Brussels, 02/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - The gap is growing between the United Kingdom and the rest of the European Union, according to a survey carried out in four countries, published on Saturday 30 November.
The Observer magazine survey (in which more than 2,000 people in the United Kingdom and more than 1,000 in each of the other countries - France, Germany and Poland - were interviewed) demonstrates that the British have a less and less positive view of the EU. At the same time, the other EU countries are increasingly likely to think that the United Kingdom is bringing few benefits to the 28 countries of the EU.
The survey shows that only 26% of the British public think that the EU is a “good thing”, compared to 62% of Poles, 55% of Germans and 36% of French.
However, 9% of Germans, 15% of French and 33% of Poles think that the United Kingdom is a “positive force” in the EU.
44% of people interviewed in Germany are against the United Kingdom having specific partnership conditions, while 16% of people are in favour. In France, 36% are opposed to the specific conditions, with 26% in favour. In Poland, however, 38% support these specific partnership conditions, with 23% against.
Just 24% of French people would be concerned if the United Kingdom were to leave the EU, whilst in Germany the figure on this question stood at 36%. 51% of Poles, however, believe that this would have a negative effect on the EU.
64% of the British people interviewed believe that the EU has had a negative impact on immigration, as opposed to 59% of French, 42% of Germans and just 20% of Poles.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has promised a referendum on relations with the European Union before the end of 2017, if he is re-elected in 2015. (SP/transl.fl)