EP Autumn 2023 EB044EP Report en

AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.
1 DG COMM | PUBLIC OPINION MONITORING UNIT
PARLEMETER 2023
SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE 2024 EUROPEAN ELECTIONS
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1
IMPRESSUM
The report has been drafted for the European Parliament by Verian (formerly Kantar Public).
RESPONSIBLE
Delia VLASE, acting Head of Unit
CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS
Dimitra TSOULOU MALAKOUDI, Project Leader
Monika ALPOEGGER
Yasser EL KOURA
Adriano RICCI
Gonzalo VELASCO MONASTERIO
Olaf ZÜHLKE
PRODUCTION
Katarzyna ONISZK
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Ioanna Maria PRAMANTIOTI
Manuscript completed in December 2023

Brussels, © European Union, 2023
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER

This document was published by the Public Opinion Monitoring Unit within the Directorate-
General for Communication (DG COMM) of the European Parliament.
To contact the unit, please write to: dgcomm-pom@europarl.europa.eu
LINGUISTIC VERSION
Original: EN
DISCLAIMER
This document is prepared for, and primarily addressed to, the Members and staff of the
European Parliament to assist them in their parliamentary work. The content of the document
is the sole responsibility of its author(s) and any opinions expressed herein should not be
taken to represent an official position of the Parliament.
3
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
10 KEY TAKE AWAYS 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4
CONTEXT 12
METHODOLOGY 18
1. LIFE IN THE EU FROM CITIZENS’ PERSPECTIVE 20
1.1. Effects of the recent crises on Europeans’ lives 20
1.2. The EU citizens’ daily life 51
2. EUROPEANS’ PERCEPTION OF THE EU AND EU MEMBERSHIP 63
2.1. Image of the EU 63
2.2. EU membership 68
2.3. Europeans’ view on EU enlargement 93
3. THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT BEFORE THE END OF THE LEGISLATIVE TERM 98
3.1. Perception of the European Parliament 98
3.2. Values for the European Parliament to defend and priority topics 111
4. COUNTDOWN TO THE 2024 EUROPEAN ELECTIONS: CITIZENS’ VOTING BEHAVIOUR

140
4.1. European Elections 2024 140
4.2. Voting behaviour 155
CONCLUSION 206
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 208

AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1 10 KEY TAKE-AWAYS
PARLEMETER 2023
SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE 2024 EUROPEAN ELECTIONS
1 THE EU IS GOOD FOR YOU

Despite the complex geopolitical and socio-economic context, a large
and stable majority of Europeans (72%) continue to think that their
country has benefitted from EU membership.
2 EUROPEAN MATTERS MATTER

70% of EU citizens believe that EU actions have an impact on their
daily life. Close to nine in ten citizens believe so in Malta (89%), Cyprus
(87%) and Greece (87%).
3
CALL TO ACTION
More than one third of EU citizens see the fight against poverty and
social exclusion (36%) and public health (34%) as the main topics the
European Parliament (EP) should prioritise, followed by action against
climate change and support to the economy and creation of new jobs
(both 29%).
4
MAKING ENDS MEET
Socio-economic hardships still affect Europeans’ everyday lives: 73%
think that their standard of living will decrease over the next year, of
which 47% say that they have already witnessed a reduction. Over a
third of Europeans (37%) have difficulties paying bills sometimes or
most of the time.
5 STRONGER TOGETHER
EU efforts to speed up the accession of candidate countries are still
supported by a majority of European citizens: 53% agree with this.
1
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1 10 KEY TAKE-AWAYS
6 IN DEMOCRACY WE TRUST
Democracy is still seen as the main value to be defended by the EP
(38%), and is the most mentioned answer in 14 EU countries. The
protection of human rights in the EU and worldwide, and freedom of
speech and thought rank jointly second at 27%.
7 POWER TO THE PEOPLE (‘S REPRESENTATIVES)!

The EP should play a more important role for more than half of
Europeans (53%). This is the majority answer in 21 countries.
8 ELECTIONS? YES, PLEASE!

The majority of Europeans (57%) are interested in the upcoming
European elections. In autumn 2018 interest in the 2019 European
elections was at 51%.
9
THIS TIME I AM VOTING... AGAIN
68% say they would be likely to vote if European elections were held in
a week’s time- nine points higher than in autumn 2018, six months
before the 2019 European elections. Likelihood to vote in the
upcoming elections is higher amongst those who recall having
recently heard, read, seen something about the EP (75% against 53%
of those who do not recall the EP in the media).
10 IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

Knowledge of the 2024 European elections dates - 6 to 9 June 2024 -
is not yet widespread: 28% know the month and year and 21% know
the correct year, but not the correct month.
2
DG COMM
XECUTIVE SUMMARY
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Parlemeter 2023 shows that despite the complex geopolitical and economic context
impact on citizens’ lives, Europeans continue to value EU membership and remain quite
optimistic regarding the EU’s future. A large majority of respondents say that the EU has an
impact on their daily lives, and this is even more the case among those who follow EU politics
frequently or occasionally. The most important topics the European Parliament (EP) should
prioritise, according to EU citizens, remain constant over time: the fight against poverty and
social exclusion comes first, public health is second and in third place come climate change
along with support to the economy and the creation of new jobs.
Most Europeans would like the EP to play a more important role, a majority view in 21 Member
States. This result is noteworthy in the context of the upcoming European elections, which will
take place across the EU between 6 and 9 June 2024. Democracy is again the most cherished
value and the one the EP should defend as a matter of priority according to Europeans.
Voting indicators, such as interest in European elections (57%, +6 pp compared to September

