Brussels, 21/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has published a note grouping the results of recent Eurobarometer surveys on the major themes tackled at the Seville Summit.
Immigration. According to surveys carried out, 21% of citizens may be considered as "actively tolerant" and 39% as "passively tolerant" (hesitant about knowing whether immigrants should be accepted with restrictions or without any restrictions), while 25% are "ambivalent"and have mitigated views about immigration, and 14%, those who are "intolerant", state clearly negative attitudes towards minority and immigration groups. Over 80% of the EU population considers that internal security-related issues must be a priority for the EU. The fight against organised crime is considered by 87% as being a priority, and 80% feel the fight against illegal immigration is essential. With regards the hosting of refugees and asylum and immigration policies, half of the citizens are said to be in favour of decisions at Union level, and a little less than half are in favour of national decisions. Finally, a majority of persons taking part in the survey (45% against 42%) consider that policies to fight illegal immigration carried out by the EU are effective.
Enlargement. On the whole, European public opinion considers it is not very well informed on EU enlargement. Over four people out of ten (44%) consider the EU should only enlarge to some of the countries that hope to become members. Twenty-one percent of those questioned consider, on the other hand, that the EU should enlarge to all countries that wish to belong, while 14% consider the EU should not enlarge to any more countries. Sixteen percent of citizens believe the enlargement process should be accelerated whereas 15%, on the other hand, believe it should be slowed down. Very few (11%) think their life would improve after enlargement. For a large majority of the population (79%), it is very important for candidate countries to respect human rights and democratic principles. For 69% of the citizens, it is very important for candidate countries to accept all the rules of the EU (acquis communautaire), and, for 58%, it is very important that the arrival of new members should not entail additional costs for the "old" members.
Environment and sustainable development. The state of the environment appears as the factor that has the greatest impact on the quality of life of the people taking part in the survey. Eighty-six percent are in favour of the environment being made a priority that is just as important as economic and social policies.