Press Release: Spring 2012 Standard Eurobarometer: Public support for Europe 2020 Strategy remains strong

Europeans broadly support the initiatives for growth, stability and jobs put forward by the EU, according to the Spring 2012 Eurobarometer, the bi-annual opinion poll organised by the European Commission.

As we move into the second half of the year, where – after the "European Semester" – the onus is now on Member States to act, modernising labour markets to create jobs and helping the poor and socially excluded are seen as the most important priorities by public opinion in the EU. The latest poll also shows Europeans say the headline targets agreed by the EU – such as ensuring three quarters of working age people have jobs – are at the right level of ambition. People’s views on the Europe 2020 strategy – which is the EU's growth strategy – are encouraging, particularly in relation to the importance of the initiatives and the level of ambition.

Overall, 40% of Europeans (+2 percentage points) take the view that the EU is heading in the right direction to emerge from the crisis and face new global challenges.