2018) or likelihood to vote (68%, +9 pp since September 2018) in the latter, are positive and
higher than in autumn 2018, at the same time-period before the 2019 European elections.
Indeed, more citizens are interested in the 2024 European elections, or say they would vote
in the elections now than in 2018. Likelihood to vote is higher among those who follow EU
politics and those who have seen, read or heard something about the EP.
ECONOMIC HARDSHIP CONTINUES, BUT EUROPEANS REMAIN OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE
UNION’S FUTURE
73% of Europeans think that their standard of living will decrease in the next year, a significant
share that has nevertheless fallen by 6 percentage points (pp) compared to the European
Parliament’s spring 2023 EB, conducted in March 2023. Close to half (47%) have already seen
their standard of living reduced. 26% have not, but expect it to decrease over the next year.
SD26 Many elements, such as the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in
Ukraine and rising inflation and prices affect the global economy, including the
European Union Member States. Thinking about your personal standard of living
(e.g. the goods and services you can afford), which one of these statements comes
closest to your personal situation? - (EU27) (%)
4
At the EU level, 37% of respondents say they encounter difficulties paying their bills
sometimes, or most of the time, with strong variations at the national level. For example, it is
the case for 86% of Greek respondents, compared to less than one in ten in Denmark (8%) and
Sweden (7%). In line with reporting in the spring of 2023, most Europeans expect their living
conditions to be the same (46%) or worse (38%) in one year’s time, with only 13% saying they
will be better off.
Despite all this, a large majority (60%) of EU citizens say they are optimistic about the future
of the EU, and this is especially the case among younger Europeans (66%-67% of those aged
15-39 compared to 55% of those aged 55 or more). Even if optimism has decreased by 4 pp
at the EU level compared to six months ago, it is the majority answer in all countries except
France, where 46% of respondents say they are optimistic and 49% are pessimistic.
SD22 Would you say that you are very optimistic, fairly optimistic, fairly pessimistic or
very pessimistic about the future of the EU? (%)
EU INDICATORS ARE STABLE AND EU MEMBERSHIP IS FIRMLY VALUED BY EUROPEANS
As observed in previous surveys, recent crises (e.g. Covid-19, the war in Ukraine) have
strengthened EU indicators, which now enjoy levels of support that are both high and stable.
As in the spring 2023 survey, 45% of Europeans hold a positive image of the EU and 38% a
neutral one. Younger respondents tend to hold a more positive image of the EU (50%), as well
as those who follow EU politics (55% against 32% of those who do not follow EU politics).
5
Large and stable majorities of Europeans (61%) say that EU membership is a good thing and
that their country has benefited from being a member of the EU (72%). Results for the latter
have been steadily increasing over time, going from 50% in autumn 2010, to 67% in spring
2019 and reaching 72% since autumn 2020. At the national level, over nine out of ten citizens
in Lithuania (94%), Ireland (93%), Luxembourg (93%) and Malta (92%) say their country has
benefited from EU membership, while the lowest shares are found in Italy (57%), Bulgaria
(57%) and Austria (55%).
QA9 Taking everything into account, would you say that (OUR COUNTRY) has on
balance benefited or not from being a member of the EU? (% - EU27)
When asked about the main reasons they think their country has benefited from being a
member of the EU, Europeans primarily mention the EU’s contribution to maintaining peace
and strengthening security (34%) as well as improved co-operation between EU countries
(34%). In addition to valuing EU membership, seven in ten (70%) respondents believe that EU
actions have an impact on their daily lives; a stable proportion compared to six months ago.
Interestingly, those who say EU membership is a good thing and important are more likely
to say EU actions have an impact on their lives (76% and 75% versus 63% and 65% who hold
negative views, respectively). This result is also higher among citizens who follow EU politics:
78% say they feel the EU actions’ impact compared to 59% of those who do not follow EU
politics.
This survey also includes a question on EU enlargement, first asked in the spring of 2022,
a few weeks after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Back then, 58% were favourable to the
EU speeding up its efforts to letting new countries join, a result that has now fallen to 53%.
Despite some notable differences nationally, with results ranging from 72% in Lithuania to
37% in Czechia, a majority agrees with this statement at the EU level.
6
DEMOCRACY REMAINS THE MOST CHERISHED VALUE AND THE FIRST ONE TO BE
DEFENDED. IN TERMS OF POLICIES, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT IS ALSO CALLED
UPON TO PRIORITISE THE FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY.
As always, this survey includes questions on EU values and topics that Europeans would like
the European Parliament to defend and prioritise. In line with spring 2023 findings, democracy
is the main value the EP should defend (mentioned by 38% of respondents, +1 pp since spring
2023), followed by the protection of human rights in the EU and worldwide (27%; -1 pp) and
freedom of speech and thought (27%; =).
QA5ab In your opinion, which of the following values should the European Parliament
defend as a matter of priority? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (EU27) (%)
Democracy is the most mentioned value in 12 countries and joint first in two. In Germany (56%)
and Sweden (54%), over half of respondents say this value should be an EP priority, while it is
mentioned by the lowest share of citizens in Bulgaria (25%), Slovakia (23%) and Croatia (20%).
The protection of human rights, freedom of speech and thought, solidarity between Member
States, rule of law, freedom of movement and gender equality are all values most mentioned
in one or more countries.
7
Democracy comes first again and most Europeans (53%) wish the EP to play a more important
role against a backdrop of threats to democracy across the world and with the 2024 European
elections on the horizon. It is the majority view in 21 Member States, and most notably in
Cyprus (86%), Greece (77%) and Malta (73%).
This result continues to reinforce the EP’s importance in Europeans’ eyes and the fundamental
role the institution plays in safeguarding certain values.
As regards citizens’ top priority topics for the EP, the first remains the fight against poverty
and social exclusion (36%; -2 pp since spring 2023), followed by public health (34%; +1 pp),
action against climate change (29%; -2 pp) and support to the economy and the creation of
new jobs (29%; -2 pp).
QA6ab Which of the following topics would you like to see addressed in priority by the
European Parliament? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (EU27) (%)
8
These priority topics reflect, once more, issues worrying Europeans in recent years. In line
with this, another noteworthy result is the increased mention of migration and asylum, a topic
whose share has risen by 3 pp compared to spring 2023 and by 7 points compared to autumn
2022. In addition, EU defence and security come first in Finland (44%) and Czechia (40%).
Finally, Europeans continue to hold a positive (36%) or neutral (44%) image of the EP, and a
large majority (64%) remember having read, seen or heard something about the EP in the
press, on the internet, television or radio, a stable result (+2 pp) compared to six months ago.
COUNTDOWN TO THE 2024 EUROPEAN ELECTIONS
Between 6 and 9 June 2024, Europeans will be called to vote in the 2024 European elections.
This Parlemeter measures the importance of this event in the eyes of voters. The importance
citizens are giving to these elections remains stable – but both interest in the European
elections and the likelihood of voting have measurably increased, specifically compared to
five years ago.
57% are interested in the upcoming European elections, a stable result compared to spring
2023 (+1 pp), but 6 points higher than in autumn 2018.
QA14 The next European elections will be held in June 2024. How interested or not
would you say you are in these elections? (EU27) (%)
Respondents were asked how likely they were to vote if the elections were to take place next
week, giving a score from 1 (least likely) to 10 (very likely). Taking scores 7 to 10, likelihood to
vote is now at 68%, compared to 67% in spring 2023 and 59% in autumn 2018. At the national
level, likelihood to vote (scores 7-10) is the highest in Denmark (86%) and the lowest in Czechia
and Cyprus (50% in both countries).
9
Likelihood to vote in 2018 and 2023 (Scores 7-10 - %)
Focusing only on those who chose 10 (i.e. those who say they are very likely to vote), results
have increased significantly in several countries between September 2018 and now, such as
in Greece (+17 pp), Finland and Portugal (+15 pp in both countries). At the EU level, 38% of
respondents say they would very likely vote now against 31% at the same time in 2018 (score
10). Democracy is once again at the forefront, with likelihood to vote (scores 7-10) higher
among citizens who say democracy is the top value the EP should defend. The result is also
higher among older respondents (70% of those aged 55+, against 56% among 15-24 year
olds). This is also the case among those who say EU actions have an impact on their daily
life (73% vs 55%) and those who report that they voted in the 2019 European elections (87%
versus 35% of those who did not vote). Finally, Europeans who follow EU politics (80%) and
recall hearing, reading or seeing something about the EP recently (75%) are more likely to say
they will vote compared to those who have not (52% and 53%, respectively).
10
ONTEXT
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1 CONTEXT
CONTEXT
The fieldwork for the European Parliament’s Autumn 2023 Eurobarometer survey was carried
out by Verian (formerly Kantar Public) between 25 September and 19 October in all 27 EU
Member States. To have the most accurate interpretation of the survey results, it is essential
to take the political and societal context at the time of fieldwork into consideration. All national
results for the questions asked in this survey – and in continuation the European average
results – should be seen in the light of the situation and public debate at the time of fieldwork.
AGE OF PERMACRISIS
In 2023, Europe has continued operating in an environment of permacrisis, indicating a period

