral rights a citizen of the EU has: European Parliament elections - Evolution 2007-2012 Q1.4 For each of the statements which I am going to read out, please tell me if this is true or false: A citizen of the EU living in (OUR COUNTRY) has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in European Parliament elections Answer: True (correct answer) Almost three quarters (72%) of respondents know that a citizen of the EU living in their country has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in European Parliament elections. The chart above shows the results trend for this question, by country, since 2007. Key highlights are: An absolute majority of respondents in all countries are aware that a citizen of the EU living in their country has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in European Parliament elections, with awareness highest in Romania (82%) and Ireland (81%). Awareness is lowest amongst respondents in Luxembourg (62%), and Denmark (63%). 10
Awareness of this right has increased in all but one country since 2007 (Luxembourg, -1 percentage point). In fact, there have been increases of 25 percentage points or more amongst respondents in 13 countries, most notably Lithuania (+41), Hungary (+39) and Finland (+30). Luxembourg is the only country where there has been a decline since 2007 (-1 percentage point), however since 2010 the decline in awareness has been larger (-8). In four other countries, there has been a decline in awareness since 2010: Cyprus (-6), Latvia (-5), Spain and Estonia (both -1). However in the case of these four countries the overall picture since 2007 is one of increased awareness. In several countries the improvement in awareness amongst respondent since 2010 has been notable: Poland (+30), Bulgaria (+15), Lithuania (+14), Greece (+11), Romania (+10). Socio-demographic analysis illustrates that men are more likely than women to know that a citizen of the EU living in their country has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in European Parliament elections (76% vs. 70%). Those aged 15-24 are the least aware, particularly when compared to 40-54 year olds (69% vs. 75%). And finally, as education levels increase, so does awareness. Two thirds of respondents who completed their education aged 15 or younger are able to identify this voting right (66%), compared to 72% of those who completed education aged 16-19, and 76% of those who completed aged 20+. 11
Awareness of the electoral rights a citizen of the EU has: Municipal elections - Evolution 2007-2012 Q1.1 For each of the statements which I am going to read out, please tell me if this is true or false: A citizen of the EU living in (OUR COUNTRY) has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in municipal elections Answer: True (correct answer) Two thirds of respondents in the EU are aware it is true that a citizen of the EU living in their country has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in municipal elections (66%). The chart above shows the results trend for this question, by country, since 2007. Highlights are: Respondents in Slovakia (84%), Romania (77%) and Luxembourg (76%) are the most likely to be aware of this right, compared to 52% of Portuguese, 56% of Austrian and 58% of Danish respondents. Awareness has increased in all countries since 2007, with the largest increases amongst respondents in Slovakia (+56 percentage points), Hungary (+44), Lithuania and Poland (both +41). The smallest increases are seen amongst respondents in Spain and Cyprus (both +11). 12
Although the overall trend is one of increased awareness in the period since 2007, there have been notable declines in awareness since 2010 amongst respondents in several countries: Malta (-15), Cyprus (-14), the Netherlands, Ireland (both - 12), the UK (-11), Germany and Portugal (both -10). Socio-demographic analysis reveals few differences. Those aged 15-24 are more likely than older respondents to be aware that a citizen of the EU living in their country has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in municipal elections (75% vs. 62-68%). Self-employed respondents are the least likely to be aware of this right, particularly when compared to manual workers (63% vs. 69%). 13
Awareness of the electoral rights a citizen of the EU has: National parliament elections - Evolution 2007-2012 Q1.3 For each of the statements which I am going to read out, please tell me if this is true or false: A citizen of the EU living in (OUR COUNTRY) has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in elections to the national Parliament Answer: False (correct answer) Across the EU around four in ten (41%) know that a citizen of the EU living in their country does not have the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in elections to the national Parliament. In only four countries does an absolute majority of respondents know that this right is not available: Denmark, France (both 57%), Sweden (53%) and Austria (51%). In contrast 19% of Romanian, 22% of Slovakian and 24% of Bulgarians know that this right is false. As the chart above illustrates there has been a general decline in awareness that nonnational EU citizens do not have the right to vote or stand in national elections: Awareness that this right does not apply to non-national EU citizens has declined in all countries since 2007, most notably amongst respondents in Slovakia (-42 percentage points), Slovenia (-36), Estonia, Hungary, Poland (all -34), Lithuania and Finland (both -33). 14
