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Standard Eurobarometer 78
Autumn 2012
PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
REPORT
Fieldwork: November 2012
This survey has been requested and co-ordinated by the European Commission,
Directorate-General for Communication.
http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/index_en.htm
This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission.
The interpretations and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors.
Standard Eurobarometer 78 / Autumn 2012 TNS Opinion & Social
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Standard Eurobarometer 78Autumn 2012
Public opinion in the European Union
Survey conducted by TNS Opinion & Social at the request of the
European Commission
Directorate-General Communication
Survey coordinated by the European Commission,
Directorate-General Communication
Research and Speechwriting Unit
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................... 3I. LIFEINTHEEUROPEANUNION..................................................................................... 61. Personalaspects............................................................................................................. 61.1. ThecurrentpersonalsituationofEuropeans................................................................ 61.2. Evaluationoftheprofessionalandfinancialsituation................................................. 101.3. TheconcernsofEuropeans......................................................................................... 15
2. Economicaspects.......................................................................................................... 192.1. Evaluationofthecurrenteconomicsituation............................................................. 19
2.1.1. Thenational,Europeanandworldsituations...........................................................192.1.2. Theemploymentsituation........................................................................................22
2.2. Expectationsforthenexttwelvemonths.................................................................... 242.2.1. Thenational,Europeanandworldsituations...........................................................242.2.2. Theemploymentsituation........................................................................................26
2.3. Themainconcernsatnationallevel............................................................................ 272.4. ThemainconcernsatEuropeanlevel.......................................................................... 31
3. Politicalaspects............................................................................................................ 353.1. Interestinpolitics....................................................................................................... 353.2. Trustininstitutions.................................................................................................... 373.3. Thedirectioninwhichthingsaregoing....................................................................... 39
II. THEEUROPEANUNIONANDITSCITIZENS.................................................................. 441. AttachmenttotheEuropeanUnion.............................................................................. 441.1. WhatdoestheEuropeanUnionrepresent?................................................................ 441.2. SupportforEUmembershipandtheperceivedbenefitsofmembership(candidate
countries).................................................................................................................. 471.3. Howtofacethefuture?.............................................................................................. 49
2. DemocracyintheEU..................................................................................................... 522.1. TheperceptionofhownationaldemocraciesandEuropeandemocracywork............522.2. Arepersonal,nationalandEuropeaninterestsproperlytakenintoaccountbythe
EuropeanUnion?....................................................................................................... 57
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
3. Europeansandglobalisation......................................................................................... 603.1. Globalisation:anopportunityforeconomicgrowth?.................................................. 603.2. TheEUandtheeffectsofglobalisation....................................................................... 62
4. TheEuropeaninstitutions............................................................................................. 684.1. AwarenessofEuropeaninstitutionsandthetrusttheyinspire................................... 684.2. TrustintheEuropeanUnion....................................................................................... 754.3. TheimageoftheEuropeanUnion............................................................................... 77
5. KnowledgeoftheEuropeanUnion................................................................................ 825.1. KnowledgeofhowtheEuropeanUnionworks........................................................... 825.2. ObjectiveKnowledgeoftheEuropeanUnion.............................................................. 83
III. THEEUROPEANUNIONNOWANDINTHEFUTURE.................................................... 851. SUPPORTFOREUROPEANPOLICIES.............................................................................. 852. THEOBJECTIVEOFTHEBUILDINGOFEUROPE............................................................... 902.1. TheperceivedobjectivesofthebuildingofEurope..................................................... 902.2. DesirableobjectivesforthebuildingofEurope........................................................... 91
3. ThefutureoftheEuropeanUnion................................................................................. 923.1. Opinionsonafederationofnationstates................................................................... 923.2. ThefutureoftheEuropeanUnion.............................................................................. 96
ANNEXES
Technical specificationsQuestionnaire
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
INTRODUCTION
This Standard Eurobarometer survey was carried out between 3 and 18 November 2012
in 34 countries and territories1: the 27 Member States of the European Union (EU), the
six candidate countries (Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey,
Iceland, Montenegro and Serbia), and the Turkish Cypriot Community in the part of the
country not controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus.
The previous Standard Eurobarometer survey (EB77) in spring 2012 had been
characterised by the relative stability of most of the indicators concerning perceptions of
the economic situation. It had also revealed a slight deterioration in the indicators
measuring support for the European Union and its institutions; however, these evolutions
should be analysed in the light of the significant declines recorded in the autumn 2011
Standard Eurobarometer (EB76).
Just after the launch of this autumn 2012 survey, the European Commission published itsautumn 2012 economic forecasts2: these predicted low annual GDP growth of 0.4% for
the EU in 2013, with growth of 0.1% in the euro area, followed by a modest recovery in
2014, with GDP growth of around 1.6% in the EU and 1.4% in the euro area.
Several major events for the EU and its institutions took place during the weeks and
months leading up to the survey. Key measures were adopted to promote a more
integrated European Union: the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) was introduced on
27 September, while the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the
Economic and Monetary Union, signed on 2 March 2012, was due to enter into force on 1
January 2013. Another important event was the award of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize tothe European Union on 12 October.
National elections were held in Lithuania and the Netherlands. During the survey, the
first round of the Presidential elections was held in Slovenia.
Outside Europe, Barack Obama was elected for a second term as President of the United
States on 6 November.
The full report of the Eurobarometer survey consists of several volumes. This first volume
presents the state of public opinion in the European Union. Four further volumes analyse
the opinions of Europeans on other themes: the Europe 2020 strategy; the financial andeconomic crisis; European citizenship; and media habits in the European Union. This
volume covers public opinion in the European Union.
1 Please consult the technical specifications for the exact dates of the fieldwork in each country.2http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/eu/forecasts/2012_autumn_forecast_en.htm
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
This volume devoted to the state of public opinion in the European Union is divided into
three parts. In the first part, we examine personal, social, economic and political aspects
of life in the European Union as perceived by its citizens. We examine the financial and
personal situation of citizens; their views on the economic situation at national, European
and global levels; their main concerns; and their expectations for the future. This part of
the report also explores their interest in politics and their views on the direction in which
things are going in their country and in the European Union, and analyses the extent to
which citizens trust their national institutions and the UN.
The second part of the report presents the main indicators measuring the image of the
European Union and its institutions and their respective trust ratings. First, it examines
the extent to which Europeans feel attached to the European Union. It then analyses
their views on the way democracy works and the extent to which their personal and
national interests are taken into account by the European Union. This part of the report
also explores the attitudes of Europeans to globalisation. The report then considers the
extent to which Europeans are familiar with the European institutions and how far they
trust them, before turning to their knowledge of the EU.
The third part of the report begins by analysing how far Europeans support various
European policies, before examining their views on the main objectives of European
integration, not only as they perceive them, but also as they would wish them to be.
Finally, we consider opinions about the European Unions future.
The general analysis and the socio-demographic analyses are based on the results at the
level of the average of the 27 Member States. This average is weighted so that it reflects
the population of each Member State. The averages for previous years represent theresults obtained in all the Member States of the European Union, as it was composed at
the time the survey was conducted.
