Brussels, 20/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - On the eve of the European Council, the results of the “Spring” Eurobarometer, which were published on 20 June, indicate that two thirds of Europeans (66%) subscribe to the idea of the European constitution. This is an improvement of three points compared to the previous Eurobarometer. Furthermore, 69% of Europeans are somewhat or very optimistic about the future of the EU. Overall, this edition of the Eurobarometer reveals a considerable improvement in public opinion towards the EU and its institutions compared to the result of the autumn 2006 survey. If 66% of Europeans are in favour of the European constitution, certain substantial changes have been observed compared to the autumn 2006 survey: support for a constitution rose by 13 points in Spain, six points in Estonia and five points in Germany, Hungary and in Poland (69%!). During the same period, it fell considerably in Greece (-11 points), and, to a lesser extent, in Cyprus and Finland (-6 points each). It is also worth noting that no country had more respondents opposed to a constitution than those in favour of it, and that support stood at 68% in France and 55% in the Netherlands, even though both countries rejected the constitution in a referendum. The proponents of the “no” vote, however, make up a considerable proportion of public opinion in Finland (43% “against”, four points fewer than the “in favour” camp) and the United Kingdom (36% “against”, 7 percentage points fewer than the “yes” camp). (ol)