of lasting instability and uncertainty with one challenge being seamlessly followed by the
next. Over the past years, Europeans have experienced a pandemic, wars in the immediate
neighborhood, an energy crisis, inflation, terrorism and cyber warfare. All of this while the
clock of a climate emergency keeps on ticking, increasing the risks of natural disasters and
extreme weather conditions like floods, heat waves, droughts and wildfires. While Russia’s
war against Ukraine has been raging for almost two years, the terrorist attacks on civilians in
Israel in early October have shocked the world and brought the region of the Middle East on
the verge of a wider regional conflict.
SITUATION IN ISRAEL, GAZA AND THE WIDER MIDDLE EAST
On 7 October, the terrorist group Hamas carried out a despicable terrorist attack against
Israel of unprecedented cruelty, making over a thousand of victims, the majority of whom
were civilians, wounding many more. More than 200 people were taken hostages by Hamas
and kidnapped into the Gaza Strip. In response to the attack, Israel announced a full siege of
Gaza, aggravating the suffering of the Palestinian civilians. Uncoordinated statements and
actions by various representatives of the EU, particularly in the beginning of the conflict, were
underlined by media. European Parliament President Metsola and European Commission
President von der Leyen visited Israel on 13 October. Few days later, EP President repeated
her call for the immediate release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas and addressed the issue
of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
RUSSIA’S WAR OF AGGRESSION AGAINST UKRAINE
The hostilities and fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces continued during the
fieldwork period. From the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine in February 2022, the EU
has provided humanitarian, political, financial and military support to Ukraine. The EU agreed
very rapidly on a series of sanctions against Russia in response to the invasion and ever since
has remained rather decisive and united in its actions1.
1 https://finance.ec.europa.eu/eu-and-world/sanctions-restrictive-measures/sanctions-adopted-following-
russias-military-aggression-against-ukraine_en
12
During the time of fieldwork, on 3 October, EU foreign ministers, led by High Representative/
Vice-President Borrell, convened in Kyiv to demonstrate unwavering support for Ukraine,
underlining plans to continue providing substantial financial assistance and military aid in the
coming months. The meeting in Kyiv aimed at showing solidarity with Ukraine, especially given
the reduced support from the President Biden administration amid political power struggles
in Washington.
Ahead of the meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) in Granada, European
Council President Michel’s spoke out in support for Ukraine’s EU membership by 2030.
President Michel expressed hope for an expanded EU by 2030, including Ukraine, with both
sides needing to meet certain conditions. President Michel emphasised the need for them to
improve the rule of law and fight against corruption.
During fieldwork, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia got into a quarrel with Ukraine over Ukrainian
grain exports and Poland stopped supplying arms to Kyiv government in response to the
agricultural dispute.
OTHER MAJOR EVENTS ON NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL
Also Kosovo saw unrest in the time of fieldwork. An armed conflict began between Serb
militants and the Kosovo police, leaving a Kosovo police man dead. The EU and the US
expressed concern about the increased deployment of Serbian military units on the border
with Kosovo and urged Belgrade to scale down its troop presence.
Migration continued to be an important topic in many Member States as well as on the

European level as Member States continued to discuss the European Commission’s Migration
and Asylum Pact, reaching an agreement on 4 October, paving the way for negotiations
with the European Parliament to resume. Bilateral tensions were at times rising, with several
Member States reinstating border controls, for instance at German, Austrian, Polish, Czech,
and French borders.
Poland was shaken by a “cash for visa corruption scandal”, in which thousands of Schengen
visas were allegedly sold through the Polish overseas consulates.
In the fieldwork period, Finland and Estonia launched an investigation after a gas pipeline and
data cable connecting the two countries had been damaged and there are suspicions of an
act of sabotage. The need to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea
was also discussed with EU and NATO partners.
On 13 October, the teacher Dominique Bernard, was murdered in a French school by a former
radicalised student, almost three years to the day after the murder of history and geography
teacher Samuel Paty in the Paris region.
Towards the end of the fieldwork, on 16 October a terrorist killed two Swedish football fans in
Brussels before being shot dead by police forces.
13
EU INSTITUTIONS AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT ON EU LEVEL
In July 2023, Spain took over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union,
announcing the following priorities: reindustrialising the EU and ensure its open strategic
autonomy, green transition, greater social and economic justice, and strengthening European
unity in a world of uncertainty and growing geopolitical tension2.
On 5 October, the European Parliament approved Wopke Hoekstra as Commissioner for

Climate Action and Maroš Šefčovič in his new role as Executive Vice-President for the
European Green Deal, after earlier hearings in the Committee on the Environment, Public
Health and Food Safety. The European Union also continued working on its overarching aim
of making the EU climate neutral by 2050. The fieldwork period has been marked by Member
States negotiating Euro-7 emission standards, favouring weaker emission standards than
originally proposed by the European commission.
On 12 October, the European Commission services formally sent X (former Twitter) a request
for information under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This request follows indications received
by the Commission services of the alleged spreading of illegal content and disinformation, in
particular the spreading of terrorist and violent content and hate speech3.
ELECTIONS
On 30 September, Slovakia held snap elections, which came after the collapse of the governing
centre-right alliance. Slovakia’s legislative elections saw the return of Robert Fico’s Smer-
SD party, securing over 23% of the votes. Progressive Slovakia party (Renew Europe) led by
Michal Šimečka came second with 18% of the votes. HLAS-SD - which split off from Smer-SD
in 2020 - gained 15% and became the third largest party. Turnout was at 68,5%4.The results
mean the country is headed for a coalition government, with neither of the largest two parties
winning enough support to command a parliamentary majority.
Robert Fico’s party in the election campaign promised to stop sending weapons to Ukraine, to
block Kyiv’s potential NATO membership and to reevaluate sanctions on Russia.
On Sunday 8 October, Luxembourg held parliamentary elections. The Christian’s Social