In the period 2010-2012, however, there have been increases in awareness amongst respondents in nine countries: Latvia (+13), Belgium (+11), Malta (+10), the Netherlands (+5), Portugal (+4), Ireland, France and Germany (all +2) as well as in Cyprus (+1). A review of the socio-demographic variables shows that men are more likely than women to be aware that a citizen of the EU living in their country does not have the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in elections to the national Parliament (44% vs. 37%). Respondents with the highest education levels are also more likely to know that this right is not available to non-national EU citizens living in their country (46% vs. 36%-37%), as are the self employed and employees (44% and 43% respectively). Finally, respondents who do not think it is justified that a non-national EU citizen living in their country acquires the right to vote in national elections in the country they are residents in are much more likely to be aware that non-national EU citizens living in their country do not have the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in elections to the national Parliament (52% vs. 36% of those who think it is justified). A similar pattern applies when considering those who do not think it is justified for a non-national EU citizen living in their country to lose the right to vote in their country of origin (43% vs. 37%). 15
In several EU Member States, where regional government is elected, the Eurobarometer asked respondents if these elections are open to non-nationals from inside the EU 5. Amongst respondents living in these Member States, just over one third (35%) answer correctly that a citizen of the EU living in their country does not have the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in regional elections. This result is consistent with that of 2010 (34%). Awareness of the electoral rights a citizen of the EU has: Regional elections - Evolution 2007-2012 Q1.2 For each of the statements which I am going to read out, please tell me if this is true or false: A citizen of the EU living in (OUR COUNTRY) has the right to vote or to stand as a candidate in regional elections Answer: False (correct answer) 5 The question is relevant for Austria (Länder), Belgium (Région), the Czech Republic (Kraje), Denmark (Amtskommuner), Germany (Länder), Spain (Comunidades autonómas), France (Région), Italy (2 autonomous provinces and 20 regions), The Netherlands (provinciale staten), Poland (województwo), Slovakia (Kraje), Sweden (Landstingsfullmäktige) and the United Kingdom. The other Member States do not organise regional elections. 16
The chart above illustrates the trend in results since 2010 for the countries where regional elections are held. In seven countries there has been an increase in awareness amongst respondents that this right is not available to non-national EU citizens living in their country, most notably amongst those in Belgium (+12 percentage points), the Netherlands and Denmark (both +7). There has been a decline in awareness that this right is not available amongst respondents in Slovakia (-9), Poland (-6), Italy, the Czech Republic (both -4) and Austria (-3). 17
II. EU CITIZENS' FULL POLITICAL PARTICIPATION In the next part of the survey respondents were asked to consider the hypothetical case of an EU citizen living in an EU country other than their country of origin. They were then asked: Whether such a citizen should lose their rights to vote in the national elections of their country of origin Whether such a citizen should be allowed to vote in the national elections of the country they are living in Whether such a citizen should have the right to vote and stand as a candidate in regional elections in the country where they are living. The results are discussed in the following sections. 18
1. LOSING ELECTORAL RIGHTS IN THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN - Almost two thirds of Europeans do not consider it justified to remove the national election voting rights from EU citizens residing in an EU country other than their country of origin - Less than one third (31%) think it is justified that EU citizens who live in an EU country other than their country of origin should lose their rights to vote in the national elections of their country of origin. Almost two thirds (65%) think that removing this right would not be justified. As this is a new question for this wave there is no trend information. 6 Losing the right to vote in national elections in the country of origin The minority of respondents in all countries think it is justified that EU citizens living in another EU country should lose their rights to vote in the national elections of their country of origin. Those living in the UK are most likely to think this way (46%), followed by Belgian and Irish respondents (both 39%). At the other end of the scale, 20% of Swedish and 22% of Hungarian and Finnish respondents think this way. Respondents living in Sweden (76%), Portugal (75%), Poland, Finland and Hungary (all 73%) are the most likely to say removing these rights is not justified. 6 Q2 Let s take a situation where a citizen of the EU lives in another EU country than his\her country of origin (i.e. of which he\she is a national). Would you consider it justified that this citizen loses his\her right to vote in national elections in the country of which he\she is a national?; Would you consider it justified that this citizen acquires the right to vote in national elections in his\her country of residence?; Should this citizen have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in regional elections organised in the country where he\she lives in case regional elections are held there? (Answers: Yes; No; DK/NA) 19
