Brussels, 20/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - The initial results of this survey "Eurobarometer standard 64", carried out by TNS Opinion & Social by means of face-to-face interviews with 29,430 people between 10 October and 5 November 2005, reflect the problems experienced by Europe since the last similar survey, which was carried out in spring 2005.
The three main indicators used to gauge the general attitude of the citizens towards Europe have changed slightly. The belief that it is a good thing for one's country to be a member of the EU drops four points (from 54% 50%), but the opposite opinion remains low (16%). Negative opinions exceed 20% only in the traditionally more sceptical countries: Sweden (32%) in the United Kingdom (28%), but also in Austria (25%) and Finland (22%), and support for membership of the EU dropped considerably in Belgium (-8 points). Neutral responses in the 10 new Member States remain above 40%, and have shown an upward trend in certain countries, such as the Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovenia and Slovakia. The perception of advantages gleaned from belonging to the EU loses three points (falling from 55% 52%), as against 36% (+3 points) of the opposite opinion. Ireland (86%) and Luxembourg) 75%) are the most satisfied, and opinion on the new Member States remains positive overall (58% on average) and in the old ones alike (51% on average). Nonetheless, a significant decrease in positive opinions and a considerable rise in negative opinions have been noted (Hungary, Latvia, Sweden, Finland, United Kingdom, Belgium, Italy, Finland and Germany). The EU enjoys a positive image in the view of 44% of respondents, although this figure has dropped for the second year in a row (50% in autumn 2004 and 47% in spring 2005), and goes hand-in-hand with a parallel increase in negative views (15% in autumn 2004 and 19% in spring 2005). Alongside this tendency is a slight drop in confidence towards the Commission and the Parliament.
Support for the idea of European Constitution" without prejudice to its content, rose 2 points to reach 63%, including France (+7 points) and the Netherlands (+9 points), and opposition also fell 2 points. In several countries, over a third of those taking part in the survey had no opinion at the time of the survey (36% in Estonia, 29% in Ireland and Latvia). A large majority (60%) believe that a Constitution is vital if the EU is to ensure correct internal functioning and allow it to play its role on the world stage. This opinion is slightly more pronounced in the old Member States than in the new ones (61% against 56%), but the country-by-country analysis shows that percentages are the highest in Belgium and Slovenia (78%), with the Finns and the Dutch appearing slightly more reticent. In autumn 2005, 64% of the citizens of the EU consider that the adoption of the treaty would make the functioning of the EU more democratic, more efficient (61%) and more transparent (56%), and that it would make the EU stronger in the world (69%), more competitive (64%) and more social (54%). The majority believes that the Constitution should be re-negotiated (49%), (64% in the Netherlands and 65% in France), whilst only 22% believe that the ratification process should continue, and an average of 13% wish to abandon the Constitution (ranging from 4% in Hungary to 31% in Denmark).
Whereas accession to the European security and defence policy maintains a high level of support (77% on average: 75% in the old Membro States and 85% in the new), and support for the common foreign policy remains stable (68%: 67% and 74%); support for future waves of enlargement varies strongly between the countries. On average, 49% (-1 point), took position in favour of further waves of EU enlargement in the future, and 39% opposed it (+1 point). Support is highest in Greece (74%), Slovenia (74%) and Poland (72%), and opposition is clearest in Austria, Luxembourg, France and Germany (six respondents out of 10), and has increased significantly in Sweden, Italy, Denmark and the United Kingdom. For the acceding and candidate countries, the EU generally invokes a positive image, and around seven respondents out of 10 are in favour of further enlargement, although support has fallen 14 points in Turkey (from 66% 52%). The slow-down in the European construction project has largely made itself felt, but hopes for an acceleration is less pronounced than in the past. "The EU must now consolidate its achievements and fight with all its strength to win back the hearts and minds of its citizens", concluded the vice-president of the Commission in charge of the Communication strategy, Margot Wallström, who "continues to believe that the people want more Europe, inspired leaders and good policies". For more information, see: : http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/ public_opinion/index_en.htm