The member states will examine the factors influencing citizens' level of confidence in the public institutions, at both national and European level, and on ways of increasing this current poor trust, during their annual rule of law dialogue in the framework of the 'General Affairs' Council on Monday 12 November.
According to a Eurobarometer survey, in 2017, 37% of Europeans trusted their national government, 36% trusted their national parliament and 42% trusted the European Union, although there are considerable disparities between member states, according to a preparatory document of the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU dated Monday 5 November.
Levels of trust are considerably higher towards public and regional authorities (51%), the judiciary (55%) and the police and armed forces (75%).
Young people tend to trust public institutions less than their older compatriots do, the Presidency also notes.
This is why the Austrian authorities wish to ask the national delegations about the reasons for this erosion of confidence and the possible consequences of it.
Six essential components for citizens' trust have been identified: reliability, reactivity, openness, better regulation, integrity and fairness, inclusiveness. The role of a dynamic civil society and the independent media was also highlighted.
As well as identifying these factors influencing trust, the Austrian Presidency would like to ask the member states about best practices in working with civil society and the media, as well as with the local authorities, to develop a single message for successful European policy and new political priorities.
'Article 7' procedures. On Monday 12 November, the 'General Affairs' Council will also take stock of the so-called 'article 7' procedures concerning the rule of law in Poland and Hungary (see EUROPE 12118). (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)