People’s Party (CSV/EPP) and its lead candidate Luc Frieden won the election with almost
30 percent of the votes. Xavier Bettel’s liberals and his coalition partners did not gain enough
seats to continue governing. While Bettel’s Liberals (DP/ Renew Europe) and the Social
Democrats (LSAP/ S&D) made small gains compared to the last elections in 2018, the Greens’
(Déi Gréng/ Greens/ EFA) support fell by almost seven points to 8,5%5.
2 https://spanish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/programme/priorities/
3 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_4953
4 https://volbysr.sk/en/vysledky_hlasovania_strany.html
5 https://elections.public.lu/en.html
14
On 8 October, the German states of Bavaria and Hesse also headed to the polls. Conservative
CDU/ CSU (EPP) won clear victories in both Bavaria and Hesse and the far-right AfD (ID) party
came in second place in the state election in Hesse, and third in Bavaria.
On 15 October, parliamentary elections took place in Poland. Poland’s opposition parties won
enough seats to take power from the Law and Justice (PiS/ ECR) party which has ruled the
country since 2015. The election saw PiS return as the largest party, but without the ability
to form a winning coalition in the 460-member lower house of parliament. The final count
had PiS with 35.4 percent, followed by the Civic Coalition (EPP) at 30.7 percent, the Third
Way (EPP/ Renew Europe) at 14.4 percent, the Left (S&D) with 8.6 percent and the far-right
Confederation with 7.2 percent6. Turnout was at 74,4%, the highest in the history of the Third
Polish Republic (in the 2019 elections the turnout was at 61,74%). The turnout in the nationwide
referendum which was held in parallel with the parliamentary elections was only 40% and
therefore its results are not binding.
General elections were also held in Spain in July 2023, resulting in a highly fragmented
Congress of Deputies with no political party or coalition securing enough seats to claim
victory. The Popular Party (PP/ EPP) under leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo won 33,1% of the votes
and was given a mandate to form a government but did not manage to do so. Therefore, on
3 October Spain’s king asks Pedro Sánchez and the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE/ S&D) to
form the government. The Socialist leader needs to secure support from Catalan separatists
in order to remain in power.
ECONOMIC CONTEXT
The European Commission, in its latest economic forecast7, expects a growth rate of 0.8%
for the remainder of 2023 and 1.4% in 2024, down from its previous forecasts of 1% and 1.7%
respectively. The slowdown is attributed to factors such as a downturn in manufacturing,
faltering trade with China, high energy prices, and squeezed consumer spending due to high
inflation and rising borrowing costs.
According to figures published by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, European Union annual
inflation was 4.9% in September 2023, down from 5.9% in August. A year earlier, the rate was
10.9%. The euro area annual inflation rate was 4.3% in September 2023, down from 5.2% in
August. A year earlier, the rate was 9.9%. Concern remains about eurozone inflation, which
is well above the ECB’s 2 per cent target, even though it has halved compared to a year
ago. The lowest annual rates were registered in the Netherlands (-0.3%), Denmark (0.6%) and
Belgium (0.7%). The highest annual rates were recorded in Hungary (12.2%), Romania (9.2%)
and Slovakia (9.0%)8.
6 https://wybory.gov.pl/sejmsenat2023/en
7 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_4408
8 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/17689333/2-18102023-AP-EN.pdf/028b6ff3-2775-c4fb-
4649-bbc8a0a46579
15
In the course of 2023, the European Central Bank (ECB) has continued raising rates to contain
high inflation in Europe, but during the time of fieldwork it was increasingly expected to keep
them on hold to prevent worsening the economic downturn. On 26 October 2023, the ECB
announced to hold interest rates steady for the first time in over a year. The bank, which sets
rates for the 20 countries that use the euro, kept the deposit rate at 4 percent9.
The labour market continues to perform strongly with record low unemployment rates,
continued expansion of employment, and rising wages.
In August 2023, the euro area seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.4%, down from
6.5% in July 2023 and down from 6.7% in August 2022. The EU unemployment rate was 5.9%
in August 2023, down from 6.0% in July 2023 and from 6.1% in August 2022, according to
Eurostat figures10.
9 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2023/html/ecb.mp231026~6028cea576.en.html
10 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/17602217/3-02102023-AP-EN.pdf/ffbb9c08-7100-2774-
f099-d3ab657d14eb
16
ETHODOLOGY
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1 METHODOLOGY
METHODOLOGY
The methodology used in this Parlemeter 2023, included in wave 100.1, is that of Eurobarometer
surveys as carried out for the European Parliament’s Directorate General for Communication
(Public Opinion Monitoring Unit). The survey was carried out by Verian (formerly Kantar Public
between 25 September and 19 October 2023 in all 27 EU Member States. 26 523 interviews
were conducted in total. EU results were weighted according to the size of the population in
each country.
Eurobarometer surveys are administered face-to-face in people’s homes or on their doorstep,

in the national language. In all countries, CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing) was
used.
In Denmark, Czechia, Malta and Finland some interviews were conducted via computer assisted
video interview (CAVI). The interviewer administrates the questionnaire to the respondent
remotely via video-conference, where both parts can see each other: the conditions of
interviews are very similar to that of face-to-face.
Following the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), respondents were asked
whether or not they would agree to be asked questions on issues that could be considered
“sensitive”.
The reader should be aware that in this report the evolution of one specific indicator
is considered as stable overall when it varies by +/-2 percentage points or less. For more
information, please refer to the table indicated on page 211 for the margin of error depending
on the number of interviews.
Note: In this report, EU countries are referred to by their official abbreviation. The abbreviations
used in this report correspond to:
Belgium BE France FR The Netherlands NL
Bulgaria BG Croatia HR Austria AT
Czechia CZ Italy IT Poland PL
Denmark DK Republic of Cyprus CY* Portugal PT
Germany DE Latvia LV Romania RO
Estonia EE Lithuania LT Slovenia SI
Ireland IE Luxembourg LU Slovakia SK
Greece EL Hungary HU Finland FI
Spain ES Malta MT Sweden SE
European Union – weighted average for the 27 Member States EU27
BE, FR, IT, LU, DE, AT, ES, PT, IE, NL, FI, EL, EE, SI, CY, MT, SK, LV, LT, HR euro area
BG, CZ, DK, HU, PL, RO, SE non euro area
*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 of Cyprus. 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.
18
IFE IN THE EU
ROM CITIZENS’
ERSPECTIVE
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1
1. LIFE IN THE EU
FROM CITIZENS’ PERSPECTIVE
This first chapter examines how citizens perceive their current financial situation, as well
as their expectations for the year ahead. It also looks more broadly at how Europeans see
things in their country and in the EU, and gauges their optimism for the future of the EU.
It also assesses whether citizens follow EU politics and analyses the perceived impact EU’s
actions have on citizens’ daily lives.
Results show that despite the complex geopolitical and economic context and the impact
it has on citizens’ lives, Europeans remain quite optimistic regarding the future of the EU.
A large majority of respondents say that the EU has an impact on their daily lives and this
is more likely to be the case among those who follow EU politics frequently or occasionally
and those who have seen, read or heard something about the European Parliament recently.
1.1 Effects of the recent crises on Europeans’ lives