32 731 people from different social and demographic groups were interviewed face-to-
face in their homes at the request of the European Commission. The methodology used is
that of the Standard Eurobarometer surveys of the Directorate-General Communication
(Research and Speechwriting Unit)3. A technical note on the interviewing methods of
the institutes of the TNS Opinion & Social network is attached to this report. This note
also specifies the confidence intervals4.
3http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/index_en.htm4 The results tables are annexed. It should be noted that the total of the percentages indicated in the tables inthis report may exceed 100% when the respondent was able to choose several answers to the same question.
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
The abbreviations used in this report correspond to:
ABBREVIATIONSBE Belgium LV Latvia
CZ Czech Republic LU Luxembourg
BG Bulgaria HU HungaryDK Denmark MT Malta
DE Germany NL The NetherlandsEE Estonia AT AustriaEL Greece PL Poland
ES Spain PT Portugal
FR France RO RomaniaIE Ireland SI Slovenia
IT Italy SK Slovakia
CY Republic of Cyprus*** FI Finland
LT Lithuania SE SwedenUK United Kingdom
CY(tcc) Turkish Cypriot Community
HR Croatia EU27European Union weighted average for the27 Member States
TR Turkey
MKFormer Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
****EU15 BE, IT, FR, DE, LU, NL, DK, UK, IE, PT, ES, EL, AT, SE, FI*
IS Iceland NMS12 BG, CZ, EE, CY, LT, LV, MT, HU, PL, RO, SI, SK**
ME Montenegro Euro areaBE, FR, IT, LU, DE, AT, ES, PT, IE, NL, FI, EL, EE, SI, CY,MT, SK
RS SerbiaNon-euroarea
BG, CZ, DK, LV, LT, HU, PL, RO, SE, UK
* EU15 refers to the 15 European Union Member States before the enlargements of 2004 and 2007
** The NMS12 countries are the 12 new Member States that joined the European Union at the time of the
2004 and 2007 enlargements
*** Cyprus as a whole is one of the 27 European Union Member States. However, the acquis communautaire
has been suspended in the part of the country which is not controlled by the government of the Republic ofCyprus. For practical reasons, only the interviews carried out in the part of the country controlled by the
government of the Republic of Cyprus are included in the CY category and in the EU27 average. The
interviews carried out in the part of the country that is not controlled by the government of the Republic of
Cyprus are included in the CY(tcc) (tcc: Turkish Cypriot Community) category
**** Provisional abbreviation which in no way prejudges the definitive name of this country, which will be
agreed once the current negotiations at the United Nations have been completed
* * * * *
We wish to thank all the people interviewed throughout Europe
who took the time to participate in this survey.
Without their active participation, this survey would not have been possible.
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STAND
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in the
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everal eco
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are still
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78
OPEAN
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ter survey
articular a
ough ther
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twelve
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6 QA4 Wthe same
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ans are
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m (22%, -
ember Sta
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an 90%
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at are your, when it com
AROMETE
asked a
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rtion who
wever, pe
pondents
majority.
(68%),
sitive in si
(95%),
elve months
OPINION
tions for
han in t
tions had
2011 su
tumn 201
general wi
think that
simism co
re positiv
The excep
ulgaria (
ix Member
weden (9
: will the nex
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the next
e spring
improved
rvey (EB7
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ll not cha
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tinues to
about the
ions, as i
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States: th
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twelve
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anged ma
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ths be better
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andard
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ersonal
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%) and
, worse or
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STAND
In the
-
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Person
is still
(81%,
these c
RD EURO
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satisfactio
urkey (6
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l satisfacti
the minori
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ountries.
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countrie
ts in Icela
(99%) a
%) and th
majorit) and Serb
on has inc
ty position
Czech R
78
:
nd are al
d this vie
Former Y
of respia (64%).
reased in
. In contr
public (74
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ost unani
is share
ugoslav Re
ondents a
ungary (
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%, -5), th
OPINION
mously op
by large
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re dissati
8%, +6 p
declined i
ugh it re
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imistic in
majorities
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fied in
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ains the
AUTUM
terms of
in Croatia
62%).
ontenegr
oints) tho
73%, -7),
ajority po
2012
ersonal
(67%),
(52%
ugh this
Ireland
sition in
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STAND RD EURO AROMETE 78 PUBLI OPINION
Lo
t
in
M
1
B
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Sl
joi
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2
su
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th
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pe
IN THE E
oking ahe
elve mon
ex is no
mber Stat
in the sp
lgaria, th
eece, Spa
ngary, Pol
venia, wh
ned by Be
vakia. By
e Membe
gative ind
11 Stand
rvey (EB7
spondents
e index st
rtugal (-3
ssimistic.
AUTUM
ad over t
hs, the o
negativ
es, compa
ring 2012
Czech
in, Italy,
land, Portu
ich have n
lgium, Irel
comparis
r States
ex in the
rd Euroba
).
in Greece
ands at -
8) are th
2012
e next
ptimism
in 13
ed with
survey:
epublic,
Cyprus,
gal and
w been
nd and
n, only
had a
spring
rometer
(where
8) and
e most
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
1.2. Evaluation of the professional and financial situation The expectations of Europeans have deteriorated slightly as regards the
financial situation of their household, while expectations for the job situation
have stabilised
The household financial situation
More than six out of ten Europeans say that the financial situation of their
household is good (63%, versus 35% for whom it is bad)7. This view has gained
one percentage point since the spring 2012 Standard Eurobarometer survey (EB77),
though it has not returned to the level recorded in Standard Eurobarometer EB75 of
spring 2011 (65%).
Prospects for the household economic situation over the coming twelve months,which had improved in spring 2012, have worsened a little: a majority of
respondents continue to believe that the situation will stay the same (56%), but this
majority has decreased (-2) while the proportion who think that the next twelve months
will be worse has increased slightly (23%, +2). The proportion of optimists is
unchanged (18%) and pessimists still outnumber optimists8.
A country-by-country analysis shows that:
- A majority of respondents in 20 Member States (versus 19 in spring 2012) are
positive about their household financial situation. The exceptions are Greece (77%describe it as bad), Hungary (70%), Portugal (67%), Bulgaria (66%), Romania
(58%) and Italy (50%). A narrow majority of respondents in Ireland (51%, +4)
are now positive, while in Cyprus opinion is evenly divided (50%, +2, versus
50%, -1). There have been no significant changes on this indicator.
- The optimism index is now negative in 16 Member States (compared with 14 in
spring 2012). However, there are sharp falls in Cyprus (-28 to -49), Portugal (-21
to -53), Slovakia (-14 to -20), Belgium (-14 to -9) and France (-13, though the
index remains just positive, +3).
- Exceptionally, the optimism index for the household financial situation is positive
and has increased in Lithuania (+2 to 9) and the United Kingdom (+3 to 11).
In the candidate countries, a majority of respondents in Iceland and the Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be positive about both their current
household financial situation and the future outlook.
7 QA3a How would you judge the current situation in each of the following?8 QA4a What are your expectations for the next twelve months: will the next twelve months be better, worse orthe same, when it comes to...?
