Public survey finds record support for EU despite Brexit

A new report published finds record number support for EU. The Parliament Eurobarometer survey which is published one year ahead of the European elections in May 2019 finds that EU citizens are experiencing growing support for the European Union despite Brexit.

The survey was conducted in April 2018 and had a pool of 27,601 people from 28 Member States reveals 60% of citizens believe that EU membership of their country is a good thing and over two-thirds interviewed said that they believe their country has benefited from being a member of the EU. This is the highest score measured since 1983.

With a year to go until the next European elections, a third of respondents already know the date of the next European elections, and 50% said they were interested in it. In general, the ‘recent Spitzenkandidaten’ process that gives EU citizens a say in the appointment of the President of the European Commission has been well received with almost half of respondents saying it would make them more likely to vote and three-quarters want this lead candidate process to be accompanied by further debate about European issues and the future of the EU.

The most listed issues for those pooled where: 49% cite the fight against terrorism as priority topic, followed by youth unemployment at 48%, immigration at 45% and economy and growth at 42%. 35% cite the fight against climate change and the protection of human rights and democracy, as well as the social protection of EU citizens, which is listed by 32% of respondents.

Over half of respondents were happy with how their democracy works in their country and 46% when refering to the EU. The emergence of new parties or political movements protesting against the political establishment is another concern in next year’s election, however a 56% believes that such new political parties might be a vehicle for change.

the survey points to a growing interest in, and appreciation for, despite Brexit, as well as a growing feeling that they can have a say in its future.