An EU-financed study by the Anna Lindh Foundation for dialogue and culture in the Mediterranean shows that "European citizens and those of the countries of the southern and eastern shore of the Mediterranean have a growing appetite for mutual knowledge", according to a press release published on Friday 12 May.
This desire apparently comes, however, "in the face of the reality of an alarming increase in xenophobic and sectarian tendencies having an impact on social cohesion in the region".
The survey draws conclusions from a poll conducted by Gallup Europe in 13 member states of Europe for the Mediterranean (UfM): Albania, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Morocco, Poland, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey.
The outcome is that "around 80% of Europeans and 65% of citizens from the southern and eastern Mediterranean are interested in knowing more about the political, economic, religious and cultural affairs of the other shore of the Mediterranean". However, while 82% consider "diversity a source of prosperity, 47% fear that it can have a negative impact on social stability". According to these results, "religious beliefs have gone down on the list of people's priorities since 2009. The top priority is the family (56%), followed by the respect of other cultures (39.5%) and in third place is religious beliefs (33.5%). Young people are also optimistic as regards the future, especially on the southern and eastern shore of the Mediterranean, with 65% thinking that their life will be better in the next five years".
Overall, it is "a positive image" that is shown. The Mediterranean "is emerging with around 80% of people associating it with hospitality, a common cultural heritage, a specific lifestyle and food, and civic participation". (Original version in French by Fathi B’Chir)