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STAND
Opinion
8-point
Dissati
Monten
percen
The jo
Just omore o
percen
have
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Views
uncha
will sta
has ga
Europe
Points
-
RD EURO
s are now
decline,
faction is
egro conti
age points
situatio
er half or less unch
age point,
ow risen
rometer su
on the j
ged: a m
y the sam
ined one
ns who b
of note:
As was th
are satisfi
Hungary,
slight incr
albeit by a
AROMETE
predomin
hile the
till domin
ues to st
(+18).
Europeaanged sinc
while 30
by two
rvey (EB7
b outloo
ajority of r
(59%, -
ercentage
lieve that
case in s
d with th
ortugal an
ase, resp
narrow m
78
ntly negat
ptimism i
nt in Croa
nd out by
s are sate the sprin
% are dis
percenta
).
over th
espondent
), while t
point (1
they will b
pring 2012
ir job situ
d Romania
ondents in
jority.
PUBLI
ive in Tur
dex has
tia (53%),
its positi
isfied witg 2012 St
satisfied,
e points
next tw
s continue
e proporti
%) and r
worse (
, a majori
ation. The
, which h
Spain ar
OPINION
ey (43%
allen by
Monteneg
e optimis
h their jondard Eur
nchanged
since th
elve mon
to believe
on who thi
emains hi
12%, =).
y of resp
exception
ve now be
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IN THE E
re satisfie
4 percent
ro (61%)
index, d
situatiobaromete
), though
e autumn
hs are al
that the n
nk that th
her than
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are Bulg
en joined
ain predo
AUTUM
d, represe
age points
and Serbia
espite a f
, a resultr survey (
satisfactio
2011 S
lso more
ext twelve
ey will be
the prop
20 Membe
ria, Greec
by Cyprus.
minantly s
2012
ting an
to -8).
(69%).
ll of 10
which is3%, +1
levels
tandard
or less
months
better
rtion of
r States
e, Italy,
After a
atisfied,
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STAND
-
-
-
RD EURO
The optimi
regarding
countries:
in Belgium
positive.
Exceptiona
significantl
Of the ca
responden
the job ou
Yugoslav
(-9). Finall
percentag
AROMETE
sm index
the hous
Cyprus (-2
(-8 to +
lly, the o
y in Lithua
ndidate c
s are posi
tlook is p
epublic of
y, the ind
points.
78
is positive
hold fina
3 to -30),
) and Fra
timism in
ia (+9 to
ountries, I
ive about
sitive in I
Macedoni
x is now
PUBLI
in 16 M
ncial situ
ortugal (-
nce (-8 t
dex as re
7) and the
celand is
their job s
eland (+
(+3). It
negative i
OPINION
mber Stat
tion, it h
9 to -30),
+15), w
gards the
United Kin
the only
ituation (7
1), Monte
is negativ
Turkey (
IN THE E
es, but, a
as fallen
lovakia (-
ere it ne
job situat
gdom (+7
one whe
%). The
egro (+1
in Croati
-7), after
AUTUM
s for expe
sharply i
8 to -7), a
ertheless
ion has i
to 21).
re a maj
ptimism i
) and the
a (-3) an
a decline
2012
ctations
some
well as
remains
proved
ority of
dex for
Former
Serbia
f seven
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
There are significant socio-demographic divisions on all these indicators. For example,
the most advantaged respondents and those who almost never have difficulties paying
their bills are more likely than average to be satisfied.
Managers are also more satisfied than white-collar workers, who in turn are more
satisfied than manual workers.
The same trends are perceptible as regards short-term expectations, though the
differences are narrower. The factor which appears to have most influence on these
satisfaction indicators is the difficulty respondents have in paying their bills: Europeans
who often struggle to pay their bills are far less likely than average to be satisfied and far
more likely than average to be pessimistic in their projections for the future.
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TANDARD EUR BAROMETER 8 PUBL
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STAND
1.3
P
Rising
percen
econo
A subj
Euroba
financi
Health
proport(9%, -
Few re
issues
-
-
9QA6 An
RD EURO
. The corsonal co
prices a
age point
ic situati
ect which
rometer s
al situati
and soci
ions ident).
spondents
(6%, +1),
Rising pri
(66%), Slo
ground sin
(31%, +5)
Unemplo
rise (43%)
Czech Rep
personally,
AROMETE
ncerns of
ncerns ar
re still by
), followe
on (19%,
is of sli
rvey is t
n (15%,
l securit
ical or si
mentione
housing
ces are t
vakia (66
ce spring
.
ment con
. This ite
blic (14%
hat are the
78
European
still do
far the
d by un
=).
ghtly mor
xation (1
), while b
(15%, =)
ilar to s
crime (
5%, =), i
he main
), Estonia
012 in Bul
tinues to b
is also
+5).
wo most imp
PUBLI
s
inated b
changes
main pers
mploym
e concern
6%, +2),
ing closel
and pens
pring 201
%, +1),
migratio
oncern in
(65%) an
garia (56
e the mai
entioned
ortant issues
OPINION
economi
onal conc
nt (21%,
than in
which ha
linked to i
ions (13
2, ahead
nvironm
n (2%, -1)
21 Mem
Hungary
, +5), Slo
concern i
more ofte
you are facin
IN THE E
issues,
rn of Eur
=) and
the sprin
overtake
t.
, -1) were
of the e
ntal, cli
or terrori
er States,
(64%). Thi
venia (36
n Spain, r
than in
at the mom
AUTUM
ithout m
opeans (
their co
g 2012
n the ho
also ment
ucation
ate and
sm (1%,
led by L
is issue ha
, +6) and
ecording a
pring 201
ent?
2012
ajor
4%, -1
untrys
tandard
sehold
ioned in
system
energy
)9.
ithuania
gained
Greece
3-point
in the
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
- The countrys economic situation is the main personal concern of respondents
in Greece (36%), but with a lower score than in spring 2012 (-4). The proportion
of respondents mentioning this issue has fallen sharply in Cyprus (15%, -13), but
this trend has been offset by a strong increase in the proportion of respondents
mentioning the financial situation of the household (42%, +16), which is now
the first concern.
- As in spring 2012, respondents in the euro area are more likely to be concerned
about their countrys economic situation than about the situation of their
household (20% and 13% respectively), whereas the situation is the opposite
outside the euro area (17% and 20% respectively).
- Taxation continues to be mentioned very frequently in Italy (39%, +2), as it now
also is in Greece (30%, +14) and Lithuania (32%, +9) where this subject has
gained significant ground. It has also gained ground since spring 2012 in France
(17%, +6).
- Health and social security tops the list of concerns in Sweden (39%, =) and
the Netherlands (32%, =), and is now also the first item mentioned in Finland
where it has gained significant ground (39%, +9).
- Respondents in Sweden are also more likely than average to mention the
education system (26%), and environmental, climate and energy issues
(25%).
In the candidate countries, rising prices/inflation are the main personal concern in
Croatia (59%), the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (49%), Serbia (48%),
Montenegro (43%) and Iceland (42%). This issue is mentioned less often in Turkey
(30%), where it has been overtaken by the countrys economic situation (41%).