Losing the right to vote in national elections in the country of origin Socio-demographic analysis shows few differences in opinion between groups. Respondents who completed their education aged 15 or younger are the most likely to say it is justified that EU citizens living in another EU country should lose their rights to vote in the national elections of their country of origin, particularly compared to those who completed their education aged 20+ (35% vs. 29%). Respondents who think that non-national EU citizen living in another country should be allowed to vote in the national elections of their country of residence are more likely to think that EU citizens living in another EU country should lose their rights to vote in the national elections of their country of origin (34% vs. 26% of those who don't think nonnationals should be allowed to vote in the national elections of their country of residence). 20
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2. ACQUIRING ELECTORAL RIGHTS IN THE COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE -Europeans both consider it justified to grant electoral rights to non-national EU citizens living in their country and to keep the right to vote in national elections in a EU country where they no longer live Acquiring electoral rights in national and regional elections in the country of residence Slightly more than two thirds of respondents (67%) think that a non-national EU citizen living in another EU country should be allowed to vote in the national elections of the country they are currently living in. This is a notable increase since 2010 (+17 percentage points). Slightly less think that such a citizen should have the right to vote and stand as a candidate in regional elections in the country where they are living, assuming such elections are held in that country (64%). Once again this is a notable increase since 2010 where 54% were of this opinion. A majority of respondents in all countries think that a non-national EU citizen living in another country should be allowed to vote in the national elections of the country where they are residing. Those living in Ireland (82%) are the most likely to hold this view, followed by respondents in Romania (76%) and Portugal (75%). Denmark is the only country where there is not an absolute majority, with 48% of respondents agreeing and 47% disagreeing. 22
Acquiring electoral rights in national elections in the country of residence Q2.2 Would you consider it justified that this citizen acquires the right to vote in national elections in his\her country of residence? Respondents in all EU countries are now more likely to think that a non-national EU citizen living in another country should be allowed to vote in the national elections of the country where they are residing. This increase is most marked amongst respondents in Bulgaria (+28 percentage points), Portugal (+25), Germany and Italy (both +22). The smallest increases occur amongst respondents in Spain (+3), the Netherlands (+8) and Austria (+10). It is worth noting that in several countries respondents are now more able to give an opinion than they were in 2010, with notable declines in "don't know" responding: Poland (-15), Latvia (-13), Bulgaria (-12), Lithuania, Romania (both -11) and Slovakia (-10). There are few socio-demographic differences. The younger the respondent, the more likely they are to think that a non-resident EU citizen living in another country should be allowed to vote in the national elections of the country where they are residing. For example 72% of those aged 15-24 hold this view, compared to 61% of those aged 55+. 23
Respondents who think that EU citizens living in another country should lose the right to vote in the national elections of their country of origin are more likely to think these citizens should be allowed to vote in the national elections of their country of residence (72% vs. 64% of those who don't think this right should be lost). Acquiring electoral rights in regional elections in the country of residence Q2.3 Should this citizen have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in regional elections organised in the country where he\she lives in case regional elections are held there? An absolute majority of respondents in all but two countries (Denmark and Latvia) think that a non-national EU citizen should have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in regional elections in the country where they are living (if regional elections are held there). This view is most widely held amongst Irish (75%), Luxembourgish (72%) and Romanian respondents (71%). Latvia and Denmark provide the exceptions, with 45% and 46% of respondents respectively in agreement. 24