While the majority of Europeans have experienced a decrease in their standard of living or
expect one in the next year, the picture has become slightly more positive since March 2023,
reflecting the lower inflation rate seen in most European countries in recent months. A stable
picture can be seen in relation to respondents’ difficulties in paying bills and expectations for
future living conditions. Optimism about the future of the EU has fluctuated over the last year
or so, but a clear majority remain optimistic.
Changes in Europeans’ standard of living
Respondents were asked if issues such as the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, the
war in Ukraine and rising inflation and prices have had an impact on their standard of living.
Almost half of respondents (47%) say their standard of living has already been reduced and
they expect this to still be the case over the next year. Around one quarter (26%) indicate
that their standard of living has not yet been reduced, but they think that it will be the case
over the next year. A similar proportion (24%) do not expect any change or impact on their
standard of living, while 2% say their standard of living has increased.
20
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1 1. LIFE IN THE EU FROM CITIZENS’ PERSPECTIVE
closest to your personal situation? (EU27) (%)
Comparing these results with those observed in March 2023, the picture has become slightly
more positive regarding changes in EU citizens’ standard of living. The share of those who
have seen their living standards worsen has decreased slightly (-3 percentage points), as has
the share of those who say that, while their living standards have not yet been reduced, they
still expect a deterioration over the next year (-3 pp). Respondents are now more likely to
indicate that they do not expect any change (+5 pp). This improved picture reflects the falling
inflation rate across the EU during 20231.
These results are consistent with the findings from the Standard Eurobarometer in June 2023.
While rising prices, inflation and the cost of living remained the most important national issue
for Europeans, the proportion mentioning it as a concern has decreased since winter 2022-23.
In addition, the Standard Eurobarometer saw a fall in pessimism regarding the future financial
situation of the household, compared with winter 2022-232.
In 22 countries, the most common answer given by respondents is that their standard of
living has already been reduced and they expect this to still be the case over the next year.
Proportions who have seen a deterioration in their living standards are especially high in
Cyprus (77%), Greece (70%), France (69%) and Malta (66%).
In Poland, the most common response is that respondents’ standard of living has not yet been
reduced, but that they think this will be the case over the next year (35%). In four countries,
most respondents say they do not expect any change or impact on their standard of living:
Denmark (50%), the Netherlands (42%), Finland (40%) and Sweden (39%).
1 Eurostat Euro indicators, 18 October 2023: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/main/news/euro-indicators

2 https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3052
21
closest to your personal situation? (% - The most mentioned answer by country)
In seven countries, respondents are more likely than they were in March 2023 to say their
standard of living has already been reduced and to expect this to still be the case over the
next year. The largest increases can be observed in Latvia (43%, +9 pp) and France (69%, +6
pp). Declines in this share of respondents can be seen in 13 Member States, with decreases of
at least ten percentage points seen in Poland (33%, -14 pp), Bulgaria (50%, -12 pp), Spain (55%,
-11 pp) and Ireland (46%, -11 pp).
The proportions whose living standards have not yet been reduced, but expect this to occur
over the next year, are in decline in most countries. The largest decreases can be observed in
Latvia (17%, -12 pp), Croatia (26%, -10 pp), Slovakia (26%, -8 pp), Sweden (29%, -8 pp), Finland
(22%, -8 pp) and Greece (17%, -8 pp).
In 21 countries, respondents are now more likely than in March 2023 to say they do not expect
any change or impact on their living standards. This is especially the case in Slovakia (26%, +13
pp), Croatia (24%, +13 pp), Poland (27%, +12 pp), Spain (21%, +12 pp), Slovenia (34%, +11 pp)
and Ireland (24%, +10 pp).
22
closest to your personal situation? (%)
Citizens from most socio-demographic categories say they have experienced a deterioration
in their living standards and expect this to still be the case over the next year.
Respondents aged 15-24 are less likely to say they have already seen a reduction in their
standard of living (38% vs 46%-50% of those in older age groups) and are slightly more likely
to say they do not expect any change or impact on their standard of living (28% vs 23%-24%).
Respondents who left full-time education aged 15 or younger are more likely to say they have
already seen their standard of living worsen (56% vs 43% of those who finished aged 20 or
older), while those who left education at the age of 20 or older are the most likely to say they
do not expect any changes (28% vs 21% of those who finished aged 19 or younger).
More than half of unemployed respondents (60%) and house persons (57%) say they have
experienced a deterioration in their standards of living, while this applies to a much smaller
proportion of students (36%), managers (39%) and self-employed people (40%).
Respondents who have difficulties paying their bills most of the time are twice as likely to
say they have experienced a deterioration in their living standards, compared with those who
never or rarely have difficulties (81% vs 38%).
23
closest to your personal situation? (% - EU27)
24
Difficulties paying bills

The majority of respondents (62%) never or almost never have difficulties paying their bills,
a stable proportion since March 2023 (-1 pp). Close to three in ten (28%, no change) have
difficulties from time to time and less than one in ten (9%, +1 pp) have difficulties most of the
time.
In 20 countries, the majority say that they never or rarely have difficulties paying their bills, with
the highest proportions seen in Sweden (93%) and Denmark (92%). Respondents in Greece
(36%) are by far the most likely to say they have difficulties paying their bills most of the time,
followed by those in Portugal (23%) and Cyprus (20%). Greece is also the only country where
the proportion of respondents who have difficulties most of the time is higher than the one
who never or almost never have difficulties (14%).
D60 During the last twelve months, would you say you had difficulties to pay your bills
at the end of the month…? (%)
25
There have been some changes compared to the results from March 2023 - the percentage
of respondents that have difficulties paying their bills most of the time has increased in three
countries: Malta (12%, +6 percentage points), Cyprus (20%, +5 pp) and Italy (11%, +3), it has
decreased in Bulgaria (15%, -4 pp) and Slovakia (2%, -3 pp), while it has remained stable
or unchanged in the remaining 22 countries. The percentage of respondents that never or
almost never have difficulties paying their bills has increased in eight countries, with the most
noticeable differences in Slovakia (73%, +6 pp) and Spain (69%, +5 pp). In 22 countries the
percentage of respondents who never or almost never have difficulties paying their bills has
remained stable or unchanged and it has decreased in six countries, most notably in Ireland
(45%, - 9 pp), Malta (64%, -9 pp) and Cyprus (37%, -8 pp).
at the end of the month…? (%)
The socio-demographic analysis shows that the oldest respondents (aged 55 or over) are the
most likely to say they never or rarely have difficulties paying their bills (65% vs 58-62% of
those aged 15-54). There is also a difference by level of education: respondents who finished
full-time education by the age of 15 are more likely to say they have difficulties most of the
time (18% vs 5% of those who finished full-time education aged 20 or older) and are less likely
to say that they rarely or never have difficulties (49% vs 75%).
Unemployed respondents are by far the most likely of the socio-professional groups to say
they have difficulties most of the time (26%), while managers are the most likely to say they
never or almost never have difficulties (81%).
Those who have seen their standard of living reduced are more likely to say they have difficulties
paying their bills most of the time (15% vs 3% of those who say their living standards have not
yet been reduced, but will be and 3% of those who say their standard of living has not changed
or has increased.
26
Respondents who say they have difficulties paying their bills most of the time are more likely
to expect their living conditions to worsen (15%) rather than improve or stay the same (6%
- 4%). A similar relation may be seen for the respondents who almost never or never have
difficulties paying their bills, 48% of which expect their living conditions to worsen, compared
to 73% of respondents who expect their living conditions to stay the same and 63% who
expect it to improve.
at the end of the month…? (% - EU)
27
How things are going in the EU, in Member States and in citizens’ lives
This section takes stock of how citizens view the current state of affairs in the EU and in their
own country, as well as how things are going in their own lives. The prevailing view continues to
be negative in terms of how things are going in respondents’ country and in the EU, although
results have remained stable since March 2023. By contrast, most respondents feel that
things in their own life are going in the right direction and this has increased since March 2023.
D73 At the present time, would you say that, in general, things are going in the right
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? (EU27) (%)
Just over one quarter of the respondents (27%, +1 pp since March 2023) see things going in
the right direction in their own country, while a clear majority (60%, -1 pp) feel that things are
going in the wrong direction.
28
D73.1 At the present time, would you say that, in general, things are going in the right
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? (OUR COUNTRY) (EU27) (%)
In three Member States a majority think that things are going in the right direction in their own
country: Luxembourg (60%), Ireland (54%) and Denmark (41%). In the remaining 24 Member
States, the majority see things going in the wrong direction, with this view being particularly
widespread in Sweden (78%), France (74%), Cyprus (68%) and Greece (66%).
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? (OUR COUNTRY) (%)
29
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? (OUR COUNTRY) (%)
An examination of the socio-demographic analysis confirms that majorities in all categories