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E
UROBAROMET E STANDARD 8 LO INIO
7/30/2019 Eb78 Publ En
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STANDA soci
concer
about
Self-e
(32%,
Manag
wherea
more c
situatio
unempl
This di
difficult
those
The yo
(28%),
just ah
RD EURO
o-demogr
in all ca
nemploym
ployed pe
ersus 16
rs are far
s they are
oncerned a
n of their
oyed peop
stinction i
ies paying
ho have di
ungest re
which ran
ad of the
AROMETE
aphic an
tegories,
ent (77%,
ople are f
of Europ
more lik
less likely
bout their
household
le (20%).
particula
their bills
fficulties
pondents
ks in seco
education
78
lysis sho
xcept am
compared
r more lik
ans as a
ly than a
to be con
countrys
(16%), w
ly noticea
(17% me
ost of the
are more
d place a
ystem (26
6mostfr
PUBL
s that ri
ng unem
with 21%
ely than a
hole).
verage to
cerned ab
conomic
ereas the
ble betwe
tion their
time (22%
likely tha
ong their
%).
equentlymentio
IC OPINIO
ing prices
loyed peo
of Europea
verage to
mention t
ut unempl
ituation (2
se two co
n Europe
country a
and 30%)
n average
concerns,
neditems
IN THE E
and infla
ple who a
ns as a wh
be concer
he educati
oyment (9
1%) than
cerns are
ns who a
d 10% th
.
to menti
after rising
U AUTU
tion are t
re chiefly
ole).
ed about
on system
%). They
about the
ranked eq
lmost nev
ir househ
on unemp
prices (3
N 2012
e main
worried
taxation
(17%)
are also
inancial
ually by
er have
ld) and
loyment
%) and
7/30/2019 Eb78 Publ En
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STAND2. O
2.1
2 .1
Europ
their
more t
as ba
compar
good,
Europe
very b
quite
time o
Euroba
saw a
Europe
countr
point ri
Opinio
situati
negati
who sa
Euroba
Europe
compar
27% in
Opinio
Europe
the Eu
situatio
Euro a
more f
the ga
24% o
Europe
slightly
as reg
10
QA3.
RD EURO
ECONOMI
inions of
. Evalua
. 1 . Th eans rem
ountrys
an seven
(72%,
ed with
=). Al
ns go so
ad (29%,
lose to t
f the aut
rometer s
sharp d
ns then
s situatio
se since sp
ns of the
on also
ve: three-
y it is go
rometer su
n econom
ed with 53
autumn 2
ns of the
ns are sli
ropean Un
n is bad
rea respo
vourably t
has narr
utside it i
n econo
more posi
rds the gl
ow would yo
AROMETE
C ASPECT
the econ
e
tion of th
n a t i o n a l ,
in nega
economic
out of ten
+1 percen
27% who
ost thr
ar as to s
-1). These
ose recor
umn 201
urvey (EB
terioratio
considered
was ver
ring 2011
European
remai
uarters o
d). Thes
rvey (EB7
ic situation
% for rat
11.
world eco
htly less g
ion: 69%
and just u
ndents c
han respo
wed signi
spring
ic situatio
ive (24%,
bal econo
u judge the c
78
S
mic situa
ploymen
current
E u r o p e a
ive abou
situation
describe i
tage point
say it i
e in te
y that it i
results ar
ded at th
Standar
76), whic
(31% o
that thei
bad, a 6
(EB75)).
economi
largel
European
proportio
7). Howev
is very b
er bad,
nomy are
loomy tha
of Europe
der a quar
ntinue to
dents outs
icantly (th
011). Onl
n is good,
+1, a 4-p
mic situati
urrent situati
PUBL
tion rem
t have de
economic
a n d w o r
t
:
t
,
s
s
f
r
-
s say it is
s are unc
r, the pr
d has fall
3). These
also unc
they are
ans (unch
ter think t
assess the
ide the eu
e results
y 16% (-
whereas
int rise si
on: 19%
n in each of
IC OPINIO
in negati
teriorate
situation
l d s i t u a t i o
bad (75
hanged sin
portion of
len by thre
very nega
anged a
about the
anged) sa
at it is g
ir country
o area (2
tood at 3
1) of euro
those in t
ce autumn
f respond
he following?
IN THE E
e, while
n s
, compa
ce the spri
responden
e percenta
ive opinio
d largely
ituation in
y that th
od (23%,
economi
%, -1, ver
% within
area res
e other
2011). Th
nts in the
U AUTU
erceptio
ed with o
ing 2012 S
ts saying
ge points (
s stood as
negative,
their coun
global e
+1)10.
situation
sus 24%,
the euro a
ondents
ember St
is gap is w
euro area
N 2012
s of
ly 19%
tandard
that the
to 22%,
high as
though
try or in
conomic
a little
1), but
rea and
ay that
tes are
ider still
believe
7/30/2019 Eb78 Publ En
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STANDthat it
therefo
world
(24%
reveals
positiv
applies
world e
The na
-
-
-
-
-
RD EURO
is good
re more p
conomy (
ersus 28
a similar
in the EU
to percep
conomy (2
tional ec
As in sprin
national e
(70%), Au
However,
declines i
Luxembou
Other signi
notably in
20%) foll
satisfied, -
Negative o
Spain, Cyp
Note: alt
in Portugal
(to 89%, v
AROMETE
(=), comp
ositive ab
8% versu
). A comp
phenomen
15 countri
tions of th
0% versus
nomic sit
g 2012, o
conomic
tria (65%
even am
positive
g and -13
ficant decl
Belgium
wing a 2
, after -1
pinions re
rus, Italy,
ough a ve
, this pro
ersus 11%
78
ared with
ut the ec
19%), w
rison bet
n: percep
es (29%)
e Europea
33%).
uation
ly six Me
ituation:
), Finland (
ng these
opinions
in Finland.
ines mirro
here satis
-point de
in the au
ain as hig
Slovenia,
ry large m
ortion has
good).
PUBL
28% outsi
nomic sit
hereas the
een the E
tions of th
han in th
economi
ber State
Germany
55%) and
exception
since spr
the evolu
faction ha
line in 2
umn 2011
h as 90%
omania, B
ajority of
neverthel
IC OPINIO
de it (+1)
ation in t
opposite i
U15 count
e national
NMS12 c
situation
s are pred
(75%), S
Denmark (
s, there
ing 2012:
tions recor
s lost 17
11, but a
survey).
r more in
ulgaria, Ire
espondent
ess shrun
IN THE E
. Euro are
heir count
s true out
ies and th
economic
untries (1
(15% ver
ominantly
eden (7
53%).
ave been
-12 per
ded for pe
ercentage
so in Cyp
nine Memb
land and
s say their
by eight
U AUTU
a respond
ry than a
side the e
e NMS12 c
situation a
8%); the
sus 33%)
positive a
%), Lux
some si
entage p
rsonal sati
points (f
rus (only
er States (
ungary).
economy
percentag
N 2012
nts are
out the
ro area
ountries
re more
pposite
and the
out the
mbourg
nificant
ints in
faction,
lling to
6% are
Greece,
is bad
points
7/30/2019 Eb78 Publ En
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
The European economic situation
- The belief that the European economic situation is bad is dominant in all
Member States, except, as in spring 2012, in Lithuania (47% think that it is
good, -1, versus 43% for bad, +1), and now in Bulgaria, where perceptions
have improved (43%, +5 versus 41%, -7).- Although still overwhelmingly negative, somewhat fewer respondents now say the
situation of the economy in the European Union is bad in Spain (83%, -7) and
Ireland (85%, -7). In Ireland, it is the most emphatic position that has lost
ground: 34% say that the situation is very bad (-20) while an absolute majority
of respondents describe it as rather bad (51%, +13).