Looking at the trend since 2010, respondents in all but four countries are more likely to think that non-national EU citizens living in another country should have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in regional elections in the country where they are living. The exceptions are Latvia, Cyprus (both -4 percentage points), Finland (-2) and France (- 1). However, in most countries there has been an increase in the proportion of respondents who think this right should be granted. The largest increases are seen amongst Lithuanian (+21), Bulgarian, Italian, Polish and German respondents (all +18), with the most modest increases amongst those in Spain (+1), Greece (+2) and Slovenia (+3). Once again the socio-demographic analysis shows only a few differences. The younger the respondent, the more likely they are to agree that non-national EU citizens living in another country should have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in regional elections in the country where they are living. For example, 71% of those aged 15-24 are of this opinion, compared to 59% of those aged 55+. Respondents in favour of granting national election voting rights to resident non-national EU citizens are also more likely to be in favour of granting the right to stand and vote at regional elections. Almost eight out of ten (79%) think this way, compared to 34% of those who think non-national EU citizens should not be allowed to vote in national elections. A similar pattern applies comparing those who think that citizens living in another EU country should lose their right to vote in national elections of their country of origin, although the differences are smaller (69% vs. 63%). 25
III. INCREASING TURNOUT IN EUROPEAN ELECTIONS - Most respondents think that providing more information on candidates, parties and the European Parliament elections, as well as on the impact of the EU on daily life would increase voter turnout - Not asked in 2010 Not asked in 2010 Respondents were given a number of possible methods to improve voter turnout at European elections and asked for their opinion on each. 7 More than eight out of ten (84%) agree that turnout at European elections would be higher if more information was provided on the European Parliament elections (55% definitely and 29% to some extent). This is an increase of four percentage points since 2010. The same proportion (84%) say that more information on the impact of the European Union on their daily life would increase turnout (58% definitely, 26% to some extent). These results are consistent with 2010. 7 Q6 In future, turnout at European elections would be higher if... more information was provided on the European Parliament elections; more information was provided on the impact of the European Union on your daily life; more information was provided on the programmes and objectives of candidates and parties in the European Parliament; political parties displayed in all campaign materials to which European political party they are affiliated; the elections were held on a same day across the European Union; European political parties proposed a candidate for the function of President of the European Commission (Answers: Yes, definitely; Yes, to some extent; No, not really; No, definitely not; DK\NA) 26
84% also think more information on the programmes and objectives of candidates and parties in the European Parliament would improve turnout (53% definitely, 31% to some extent). This represents a slight increase since 2010 (+1 percentage point). Almost three quarters (73%) think that if political parties displayed in all campaign materials to which European political party they are affiliated, voter turnout would be higher. More than one third (36%) definitely agree, while 37% agree to some extent. More than six out of ten (62%) think that turnout would be higher if the elections were held on a same day across the European Union (35% definitely, 28% to some extent). This is a slight increase on the result from 2010 (+1 percentage points). The same proportion (62%) think that if European political parties proposed a candidate for the role of President of the European Commission, then more people would turn out to vote. One quarter (25%) definitely agree, while 37% agree to some extent. These results will be considered in more detail in the following pages. 27
At least three quarters of respondents in each country think that voter turnout at European elections would be higher if more information was provided on the European Parliament elections. Respondents living in Latvia, Sweden (both 89%) Ireland and Poland (both 88%) are the most likely to agree, compared to Slovenian, Hungarian (both 76%) and Cypriot (78%) respondents. Respondents in most (22) countries are now more likely to think that providing more information on the European Parliament elections would improve voter turnout. This is particularly the case amongst respondents in the Czech Republic (+14 percentage points), Slovakia (+13), Belgium (+12) and Poland (+11). In contrast, respondents in Lithuania (-3), Cyprus and Spain (both -1) are now slightly less likely to hold this view than they were in 2010. Increasing turnout in European elections Q6.1 In future, turnout at European elections would be higher if... more information was provided on the European Parliament elections Socio-demographic analysis highlights that respondents who think that providing more information on the European Parliament elections would increase voter turnout are more likely to be aged 15-24 and 25-39 (87% and 86% respectively), and to have completed their education aged 16 or older (85%). 28
