For the first time in 10 years, most EU citizens support new countries' membership

On August 5th 2019, the European Commission released the last Eurobarometer. The Eurobarometer was established in 1974 and since then Eurobarometer collects data on various EU issues, and that is why it represents the mood of EU citizens.

The last Eurobarometer has been prepared through interviews conducted from 7 June to 1 July in 28 member states and candidate countries. In this direction, there have been 27,464 interviews.

In the Next Study the Institute EPIK has analysed the latest data and trains to emerge from the Eurobarometer.

There are seven (7) main finds:

1. Enlargement: For the first time in 10 years, most EU citizens support EU enlargement and the membership of new countries.
2. The positive perception of the EU has reached its highest point since 2009. 44% of EU citizens have greater confidence in the EU than in national governments and parliaments. 45% of EU citizens have a positive perception of the EU. 61% of EU citizens are optimistic about their future.
3. The new record has been achieved in the percentage of citizens who think their voice is important within the EU, reaching the 56% level.
4. 73% of EU citizens identify themselves as EU citizens.
5. Free movement and peace among member countries is considered the EU's two biggest adults.
6. Migration and climate change are two major issues for EU citizens. However, as migration continues to mark declines in its importance, climate change is now seen for the first time as a priority of 1/5 EU citizens, passing all other priorities to take second place.
7. As for economic issues, 49% of citizens view the EU economic situation as good, while support for EURO inside the area EURO has reached the new record 76%.