- In the United Kingdom too, fewer respondents are now negative, though this is
still clearly the majority view (80%, -5). The proportion who see the situation as
very bad has fallen most steeply (40%, -10).
- The gloomiest assessments come in Italy (89% of respondents say that the EUs
economic situation is bad), Portugal (88%) and Sweden (87%). These countries
have now been joined by Belgium, where opinions have hardened sharply (86%,
+12, including 27% for very bad, +13).
- In Finland, where respondents are more negative than in spring 2012 about the
national economic situation, they are also now more likely to describe the
European economy as bad (77%, +8).
The world economic situation
-
The same trends are found as for the situation of the economy in the EuropeanUnion.
- There are only two countries in which a majority of respondents are not negative
about the global economic situation: Lithuania, where opinions are evenly divided,
despite a fall in good answers (43%, -3), and Bulgaria, where positive opinions
have gained ground (42%, +6, versus 37%, -5).
- Positive opinions have lost most ground in Belgium (16%, -8) and Finland
(32%, -7), but have gained a number of percentage points in Ireland (13%, +6)
and Spain (13%, +6).
In the candidate countries:- An increasing majority of respondents are negative about the national economic
situation in Turkey (58%, +6), following a significant decline in spring 2012 (-10
at that time).
- A majority of respondents are also pessimistic about the European economy,
except in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (54% think that the
situation is good, unchanged, versus 36%, -3).
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STANDA soci
depen
concer
-
-
2 .1
Europ
79% s
who de
RD EURO
-demogr
ing on
ned:
Although t
economic
the age o
before the
occupation
manual w
Europeans
more likel
difficulties
politics are
The differe
economic
15-24 yea
aged 55 or
of manag
extent of
interested,
. 2 . Th eans are
y that it i
scribe it a
AROMETE
phic ana
hether
he respon
situation
20 or be
age of 1
: manager
orkers (2
who almo
y to desc
most of th
more posi
nces are n
situation
-olds are
over). Bu
rs, versus
he respon
versus 14
e m p l o y
ow sligh
bad (+
very bad
78
lysis reve
he natio
ents age
, educatio
yond are
(20%).
s (40%) a
%), retir
t never ha
ribe the s
e time (9
tive (33%)
ot identica
. Here, ag
more posit
the respo
19% for
dents inte
of those
e n t s i t u a
ly more
percenta
(+1).
PUBL
als divisi
al or th
has little
has mor
more posi
pinions al
e more p
d people
ve difficul
ituation a
). Finally
than thos
l when it
e plays a
ive (26%)
ndents oc
white-coll
rest in pol
who are n
t i o n
ritical of
e points,
IC OPINIO
ns which
e Europe
influence
impact:
ive (33%)
so vary a
sitive than
(27%) a
ies paying
s "good
, European
who are
omes to a
greater ro
than olde
upation cr
r and m
itics (19%
ot at all in
the natio
versus 20
IN THE E
are mor
an econo
n opinion
uropeans
than tho
cording t
white-coll
d the un
their bills
than thos
s who are
ot at all in
sessment
e in shapi
responde
ates fewe
nual work
among t
erested).
al emplo
good,
U AUTU
or less
mic situ
s of the n
who studi
e who lef
the resp
ar workers
employed
(36%) are
who ha
very inter
terested (
of the Eu
ng opinion
nts (15%
r differenc
ers), as d
ose who
yment sit
1), includi
N 2012
arked
tion is
ational
d up to
t school
ndents
(27%),
(15%).
also far
e such
ested in
4%).
ropean
s, since
f those
s (21%
oes the
re very
uation:ng 38%
7/30/2019 Eb78 Publ En
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STANDOnly t
emplo
Positiv
respon
But th
respon
percen
autum
-15).
More t
reach
Romani
RD EURO
hree Me
ment sit
opinions
ents are n
e most s
ents now
age point
2011 (EB
an 90% o
100%, S
a, Bulgari
AROMETE
ber Stat
ation: Ge
have lost
ow negati
ectacular
describe
since th
6). Positi
f respond
ain, Fran
and Slova
78
s are no
rmany (59
ground sh
e.
deteriorat
the empl
spring 2
e opinions
nts are ne
e, Cypru
kia).
PUBL
predo
%), Austri
arply in Fi
ion is fo
yment si
12 Eurob
have also
gative in
, Sloveni
IC OPINIO
inantly p
(59%) a
nland (38
nd in Bel
uation as
rometer s
fallen shar
2 Member
a, Italy,
IN THE E
sitive ab
d Luxemb
, -17) w
gium, wh
good,
urvey (EB
ply in the
States (G
ortugal,
U AUTU
out the n
urg (53%
ere a ma
ere only
a decline
77) and -
etherland
reece, wh
Ireland,
N 2012
ational
).
ority of
19% of
of -22
5 since
s (29%,
re they
ungary,
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STAND2.2
2 .2
Althou
next t
unchan
situatio
pessimi
outlook
-
-
-
The for
respon
respon
(where
NMS12
11 QA4the samsituation
RD EURO
. ExpecGrowing
. 1 . Th eh their ec
elve mo
ged in res
ns, Euro
stic about11:
The predo
next twelv
for the na+3 percen
identical p
believe th
the same
now say
months wil
Responden
predomina
the E
situation,situation
better, -
The world
while 33%
twelve mo
ecasts for
ents are
ents (33
41% of r
countries
hat are your? The ec
in the world
AROMETE
ations fo
pessimis
n a t i o n a l ,
nomic for
ths are
ect of the
eans are
their coun
minant vie
months
tional ectage point
oportion
t the situ
(39%, -1
that the
l be bette
ts
ntly pessi
ropean
(39%, unwill stay
).
economi
of respon
ths will be
hese ques
ore pessi
). Howev
espondent
39%).
expectationsonomic situa
78
the next
over th
e
E u r o p e a
ecasts for
more or l
world and
now m
rys econo
w is that
ill be wo
nomy (4s). An al
f respond
tion will
), while fe
next tw
r (17%, -
re
imistic ab
econo
changed),the sam
c situatio
ents are
better.
ions differ
istic abou
er, there
s expect t
for the next tion in (OUR
PUBL
twelve m
national
ploymen
a n d w o r
the
less
EU
ore
mic
the
se
%,ost
nts
tay
wer
lve
).
lso
out
ic
while a sli(37%,
is expect
essimistic
from one
t the natio
re few di
he next t
welve monthCOUNTRY)/
IC OPINIO
onths
outlook,
t
l d s i t u a t i o
ghtly smal+2). Opt
ed to stay
(+1), and
roup of c
nal econo
fferences
elve mon
s: will the nehe economic
IN THE E
specially
n s
ler proporimism ha
he same (
17% (=)
untries to
y (44%) t
etween t
ths to be
t twelve monsituation in
U AUTU
as regar
ion thinks decline
40%, unch
hink that
another. E
han non-e
e EU15 c
worse)
ths be betterthe EU/The
N 2012
s
that the(16%
anged),
he next
ro area
ro area
ountries
and the
, worse oreconomic
7/30/2019 Eb78 Publ En
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STANDEuro a
Europe
non-eu
countri
differe
Europe
countri
RD EURO
ea respon
n Union (
ro area re
s and the
ces here a
n econo
s).