At least three quarters of respondents in each country think that providing more information on the impact of the EU on daily life would increase voter turnout at European elections. This view is held by around nine out of ten respondents in Ireland (93%), Sweden (91%) and the Netherlands (89%), compared to 77% of those in Hungary and the Czech Republic, and 78% of those in Slovenia. Increasing turnout in European elections Q6.2 In future, turnout at European elections would be higher if... more information was provided on the impact of the European Union on your daily life Looking at the trend shows the results from 2012 are generally consistent with those of the last wave. The largest increases in agreement are seen amongst respondents in Slovakia (+13 percentage points), Poland (+8), the Czech Republic and the Netherlands (both +5). In contrast, agreement has declined most notably amongst Hungarian (-5), Bulgarian (-4) and Estonian (-3) respondents. Socio-demographic analysis reveals few differences of note. Those who completed their education aged 16 or older are more likely than those with the lowest education level to think that providing more information on the impact of the EU on daily life would increase voter turnout (84%-88% vs. 73%). In addition, employees are the most likely to think that providing this kind of information would increase voter turnout - particularly compared to manual workers (87% vs. 81%). 29
Individual country results show a high level of agreement that providing more information on the programmes and objectives of candidates and parties in the European Parliament would increase voter turnout. Agreement is highest amongst respondents in Ireland, Sweden (both 89%) and Italy (88%), compared to 74% of Slovenian, and 75% of Hungarian and Estonian respondents. Increasing turnout in European elections Q6.3 In future, turnout at European elections would be higher if... more information was provided on the programmes and objectives of candidates and parties in the European Parliament The trend since 2010 shows few dramatic variations. The largest increases in agreement are found amongst respondents in Slovakia (+12 percentage points), Romania (+7), the Czech Republic and Poland (both +6). The most notable declines in agreement occur amongst respondents in Portugal, Hungary and Slovenia (all -4). There are few notable differences from the socio-economic analysis. The younger the respondent, the more likely they are to agree that providing more information on the programmes and objectives of candidates and parties in the European Parliament would increase voter turnout. Almost nine out of ten 15-24 year olds think this way (88%), compared to 81% of those aged 55+. Respondents who completed their education aged 16 or older are also more likely to agree compared to those who finished education aged 15 or younger (84%-85% vs. 76%). 30
Increasing turnout in European elections At least six out of ten respondents in each country think that voter turnout would improve if political parties displayed in all campaign materials the European political party they are affiliated with. Eight out of ten respondents in Sweden (80%) think this way, as do 79% of those in the Netherlands and 78% of those in Ireland. In comparison 61% of Slovenian, and 62% of Hungarian and Maltese respondents hold this view. As this is a new question, there is no trend information available. Education levels provide the only notable difference from the socio-demographic analysis. Almost two thirds (64%) of those who completed education aged 15 or younger think that voter turnout would improve if political parties displayed in all campaign materials the European political party they are affiliated with, compared to 74%-75% of those who completed their education at an older age. 31
There is less widespread agreement that holding the European elections on the same day across Europe would increase voter turnout. Greek respondents are the most likely to agree (73%), followed by those in France (71%), Portugal and Sweden (both 70%). At the other end of the scale, 40% of Czech, 42% of Estonian and 43% of Maltese respondents also agree. The trend results also show some larger variations than for the previous options. Respondents in Latvia (+16 percentage points), Poland (+15), Hungary (+13), Romania (+11) and Greece (+10) are now more likely to think that holding elections on the same day across Europe would increase turnout than they were in 2010. In contrast this opinion has declined most notably amongst Finnish (-11), Irish (-10), UK and Belgian respondents (both -8). Increasing turnout in European elections Q6.5 In future, turnout at European elections would be higher if... the elections were held on a same day across the European Union Once again education levels provide the only socio-demographic variation worth mentioning. Respondents who completed their education aged 15 or younger are less likely than respondents with higher education levels to think that same day elections would increase voter turnout (59% vs. 63%-64%). 32
There is a wide variation of opinion as to whether European political parties proposing a candidate for the role of President of the European Commission would increase voter turnout. Respondents in Portugal and Luxembourg are the most likely to agree (both 72%) followed by those in France and Spain (both 71%). In contrast, 42% of Estonian, 44% of Czech and 45% of Danish respondents agree. It is worth noting that there are high levels of 'don't know' responding amongst those in Estonia (30%), Malta (20%) and Denmark (18%). As this is a new question, there is no trend information available. Increasing turnout in European elections Respondents who completed their education aged 15 or younger are less likely to think that European political parties proposing a candidate for the role of President of the European Commission would increase voter turnout compared to those with higher education levels (57% vs. 62%-64%). This is the only socio-demographic difference of note. 33