see things in their own country going in the wrong direction.
Findings are consistent by gender and across age groups. However, there is a slight difference
when it comes to the respondents’ level of education, with those finishing full-time education
aged 20 or older being more likely to think their country is going in the right direction compared
to those who left aged 15 or younger (29% vs 24%).
Managers (33%) and self-employed respondents (31%) are the most likely to be positive about
the direction their country is going, while unemployed people (68%) and manual workers (65%)
are the most likely to think things are going in the wrong direction.
Respondents who rarely or never have difficulties paying their bills (31%) are more likely than
those who have difficulties most of the time (16%) to think their country is going in the right
direction.
Respondents who are satisfied with democracy in their own country (44% vs 7% of those who
are not satisfied) and those who agree their voice counts in their country (37% vs 12% of those
who disagree) are more likely to think things are going in the right direction.
30
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? (OUR COUNTRY) (% - EU27)
31
EU citizens tend to be slightly more positive when it comes to the direction the European
Union is going in, compared to their perceptions regarding their own country. One third of
respondents see things as going in the right direction in the EU (33%, +1 pp since March 2023).
The share of respondents who feel things in the EU are going in the wrong direction has also
remained stable (48%, +1 pp).
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? The European Union (EU27) (%)
In 11 countries, a majority think that things are going in the right direction in the EU. This view
is most widely shared in Ireland (51%), Lithuania (48%) and in Latvia and Poland (both 46%). In
the remaining 16 countries, respondents who think things are going in the wrong direction are
in the majority. This is especially the case in France (60%), in Greece and Czechia (both 56%)
and in Cyprus (55%).
32
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? The European Union (%)
Since March 2023 the percentage of respondents who say things are going in the right direction
in the European Union has increased in ten Member States, the most significant increase of
12 percentage points has been noted in Belgium (44%), Slovenia (44%) and Slovakia (37%).
While in ten Member States the percentage of respondents who say things are going in the
right direction has remained stable or unchanged, in seven Member States respondents are
now less likely to be positive concerning the direction the European Union is going in, with the
highest decrease in Germany (28%, -8 pp) and Sweden (33%, -8 pp).
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? The European Union (%)
33
In the socio-demographic analysis, the younger the respondents, the more likely they are to
think that things are going in the right direction in the EU (39% of those aged 15-24 vs 29% of
those aged 55 or over).
Respondents’ level of education also has an impact on attitudes, with those who finished
full-time education aged 20 or older being more likely to say that things are going in the right
direction than those who left aged 15 or younger (38% vs 22%).
Managers (43%) and students (41%) are the most likely to say that things are going in the
right direction in the EU, especially when compared to unemployed respondents and house
persons (both 24%). Financial conditions also matter, with respondents who rarely or never
have difficulties paying their bills being more likely to be positive regarding the direction
things are going (38% vs 18% of those who have difficulties most of the time).
Those who have a positive image of the EU are more likely than those who have a negative
image to think that things are going in the right direction (52% vs 8%). Similarly, those who
agree that their voice counts in the EU (50% vs 18% of those who disagree) and those who are
satisfied with democracy in the EU (53% vs 11% of those who are not satisfied) are more likely
to feel things are going in the right direction.
Lastly, attitudes towards the situation at the national and at the EU level are related. Over
seven in ten (73%) of those who think things are going in the right direction in their own
country also think things are going well in the EU, while 68% of those who think things are
going in the wrong direction at national level also feel negative about the direction things are
going in the EU.
34
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? The European Union (% - EU27)
35
More than two thirds (68%) feel that things are going in the right direction in their life
personally, this is 4 percentage points more than was observed in March 2023, while one fifth
(20%, -2 pp) say things are going in the wrong direction.
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? Your life personally (EU27) (%)
In all Member States, the majority of respondents feel things are going in the right direction
for them personally, with more than eight in ten sharing this feeling in Slovenia (87%), Ireland
(85%), Sweden and Luxembourg (both 83%) and Denmark (82%). By contrast, more than one
quarter of respondents think that things are going in the wrong direction in Romania (36%),
Italy (30%), Hungary (29%) and Croatia (27%).
Optimism that things are going in the right direction in the respondents’ personal life is more
common than it was in March 2023 in fourteen Member States, most notably in Poland (61%,
+14 percentage points), Slovakia (68%, +12 pp) and Croatia (61%, +11 pp). Positive views have
declined in five countries, notably Finland (63%, -6 pp) and The Netherlands (77%, - 4 pp). The
proportion who feel things are going in the right direction has remained stable or unchanged
in 8 countries.
36
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? Your life personally (%)
Looking at the findings from the socio-demographic analysis, younger respondents are more
likely to feel optimistic regarding the direction things are going in their personal lives (75%
of those aged 15-24 vs 63% of those aged 55 or over). The level of education also makes a
difference, with 75% of those who finished full-time education aged 20 or older saying things
are going in the right direction, compared to 56% among those who left education aged 15 or
younger.
Managers (81%) and students (78%) are the most likely to be positive (compared to 47% of
unemployed people), as are those who have the least financial difficulties (79% of those who
rarely or never have difficulties paying their bills vs 40% of those who have difficulties most
of the time).
Finally, those who have seen their standard of living deteriorate are more likely to feel things are
going in the wrong direction in their personal life, than those who have not (yet) experienced
a decline (27% vs 13-17%).
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? Your life personally (%)
37
direction or in the wrong direction, in…? Your life personally (% - EU27)
38
Citizens’ expectations about their living conditions

Expectations for living conditions have remained stable. Just under four in ten (38%, -1 pp
since March 2023) expect their living conditions to be worse in one year’s time, while slightly
more than one in ten (13%, +1 pp) think they will be better. The majority (46%, no change)
expect them to stay the same.
SD21 In one year’s time, do you think that each of the following will be better, worse, or
the same as today? (EU27) (%)
In six Member States, the majority view is that living conditions will get worse in the next
year, with more than half of respondents taking this view in Cyprus (63%), Greece (58%),
France (54%) and Portugal (52%). In 20 countries, the majority expects living conditions to
stay the same. This is particularly the case for respondents in Denmark (72%), Finland (69%),
the Netherlands (65%) and Sweden (64%). In Bulgaria, an equal proportion of respondents say
things will get worse and stay the same (both 38%).
In all countries, less than one quarter think their living conditions will be better in one year’s
time. Respondents are most likely to take this view in Poland (23%), Croatia (22%), Italy (21%)
and Romania (20%).
In seven countries, respondents are more likely than they were in March 2023 to expect their
living conditions to be better in one year’s time, with the largest increases observed in Poland
(23%, +11 pp), Italy (21%, +7 pp) and Luxembourg (16%, +5 pp).
39
There are six Member States where respondents are more likely than in March 2023 to expect
their living conditions to deteriorate over the next year. By far the largest can be seen in
Cyprus (63%, +24 pp), followed by Greece (58%, +9 pp) and Malta (46%, +8 pp).
SD21.1 In one year’s time, do you think that each of the following will be better, worse, or
the same as today? Your living conditions (%)
In all socio-demographic groups, respondents are more likely to think their living conditions
will be worse rather than better in a year’s time.
Respondents aged 25 or over are more likely than those aged 15-24 to expect their living
conditions to get worse (36-40% vs 28%). The feeling that living conditions will be worse is
also more prevalent among respondents who finished full-time education before the age of
20 (42-46% vs 33% of those who completed education aged 20 or older).
House persons (48%) and unemployed respondents (46%) are most likely to think their living
conditions will be worse in one year’s time, particularly when compared with students (27%),
managers (32%) and self-employed respondents (33%). The same holds true for those who
have the most difficulties paying their bills (64% vs 29% of those who never or rarely have
difficulties).
The proportions that expect their living conditions to improve over the next year are highest
among 15-24 year-olds (20%) and students (19%).
40
the same as today? Your living conditions (%)
41
the same as today? Your living conditions (% - EU27)
42
Citizens’ expectations about their national economy