AROMETE
dents are
3% think
spondents
NMS12 co
re more s
ic situati
78
also more
that the n
). Wherea
ntries on
riking: EU
n (42%
PUBL
pessimisti
ext twelve
there w
the subjec
5 respond
answered
IC OPINIO
ic about t
months wi
re few di
of the na
ents are f
worse,
IN THE E
e econom
ll be wor
ferences
ional econ
r more pe
ersus 26
U AUTU
ic situatio
e, versus
etween t
omic situa
ssimistic a
% in the
N 2012
in the
32% of
e EU15
ion, the
out the
NMS12
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STAND2 .2
After f
has in
worse
in autu(46%,
same (
12QA4
the same
RD EURO
. 2 . Th elling in sp
creased
(+5 perc
mn 2011,+16 at th
6%, -2) a
hat are your? The empl
AROMETE
e m p l o y
ring 2012,
gain: 45
ntage poi
when it htime). Ju
nd only 16
expectationsoyment situa
78
e n t s i t u a
pessimi
of Euro
ts since s
d gainedst over a
% expect t
for the next ttion in (OUR
PUBL
t i o n
m about
eans thin
ring 2012
ignificantthird of E
hings to g
welve monthOUNTRY)
IC OPINIO
the natio
that the
), a return
ground inropeans t
t better (-
s: will the ne
IN THE E
nal empl
next twel
almost to
omparisoink that t
2)12.
t twelve mon
U AUTU
yment si
ve months
the level r
with sprihings will
ths be better
N 2012
tuation
will be
ecorded
g 2011tay the
, worse or
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STAND2.3
Con
The twin spri
econo
The ra
concer
fallen b
After t
=) and
Taxati
Immig
obtaine
Enviro
terrori
13QA5a
ANSWER
RD EURO
. The mcerns abo
main nating 2012:
ic situati
king of c
ed about
ack slightl
ese econo
crime (11
n was me
ration (8
d similar s
nmental,
sm (2%,
What do youS)
AROMETE
in conce
ut unemp
onal conceunemplo
on (37%,
oncerns is
ising pri
(17%, -2
mic issues
%, =).
ntioned by
, =), p
ores.
climate
)13 are les
think are the
78
ns at nati
loyment
m
rns of Eurment (4
+2).
more or
es (24%,
).
, Europea
9% of res
nsions (
and ener
s urgent m
Ma
two most im
PUBL
onal leve
nd the ec
re groun
peans wer8%, +2
less unch
=) and go
s mention
pondents (
%, -1) a
gy issue
atters.
imum 2 ans
ortant issue
IC OPINIO
onomic si
d e mentionercentage
nged. Eur
vernmen
ed health
=).
nd the e
(5%, +
ers
facing (OUR
IN THE E
tuation h
d even mpoints) a
opeans co
debt, tho
and soci
ucation
1), housi
COUNTRY) a
U AUTU
ve gaine
re frequennd the n
ntinue to
ugh this is
l securit
system (
ng (4%,
t the momen
N 2012
even
tly thanational
be very
sue has
(12%,
%, -1)
=) and
? (MAX. 2
7/30/2019 Eb78 Publ En
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
As was the case in spring 2012, there are differences between the euro area and non-
euro area countries. The first three concerns are the same and are ranked in the same
order: unemployment, the economic situation and rising prices. However, euro area
respondents then mentioned government debt (19%), while respondents outside the euro
area are more concerned about health and social security (14%) and crime (14%,
compared with only 12% for government debt).
- Unemployment is the main concern in 18 Member States, led by Spain (78%),
Cyprus (73%), Ireland (65%), Poland (65%) and Sweden (65%). This concern
has gained significant ground since the spring 2012 survey in Belgium (44%,
+18), where it is now the first concern, the Netherlands (32%, +12) and
Denmark (61%, +10). In contrast, mentions have declined sharply in Estonia
(30%, -17) and Portugal (57%, -11).
- The economic situation is the main national concern in four Member States:
Slovenia (60%), the Netherlands (55%), Romania (48%) and the Czech Republic
(37%). This was also the case in Greece in spring 2012, but mentions have fallen
significantly (55%, -11), while taxation is far now more frequently cited (17%,
+8). Fewer respondents also mention the economic situation in Ireland
(43%, -12), but it has gained ground in Denmark (58%, +10), Luxembourg
(31%, +16) and Sweden (31%, +10), three countries which were previously less
affected by increasing concerns about the national economic situation. This issue
has also taken on more importance in Belgium (40%, +13).
- Rising prices are the primary national concern in four Member States: Estonia
(58%), Lithuania (43%), Malta (39%) and Austria (36%). This issue has also
gained significant ground in Bulgaria (35%, +7) and Latvia (23%, +6).- Government debt remains the main concern in Germany (34%), but is
mentioned significantly less often than in spring 2012 in the Netherlands
(14%, -14) and France (16%, -8).
Other points of note:
- Concerns about health and social security have increased significantly in the
Netherlands (46%, +16) and in Finland (40%, +7).
- Respondents in the United Kingdom are particularly concerned about crime
(21%) and immigration (24%).
-
Taxation (28%) is at the forefront of concerns in Italy.- Respondents in Sweden pay particular attention to the education system (21%)
and environmental, climate and energy issues (22%).
- Concerns about housing have increased strongly in Portugal (12%, +9).
Respondents in Luxembourg are still more likely than average to be concerned
about this subject, but less so than in spring 2012 (23%, -13).
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E
UROBAROMET E STANDARD 8
aximum 2 answe
LO
s
INIO
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
In the candidate countries:
- Here again, respondents are primarily concerned about either unemployment
(Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia) or the
economic situation (Iceland and Montenegro). Turkey is the exception, as there
is much more concern about terrorism (69%, the first concern, with a 7-point
increase since spring 2012).
- Concerns about crime have fallen sharply in Montenegro (28%, -12) and the
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (22%, -8), while they are more or less
unchanged in Croatia (28%, -1), though this item is still mentioned more than
average. However, mentions of crime have increased in Serbia (37%, +8).
- In Iceland, concerns about health and social security have increased (33%,
+14).