IV. VOTING FOR CANDIDATES IN EUROPEAN AND MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 1. COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE VERSUS COUNTRY OF ORIGIN - Opinion is fairly divided when it comes to the choice between voting for candidates from a country of residence vs. a country of origin - An individual is not permitted to vote in more than one Member State at the same European Election. As a result, EU citizens who reside outside the Member State where they are a national can either vote in their home Member State (of which they are the nationals) or in the Member State where they reside (without being nationals of that state). Respondents were asked if they were living or were to live in another EU country than their country of origin (i.e. where they are a national) who they would prefer to vote for in European elections: the candidates of their country of residence, or the candidates of their country of origin. 8 Voting for candidates in European elections 8 Q3 If you are living or were to live in another EU country than your country of origin (i.e. of which you are a national) would you rather vote in European elections for (Answers: The candidates of your country of residence; The candidates of your country of origin; DK\NA) [Note: In 2010 the question was formulated differently: If you lived in another Member State than your Member State of origin (i.e. of which you are a national) would you rather vote in European elections for ] 34
Opinion is divided, with no absolute majority. However slightly more say they would prefer to vote for candidates from the country they are residing in (48%), rather than the candidates of their country of origin (42%). One in ten are unable to say who they would prefer to vote for in this situation. This represents a shift in balance compared to 2010, where respondents were slightly more likely to say they preferred to vote for the candidates of their country of origin (46%) compared to those from their country of residence (43%). In percentage point terms, however, the differences are small, with a shift of four-five percentage points. If they were living away from their country of origin, respondents in twelve countries are most likely to prefer to vote for the candidates of their country of residence 9. This is particularly the case for respondents in Italy (58%), Spain (57%) and the UK (55%). In comparison, 25% of Lithuanian, 29% of Romanian and 31% of Estonian respondents would prefer to vote in this manner. In fifteen countries respondents are most likely to prefer to vote for the candidates of their country of origin in European elections 10, particularly those in Romania (66%), Lithuania (65%) and Bulgaria (61%). In contrast 29% of German and 32% of Austrian respondents think this way. At least one in five respondents living in Austria (25%), Germany (22%) and Estonia (20%) are unable to say what they would prefer to do in this situation. 9 IT, ES, UK, IE, BE, LU, HU, MT, DE, CZ, NL, AT 10 RO, LT, BG, FI, PT, PL, CY, LV, DK, EE, SI, SE, SK, EL, FR 35
Voting for candidates in European elections Q3 If you are living or were to live in another EU country than your country of origin (i.e. of which you are a national) would you rather vote in European elections for Looking at the trend since 2010 illustrates that there have been shifts in the majority opinion in six countries: Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Hungary, Malta and France. In the case of the first five countries the majority now say they would prefer the candidates in the country of their residence, whereas in the last wave most preferred the candidates from their country of origin. In France the reverse applies, with a majority now preferring candidates from their country of origin over candidates from their country of residence. France is also the only country of the five where there is not an absolute majority. Turning to individual options the largest increases in respondents preferring to vote for the candidate of their country of residence occur amongst respondents in Italy (+13 percentage points), Poland (+12), Belgium (+11) and Hungary (+10). Respondents in Romania are now more likely to prefer candidates from their country of origin compared to 2010 (+15), followed by respondents in France (+5) and Latvia (+4). 36
Socio-demographic analysis shows that respondents with a notable preference for candidates of their country of residence over those of their country of origin tend to be Aged 25-39 (54%) or 40-54 (51%) Those who completed their education aged 20+ (49%) Employees (54%) or self-employed (50%) Respondents who think EU citizens living in another country should lose their right to vote in the national elections in their country of origin (55%). In a clear mirror pattern, respondents who think that non-national EU citizens are justified in acquiring right to vote in country of residence are more likely to prefer a candidate from their country of residence (54% vs. 36% for country of origin), while those who think this right should not be granted are more likely to prefer candidates in their country of origin (55% vs. 36% for country of residence). 37
2. NON-NATIONAL EU CITIZENS AS CANDIDATES IN EP ELECTIONS - Half of Europeans think that including nationals from other EU countries on a candidate list could attract more voters in a European election - Respondents were asked whether they considered a list of candidates in the European elections could attract more votes if it included candidates who are nationals of other EU countries. 11 Half (50%) say that they thought this was the case, while 44% said they didn't think so. Respondents are more likely to agree that having candidates who are nationals of other EU countries on a candidate list could improve voter turnout than they were in 2010 - up from 42%. The presence of non-national EU candidates in the lists for European elections 11 Q4 Do you think that a list of candidates in the European elections can attract more votes if it includes candidates who are nationals of other EU countries? (Answers: Yes, definitely; Yes, probably; No, probably not; No, definitely not; DK\NA) [Note: In 2010 the answer modalities were: Yes; No; DK\NA] 38