EU citizens’ expectations for their national economy have remained unchanged since March
2023. A majority of respondents (52%, no change) expect the national economic situation to
get worse in one year’s time. Around three in ten (31%, no change) think the situation will stay
the same, while more than one in ten (13%, no change) expect the situation to improve over
the next year.
the same as today? The situation of the (NATIONALITY) economy (EU27) (%)
In all but four Member States, a majority expect the situation of their national economy to be
worse in one year’s time, with the highest proportions seen in Cyprus (69%), Greece (66%) and
France (65%). In three countries, the majority view is that things will stay the same: Denmark
(54%), Ireland and Lithuania (both 42%). In Hungary, equal proportions think things will stay
the same as say they will get worse (both 41%).
Less than one quarter in each country expect the situation to get better. Respondents in Italy
and Denmark (both 23%) and Poland (21%) are the most likely to be optimistic.
In nine countries, there has been an increase since March 2023 in the proportion that expects
the situation of the national economy to get better in one year’s time. The largest increases
can be observed In Poland (21%, +7 pp) and Croatia (19%, +6 pp).
43
However, in 10 countries there has been an increase in the proportion that thinks the situation
of the national economy will get worse over the next year. The largest rise can be seen in
Cyprus (69%, +27 pp), followed by Greece (66%, +9 pp), Germany (61%, +7 pp) and Estonia
(61%, +7 pp).
the same as today? The situation of the (NATIONALITY) economy (%)
the same as today? The situation of the (NATIONALITY) economy (%)
44
Socio-demographic findings are similar to those observed for expectations about living
conditions, although there is more consistency across the various groups with regards to
expectations for the national economy.
Respondents above the age of 24 are more inclined than their younger counterparts to expect
the situation of their national economy to get worse in one year’s time (51-55% vs 45%). While
over half of respondents in most socio-professional groups think the national economic
situation will be worse in a year’s time, this proportion is lower among students (42%) and
self-employed people (48%).
Respondents who have difficulties paying their bills most of the time are much more likely
than those who rarely or never have difficulties to expect the situation to get worse (73% vs
47%).
Expectations with regard to the national economic situation are also related to those
concerning personal living conditions. Around nine in ten (89%) of those who expect their
living conditions to get worse also expect this for their national economy.
Optimism about the prospects of their national economy in one year’s time is most widespread
among self-employed people (18%).
45
the same as today? The situation of the (NATIONALITY) economy (% - EU27)
46
Optimism about the future of the EU

Optimism about the future of the EU has declined slightly but remains high. Six in ten (60%,
-4 pp since March 2023) say they are optimistic about the future of the EU, while 36% (+4 pp)
say they are pessimistic.
Optimism has fluctuated over the last year or so. The current decline follows an increase in
optimism between October-November 2022 and March 2023, but this was preceded by a
decline between April-May and October-November 2022.
very pessimistic about the future of the EU? (EU27) (%)
In all but one Member State, the majority are optimistic about the future of the EU. More than
three quarters are optimistic in Ireland and Denmark (both 83%), Lithuania (79%) and Finland
(76%).
France is the only country where a majority are pessimistic about the future of the EU (49%
pessimistic vs 46% optimistic). In addition, more than four in ten are pessimistic in Czechia and
Greece (both 46%), Cyprus (45%) and Hungary (42%).
47
The level of optimism about the future of the EU has increased in four countries since March
2023: Greece (51%, +6 pp), Slovakia (59%, +6 pp), Slovenia (69%, +4 pp) and Belgium (66%, +3
pp). In 11 Member States, levels of optimism have declined, the largest being in Malta (65%,
-10 pp), Latvia (66%, -9 pp) and Estonia (59%, -8 pp). Optimism levels have remained stable or
unchanged in the remaining 12 countries.
48
Optimism about the future of the EU is higher among younger people. The proportion that
is optimistic ranges from 67% among 15-24 year olds to 55% among those aged 55 or over.
There is also a clear difference according to level of education: those who finished full-time
education aged 20 or older are more likely to be optimistic (69%) than those who finished
education aged 16-19 (57%) or aged 15 or younger (47%).
Optimism is most widespread among managers (74%) and students (71%) and is lowest among
house persons (50%) and unemployed people (51%). It is also higher among those who rarely
or never have difficulties paying their bills (67% vs 41% of those who have difficulties most of
the time).
Optimism about the future of the EU is also closely related to the image respondents have of
the EU, with 88% of those who have a positive image saying they are optimistic, compared to
13% of those who have a negative image.
49
very pessimistic about the future of the EU? (% - EU27)
50
1.2. The EU in citizens’ daily life
This section focusses on the role of the EU in citizens’ daily lives. It assesses whether citizens
follow EU politics and whether they discuss it with friends and family. Citizens also consider
how much of an impact the EU’s actions have on their daily lives.
It is clear that the EU plays an important part in people’s lives. The majority say they follow
EU politics and discuss it with friends or relatives at least occasionally. Furthermore, the
vast majority say the EU’s actions have an impact on their daily lives. On all of these issues,
findings have remained very similar to those observed in March 2023.
Following EU politics
The proportion who follow EU politics has remained stable in the current survey. An absolute
majority (55%, -1 pp since March 2023) say they follow what’s going on in European Union
politics, with 14% (-1 pp) following most of the time and 41% (no change) following from time
to time. By contrast, more than four in ten (45%, +1 pp) do not follow EU politics: 27% (no
change) saying they rarely follow and 18% (+1 pp) saying they never follow.
QA2 Some people follow what’s going on in European Union politics, whether there’s an
election going on or not. Others aren’t that interested. Would you say you follow
what’s going on in European Union politics... (EU27) (%)
In 16 countries, more than half of respondents say they follow what’s going on in EU politics
(‘most of the time’ or ‘from time to time’). The highest proportions are seen in Germany (69%),
Malta and the Netherlands (both 67%) and Luxembourg (66%). Respondents are least likely to
follow EU politics in Slovenia (39%), Bulgaria (40%) and France (43%).
51
More than one in five respondents follow EU politics ‘most of the time’ in Luxembourg (24%),
Germany (23%), the Netherlands (22%) and Finland (21%). This contrasts with 5% who do so in
Lithuania, and 6% in Bulgaria and Slovakia.
what’s going on in European Union politics... (%)
Engagement with EU politics has increased in nine Member States since March 2023. The
largest increases in the proportion who follow EU politics can be observed in Malta (67%,
+19 pp), Slovakia (47%, +6 pp) and Austria (61%, +6 pp). This proportion has declined in 13
countries, most notably Finland (64%, -9 pp) and Belgium (54%, -7 pp). Results have remained
stable in the other five Member States.
what’s going on in European Union politics... (% - Total ‘Follow’)
52
A focus on the results among the youngest respondents shows that they are less likely than
average to follow EU politics. Around four in ten 15-24 year olds (42%) say they follow EU
politics – a 13-percentage point gap with the proportion who follow EU politics among
the general population (55%). Less than one in ten (8%) follow EU politics most of the time
(compared to 14% among the general population) and 34% from time to time (compared to
41%). Around six in ten 15-24 year olds (58%) do not follow what’s going on in EU politics
(compared to 45%) and they are also more likely than average to say they never or almost
never follow (28% vs 18%). Across the various age groups, respondents aged 40-54 and 55 or
over are the most likely to follow EU politics (both 58%).
what’s going on in European Union politics... (% - EU27)
As well as the variations by age, there are differences for other socio-demographic groups.
Men are more likely than women to say they follow what’s going on in EU politics (60% vs 50%).
The longer respondents remained in full-time education, the more likely they are to say they
follow EU politics (65% of those who finished education aged 20 or older vs 42% of those who
ended aged 15 or younger).
Managers (70%) are the most likely to follow EU politics, especially in comparison to house
persons (36%) and unemployed respondents (43%). The financial situation of respondents
also makes a difference, with 59% of those who rarely or never have difficulties paying their
bills following EU politics, compared to 41% of those who have difficulties most of the time.
53
Those who have a positive image of the EU are more likely to follow EU politics than those who
have a neutral or negative image (67% vs 44% and 47% respectively), and the same applies
when it comes to the image of the European Parliament (73% vs 45% and 48%).
Lastly, those who voted in the last European elections are more likely than those who did not
vote, to follow EU politics (67% vs 33%).
54
what’s going on in European Union politics... (% - EU27)
55
Discussion of European political matters

