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- European Commission
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This is the website for the Public Opinion Analysis sector of the European Commission.
Since 1973, the European Commission has been monitoring the evolution of public opinion in the Member States, thus helping the preparation of texts, decision-making and the evaluation of its work.
Our surveys and studies address major topics concerning European citizenship: enlargement, social situation, health, culture, information technology, environment, the Euro, defence, etc.
Last Update
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This wave of the Standard Eurobarometer was carried out from 5 to 28 May 2010. Since the beginning of the financial and economic crisis in September 2008, the Eurobarometer has registered significant shifts in European public opinion, with this crisis being the main driver of Europeans’ perceptions and opinions.
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A special Eurobarometer survey on humanitarian aid reveals a high level of solidarity among EU citizens with victims of conflict and natural disasters outside the Union. Eight out of ten citizens (79%) think it is important that the EU funds humanitarian aid outside its borders. However, the financial and economic crisis has taken its toll as the approval rate dropped 9% from 88% in 2006 when the last survey was carried out. There is a clear link between this decrease and the individual financial situation of citizens, those who have problems paying their bills expressed less support. An overall majority of EU citizens (58%), and a relative majority in all Member States, think that humanitarian aid is more efficient when provided by the EU through the European Commission. Around one quarter (24%) prefers relief funds to be channelled through Member States.
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Across non-euro area new Member States (the NMS8), a majority of citizens did not feel well informed about the euro. A majority of citizens lacking proper information about the euro would like to be informed as soon as possible or at least a few years before the introduction of the euro. More than three-quarters of respondents said they would trust information relating to a changeover to the euro provided by their national central bank and 71% said the same about information from the European institutions. A relative majority would like to see the euro introduced in the medium term. About one-third opted for as late as possible, while roughly a quarter wanted the changeover to happen as soon as possible. Although this survey was conducted at a time when the stability of the euro was being heavily debated, the current results only showed a slight deterioration in NMS8 citizens’ support for the introduction of the euro in their countries. An overwhelming majority agreed with statements suggesting that travelling and shopping in the euro area would become easier when their country joined the common currency.
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Key Issues
2010 Against Poverty
Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Last update: 26/08/2010 | Top