A socio-demographic analysis reveals no striking differences since all categories have
strong concerns about unemployment and the economic situation. However, self-
employed people are more likely to be concerned about taxation (16%), while managers
are more interested in government debt (23%) and the education system (12%). These
two subjects are comparatively less mentioned by white-collar and manual workers and
unemployed people, who are more likely to be concerned about rising prices (23%, 27%
and 24% respectively).
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STAND
2.4
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as less
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ember
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NSWERS)
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
Points of note:
- The economic situation is seen as the most important problem facing the
European Union in almost all the Member States, except for Germany and Austria,
where respondents first mentioned the state of Member States public
finances (55% and 57% respectively), and Luxembourg where unemploymenttops the list of issues facing the EU (50%).
- Respondents are less likely than in spring 2012 to mention the economic
situation, especially in Greece (54%, -12) and Cyprus (59%, -9). Belgium is an
exception, with a significant increase (56%, +12).
- After rising spectacularly in several Member States in spring 2012, concerns about
unemployment have yet again risen significantly in Belgium (39%, +9), the
Czech Republic (30%, +9), Denmark (54%, +8), France (36%, +8), Slovenia
(39%, +8), Slovakia (30%, +9) and Finland (27%, +8). It has lost ground in
Portugal (43%, -11), but is still above the European average.
-
Concerns about the state of Member States public finances have fallen in
Ireland (26%, -15) and France (29%, -10) where they had increased strongly in
spring 2012 (with increases of +7 and +8 respectively compared with autumn
2011).
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S
TANDARD EUR BAROMETER 8
aximum 2 answe
s
PUB
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STAND
Strictly
directly
-
-
-
-
-
RD EURO
speaking,
, because
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national an
Concernscontinued
the emplo
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rising pric
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at national
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levels, des
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the perso
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78
national
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levels.
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not be c
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ls haveobs and
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subject
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
3. POLITICAL ASPECTS3.1. Interest in politics
The index of interest in politics, constructed on the basis of questions on the
respondents interest in local, national and European politics, has undergone very fewchangessince the spring 2012 Standard Eurobarometer survey (EB77)15:
- The majority of Europeans continue to be moderately interested in politics
(45%, +1 percentage point since spring 2012).
- Those who follow politics very closely (strong interest) represent 16% of
respondents (=).
- Just under a quarter of Europeans are slightly interested in politics (22%, -1)
and 17% are not at all interested (=).
- In total, more than six out of ten Europeans are interested, either strongly or
moderately, in politics (61%).
This index of interest in politics changed very little since the spring 2010 Eurobarometer
survey (EB73), when it was measured for the first time. At that time, 14% of Europeans
had a strong interest in politics, 43% were moderately interested, 24% were
slightly interested and 19% were not at all interested.
Europeans continue to be most interested in national political matters (76%),
just ahead of local political matters (74%). A smaller majority of respondents are also
interested in European political matters (63%)16.
More specifically, respondents in Greece continue to be particularly interested in politics
(40% have a strong index), although this proportion has fallen by five percentage
points since spring 2012, as are those in the Netherlands (26%, -5), Germany (23%,
+3), Sweden (22%, +1), Cyprus (22%, -1) and Denmark (21%, -2).
15 A score was attributed to each answer: Never = 0; Occasionally = 1; Often= 2. An index was thenconstructed by adding together the scores for the three dimensions (local, national and European). Each group
corresponds to a different index level: not at all interested in politics = 0; slightly = 1 to 2; moderately =
3 to 4; strongly = 5 to 6.16 QA2. When you get together with friends or relatives, would you say that you discuss frequently, occasionally
or never about ? National political matters/European political matters/Local political matters
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A socio-demographic analysis reveals a number of differences between categories.
Interest in politics:
- Increases with age: only 8% of 15-24 year-olds have a strong interest in
politics, compared with 20% of those aged 55 or over. However, when we
aggregate the strong and moderate categories, the 40-54 age group has thehighest proportion of people interested in politics (65%, versus 64% among those
aged 55 or over and 45% among those aged 15 to 24).
- Is far stronger among the respondents who studied the longest (73% of those
who studied up to the age of 20 or beyond have a strong or moderate interest in
politics compared with 49% of those who left school before the age of 16).
- There are also differences according to the respondents occupational category:
managers (78%) are more likely than white-collar workers (66%) and manual
workers (57%) to be interested in politics.
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STAND
3.2
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trust
Levels
increasi
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versus
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C OPINIO
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reased in
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the Presid
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h parliame
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Estonia (
, -14 and
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liament
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for the
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or each of
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
A clear majority of respondents in all the Member States still tend not to trust
political parties: 80%, an increase of two percentage points. Distrust has increased
sharply in Luxembourg (70%, +15), France (83%, +11), after falling in spring 2012 in
the wake of the Presidential election, but also in Belgium (76%, +9), where all the
indicators measuring trust and future expectations have deteriorated.
Trust in regional and local public authorities is stable, but remains the minority
position (43%, =, versus 50%, -1). A majority of respondents in 13 Member States trust
these authorities, led by Denmark (70%), Austria (69%), Luxembourg (68%) and
Finland (67%). Trust has increased significantly in Portugal (48%, +14) and Hungary
(55%, +11), but has fallen in France (53%,-9) and Cyprus (38%, -9).
After trending downwards (-6 percentage points between the spring 2011 Eurobarometer
survey and the spring 2012 survey), trust in the United Nations has increased. As a
result a very narrow majority of Europeans now trust this institution (44%, +2, versus
42% who tend not to trust it, -3). Although the majority is very narrow at Europeanlevel, it nevertheless exists in 20 Member States. The exceptions are Greece (77%
distrust the UN), Cyprus (69%), Spain (59%), Slovenia (58%) and Italy (48%), though
distrust has fallen by nine percentage points in Italy. Opinions are evenly divided in the
United Kingdom (at 44%) and Germany (41%). Respondents in Finland (72%), Denmark
(71%) and Sweden (71%) are the most likely to trust the United Nations.
Trust has increased in Portugal (46%, +10) where it now again commands a narrow
majority (versus 43%).
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STAND
3.3
Th
Having
(EB76),
impres
increas
A majo
Europ
18 QA10wrong di
RD EURO
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gained g
increased
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ion that
ed sharply:
rity of Eur
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t the preseection?
AROMETE
ection in
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: 56% (+5
opeans als
but opini
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78
which thi
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e spring
going in
percentag
o think th
ns are mo
you say th
PUBL
ngs are g
going in
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autumn
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the wrong
points, v
t things
re stable:
t, in general
C OPINIO
ing
he wrong
uation ar
2011 Stan
ard Eurob
direction
rsus 24%
re going i
2% (-1, v
, things are
IN THE E
direction
relativel
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urvey (EB
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ight direction
N 2012
has
survey
77), the
s again
, -3)18.
in the
or in the
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
Opinions on the direction taken nationally are similar in the euro area (56% replied
wrong direction) and the non-euro area countries (57%). However, euro area
respondents are slightly more critical than non-euro area respondents of the direction
taken by the European Union (54% versus 49%).
Majorities in only two Member States (compared with seven in spring 2012)now think that things are going in the right direction nationally, though these
majorities have fallen in both cases: Denmark (46%, -5, versus 42%, +5) and Austria
(39%, -8, versus 30%, +4). Opinions are evenly divided in Sweden, where perceptions
have deteriorated sharply (44%, -12, versus 44%, +10).
