Democracy on the Move. European Elections – One Year to Go

Summary:

With one year to go to the European elections in May 2019, the latest Parliament Eurobarometer survey confirms citizens’ steadily growing support for and favourability of the European Union. Over two-thirds of respondents are convinced that their country has benefited from being a member of the EU. This is the highest score ever measured since 1983. Moreover, for the first time a majority of Europeans think their voice counts in the EU. Almost a third of respondents already today know the date of the European elections in 2019.

The Spitzenkandidaten process is seen as a positive development by citizens who want it to be accompanied by a real debate about European issues, including the future of the EU. The Eurobarometer indicator measuring citizens’ support for membership in the European Union had always received steady support from respondents over time. In 2018, this support significantly strengthens to a European average of 60% of citizens who believe that the EU membership of their country is a good thing. In addition, 67% of respondents think that their country has benefited from being a member of the EU. This is the highest score recorded for this indicator since 1983.

For the first time in the last decade, a majority of respondents (48%) believe that their voice counts in the EU. Trend results show that this positive development started in the second half of 2016, which might be related to the 'wakeup call' experienced after the Brexit referendum in the UK.

• Primary Source

European Parliament: Press Release, 23.05.18: UK support for EU remains stable, despite Brexit backdrop http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20180430IPR02842/

European Parliament: Press Release, 23.05.18: Public Opinion survey finds record support for EU, despite Brexit backdrop http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20180522IPR04027/

European Parliament: Press Release, 23.05.18: Public Opinion survey finds record support for EU, especially in Malta http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20180520IPR03901/

Prague Daily Monitor, 24.05.18: Eurobarometer: Czechs among eurosceptical nations http://praguemonitor.com/2018/05/24/eurobarometer-czechs-among-eurosceptical-nations

The Slovak Spectator, 24.05.18: Slovaks not interested in EP elections https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20834143/slovaks-not-interested-in-ep-elections.html

Politico, 23.05.18: Europeans love the EU (and populists too) https://www.politico.eu/article/europeans-love-the-eu-and-populists-too/

Sputnik International, 28.05.18: Everything is Fine: Eurobarometer Poll Claims EU Member Approval at 35-Year High https://sptnkne.ws/hC2w

The Local (Denmark), 23.05.18: Support for EU 'at record level' in Denmark https://www.thelocal.dk/20180523/support-for-eu-at-record-level-in-denmark

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