There is a variety of opinion across the EU. Respondents living in Ireland (64%), Luxembourg (60%) and Belgium (58%) are the most likely to think that including candidates who are nationals of other EU countries could attract more votes to a list of candidates. In contrast 30% of Danish, and 34% of Finnish and Lithuanian respondents agree. The presence of non-national EU candidates in the lists for European elections Q4 Do you think that a list of candidates in the European elections can attract more votes if it includes candidates who are nationals of other EU countries? There have been some large shifts in opinion since 2010. Respondents in all but two countries are now more likely to agree that that including candidates who are nationals of other EU countries could attract more votes to a list of candidates. This increase is particularly marked amongst respondents in Belgium (+21 percentage points), Romania (+19), Hungary (+18), Bulgaria (+16) and Slovakia (+15). In Ireland opinion amongst respondents has remain unchanged, while in Lithuania there has been a slight decline (-1). 39
Socio-demographic analysis illustrates that the older the respondent, the less likely they are to think that including candidates who are nationals of other EU countries could attract more votes to a list of candidates. Almost two thirds (64%) of 15-24 year olds think this way, compared to 43% of those aged 55+. Manual workers are also more likely than those in other occupational groups to agree (55% vs. 49%-50%). Respondents who think that non-national EU citizens should be allowed to vote in national elections in their country of residence are more likely to agree that including candidates who are nationals of other EU countries could attract more votes to a list of candidates (55% vs. 41% who think they should not be given this voting right). 3. NON-NATIONAL EU CITIZENS AS CANDIDATES IN LOCAL ELECTIONS - Less than half think that candidates who are nationals of other EU countries could increase turnout in local elections - In a similar question, respondents were asked if the inclusion of candidates who are nationals of other EU countries could increase general turnout in local elections. 12 In this case 46% think that this could increase turnout, while 50% disagree. The presence of non-national EU candidates in local elections 12 Q5 Do you think that the presence of candidates who are nationals of other EU countries can increase the general turnout in local elections? (Answers: Yes, definitely; Yes, probably; No, probably not; No, definitely not; DK\NA) [Note: In 2010 the answer modalities were: Yes; No; DK\NA] 40
At least half of all respondents in eight countries think that the presence of candidates who are nationals of other EU countries could increase the general turnout in local elections: Ireland (61%), Luxembourg (57%), Latvia, Portugal (both 55%), the UK (53%), Greece (51%) and Italy and Romania (both 50%). In contrast 20% of Finnish and 21% of Slovenian and Danish respondents also agree. The presence of non-national EU candidates in local elections 41
In 2010 when the Eurobarometer asked a differently formulated question about the presence of candidates who are nationals of other Member States on a list in local elections, 30% agreed such list could attract more voters. In all but three Member States, the majority of respondents did not think that the inclusion of non-national EU citizens on the list in local elections would attract more voters 42
ANNEXES
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
FLASH EUROBAROMETER TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Between the 5th and the 7th of November 2012, TNS Political & Social, a consortium created between TNS political & social, TNS UK and TNS opinion, carried out the survey FLASH EUROBAROMETER about. This survey has been requested by the EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Directorate-General for Justice. It is a general public survey co-ordinated by the Directorate-General for Communication ( Research and Speechwriting Unit). The FLASH EUROBAROMETER covers the population of the respective nationalities of the European Union Member States, resident in each of the 27 Member States and aged 15 years and over. All interviews were carried using the TNS e-call center (our centralized CATI system). In every country respondents were called both on fixed lines and mobile phones. The basic sample design applied in all states is multi-stage random (probability). In each household, the respondent was drawn at random following the "last birthday rule". TNS has developed its 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 is consistent across all countries. A comparison between the sample and the universe was carried out. The Universe description was derived from the national statistics office. The weighting procedure, using marginal and intercellular weighting, was carried out based on this Universe description. Gender, age, region, social class and the vote in the referendum on the Stability Treaty were introduced in the iteration procedure. TS1