In several Member States negative opinions of the direction in which things are going
nationally have hardened since the spring 2012 Eurobarometer survey. Often these are
the countries which had seen significant improvements at that time: Belgium (65% think
that things are going in the wrong direction, +26 percentage points), France (61%,
+24), Romania (68%, +16), Cyprus (80%, +15), Luxembourg (44%, +15), Slovakia(59%, +15) and Slovenia (67%, +14).
The belief that things are going in the right direction at national level is therefore
declining not only in the countries which were predominantly critical in the past but also
in countries which previously seemed to be relatively immune.
Note that there has been a significant improvement in Ireland although opinions remain
predominantly negative (28% answered right direction, +8, versus 47%, +1).
In three Member States majorities continue to believe that things are going in
the right direction in the European Union (compared with five in spring 2012):Bulgaria (49% versus 11%), Lithuania (40% versus 20%) and Latvia (35% versus 23%).
Opinions are evenly divided in Estonia (at 29%) as a result of a decrease in positive
opinions (-7). However, opinions in Romania have hardened and are now predominantly
negative (30%, -10, versus 34%).
The impression that things are going in the right direction in the European Union has also
lost ground in Belgium (15%, -9) and Cyprus (6%, -10). However, it has gained support
in Ireland (30%, +13), while remaining the minority position.
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STAND RD EURO AROMETE 78 PUBL C OPINIO IN THE E AUTUMN 2012
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
In the candidate countries:
- A majority of respondents are negative about the direction in which things are
going in their country, except in Iceland, where positive opinions have gained
significant ground (57%, +9). Opinions have also improved in Montenegro (35%,
+12). However, after an improvement in spring 2012, perceptions of the direction
taken nationally have deteriorated sharply in Turkey (37%, -12).
- Opinions of the direction taken in the European Union are now predominantly
positive in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (43% versus 19%) and
Montenegro (40% versus 25%), but are mainly negative in Turkey (27% versus
46%), Iceland (31% versus 46%), Croatia (32% versus 44%) and Serbia (29%
versus 32%).
The results of the socio-demographic analysis mirror the trends noted for the
economic situation at national and European levels19:
-
The respondents age has little influence on opinions on the direction taken
nationally. However, education creates more pronounced differences: only 18%
of those who left school before the age of 16 think that things are going in the
right direction in their country, compared with 29% of Europeans who studied up
to the age of 20 or beyond. Managers are also more positive (36%) than white-
collar workers (23%), manual workers (22%) and unemployed people (14%).
Europeans who position themselves at the bottom of the social scale are also
more critical of the direction taken by their country (14%) than those who place
themselves at the top (34%).
- In the case of the European Union, the generational divide is more perceptible:
while 28% of those in the 15-24 age group believe that things are going in the
right direction, only 19% of Europeans aged 55 or over agree. The most educated
respondents remain more positive (27%) than those who left school before the
age of 16 (14%). Occupation makes less difference at European than at national
level (28% of managers think that things are going in the right direction
compared with 24% of white-collar and 21% of manual workers), although
unemployed people remain more critical (17%). Subjective social classification
remains a significant factor: 29% of the Europeans who position themselves at
the top of the social scale consider that things are going in the right direction in
the European Union, compared with only 17% of those who place themselves atthe bottom.
19 Cf. QA3 2.1.1. The national, European and world situations, page 20.
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STANDARD EUROBAROMETER 78 PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU AUTUMN 2012
II. THE EUROPEAN UNION AND ITS CITIZENS1. ATTACHMENT TO THE EUROPEAN UNION1.1. What does the European Union represent?
The ranking of the representations associated with the European Union has not changed
since the previous survey conducted in spring 2012. With a score of 42% (+1 percentage
point) the freedom to travel, study and work anywhere in the EU stands in first place,
ahead of the euro (35%, -2), waste of money (27%, unchanged), peace (26%, +2)
and bureaucracy (23%, unchanged)20. Evolutions are only minor, and none exceeds
two percentage points (-2 for the euro; +2 for peace and unemployment).
The euro is far more likely to be seen as a symbol of the EU in the EU15 countries (39%)
and within the euro area (44%) than in the NMS12 countries (22%) and countries
outside the euro area (18%). There are fewer differences as regards freedom ofmovement within the European area: although this item is mentioned more frequently in
the NMS12 countries than in the EU15 (49% versus 40%), it was mentioned equally
within and outside the euro area (42%). Waste of money is mentioned more often in the
EU15 countries (30%) and euro area countries (29%) than in the NMS12 (15%) and
outside the euro area (22%).
A national analysis reveals that the most frequently mentioned representation,
irrespective of the country, is either freedom of movement within the European area or
the euro, except in the United Kingdom where, as in spring 2012, waste of money is the
first item mentioned (31% versus 27% and 16% respectively).
As was the case in previous surveys, freedom of movement within the European
Union was mentioned most frequently in the Nordic countries (65% in Sweden, 59% in
Finland and 55% in Denmark) and the Baltic States (67% in Estonia, 60% in Lithuania
and 59% in Latvia), as well as in Luxembourg (59%) and Germany (56%). The highest
scores for the euro were recorded in Austria (67%), Finland (57%), Belgium (55%), the
Netherlands (54%) and Slovakia (53%). Respondents in Austria (54%), Germany (46%)
and Sweden (42%) continue to be most likely to mention waste of money, while
respondents in Sweden (44%), Finland (44%) and Austria (42%) are far more likely than
the European average (23%) to mention bureaucracy.
The most striking changes for this indicator are recorded in Greece: mentions of the euro
(49%) and freedom of movement (37%) have fallen by eight and two percentage points
respectively, while unemployment has seen a 10-point rise to 45%. This item now stands
in second place in the list of representations associated with the European Union in this
country.
20QA13. What does the EU mean to you personally? (Multiple answers possible)
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STAND
A soci
system
the lea
time ed
-
-
RD EURO
-demogra
atically m
st, wherea
ucation ar
Freedom oup to the
35% of th
16.
Conversely
aged 55 o
olds (18%
of 20 (24
AROMETE
phic analy
re pronou
s the youn
more like
f movemeage of 20
se aged 5
, the was
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and thos
).
78
sis shows
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nd 27% of
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C OPINIO
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STAND RD EURO AROMETE
Multiple an
78
swers possibl
PUBL
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quently men
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ioned items
AUTUMN 2012
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1.2. Support for EU membership and the perceived benefits of membership(candidate countries)
This Standard Eurobarometer survey measured support within the candidate countries for
European membership21 and perceptions of the expected benefits of membership22. The
same questions were asked in the previous survey in spring 2012 (EB77), which will
therefore be used for comparison.
After increasing between autumn 2011 and spring 2012, doubtless as a result of
the yes vote in the referendum on 22 January 2012 on Croatias accession to
the EU, support for European membership has declined in this country23.
Respondents in Croatia are now divided into three more or less equal groups: 31% (-7
percentage points since spring 2012)
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