More than half of respondents (53%, no change since March 2023) discuss European politics
with friends or relatives occasionally and 15% (+1 pp) hold such discussions frequently, whereas
just under one third (31%, -1 pp) never do so.
D71 When you get together with friends or relatives, would you say you discuss
frequently, occasionally or never about...? (EU27) (%)
More than one in five respondents in Greece (26%), Germany (22%) and in Denmark and the
Netherlands (both 21%) say they discuss European politics frequently. This compares to less
than one in ten in Slovenia (6%), Czechia (7%), Belgium (8%) and France (9%).
Seven in ten respondents (70%) in Slovakia say that they discuss European political matters
with friends or relatives occasionally, and this proportion is also high in Hungary (69%) and
Lithuania (63%).
Respondents in France (55%) and Spain (52%) are the most likely to say they never discuss
European political matters.
D71.2 When you get together with friends or relatives, would you say you discuss
frequently, occasionally or never about...? European political matters (%)
56
The proportion of respondents that discuss European political matters frequently has increased
in five Member States since March 2023, the largest change being in Malta (13%, +6 pp) and
Poland (19%, +4 pp). In the remaining 22 Member States the percentage of respondents has
remained stable or unchanged.
Respondents are now more likely to say they never discuss European political matters in four
Member States, with the largest increases seen in Greece (33%, +6 pp) and Belgium (39%, +5
pp). This proportion has decreased in seven countries, the largest change being in Malta (28%,
-8 pp) and Slovakia (16%, -7 pp).
frequently, occasionally or never about...? European political matters (%)
The socio-demographic analysis highlights that men are more likely than women to say they
discuss European political matters frequently (17% vs 13%) or occasionally (55% vs 51%). The
main variation between age groups is that the youngest respondents (aged 15-24) are the
most likely to say they never discuss European political matters (42% vs 28%-31% in older age
groups).
Respondents who finished full-time education aged 20 or above are more likely to discuss
European politics, either frequently (21% vs 7% of those who left education aged 15 or younger)
or occasionally (55% vs 44%).
Managers (24%) and self-employed respondents (22%) are the most likely to discuss European
political matters frequently, while house persons are the least likely to do so (8%).
Respondents who voted in the last European elections are more likely than those who did
not vote to say they discuss European political matters, either frequently (19% vs 8%) or
occasionally (59% vs 45%).
57
frequently, occasionally or never about...? European political matters (% - EU)
58
Perceived impact of EU actions on citizens’ daily life

A large majority think that the actions of the EU have an impact on their daily life. Seven in
ten (70%, -1 pp since March 2023) hold this opinion, including 17%, (-1 pp) for whom the EU’s
actions ‘very much’ have an impact. By contrast, around three in ten (29%, +1 pp) think this is
not the case, with 6% (no change) saying the EU has no impact on their daily lives ‘at all’.
QA12 Would you say the actions of the EU have an impact on your daily life? (EU27) (%)
Majorities in all countries think the EU’s actions have an impact on their daily life, ranging from
89% in Malta, 87% in both Cyprus and Greece and 85% in Luxembourg, to 57% in Latvia and
60% in both Czechia and Romania.
More than one quarter of respondents say that EU’s actions ‘very much’ have an impact
on their daily life in Cyprus (47%), Greece (37%), Luxembourg (31%) and Slovenia (27%). By
contrast, less than one in ten say this in Finland (8%) and in Italy and Romania (both 9%).
QA12 Would you say the actions of the EU have an impact on your daily life? (%)
59
In four Member States, there has been an increase since March 2023 in the proportion that
think the EU’s actions have an impact on their daily life: Greece (87%, +5 pp), Slovenia (80%,
+3 pp), Croatia (65%, +3 pp) and Spain (67%, +3 pp). This proportion has declined in four
countries: Czechia (60%, -14 pp), Finland (64%, -10 pp), Germany (74%, -6 pp) and Latvia (57%,
-3 pp). Findings have remained stable in the remaining 19 countries.
QA12 Would you say the actions of the EU have an impact on your daily life? (%)
In all socio-demographic groups, the majority of respondents say that the actions of the EU
have an impact on their daily life, and findings are broadly consistent across most groups. Men
are slightly more likely than women to say the EU’s actions have an impact (72% vs 68%), while
this proportion is slightly higher among 25-39 year olds (73%) than among other age groups.
There is a strong difference by level of education. More than three quarters (78%) of those
who completed full-time education aged 20 or older say the EU’s actions have an impact on
them, compared to around six in ten (61%) of those who finished aged 15 or younger.
Managers (79%) are the most likely to think the EU’s actions have an impact, especially when
compared to house persons (61%).
Respondents who have a positive image of the EU are more likely to say EU’s actions have
an impact on their daily life (79% vs 65% of those who have a negative image). The same can
be observed for those who follow European politics (78% vs 59% who do not) and those who
voted in the last European elections (75% vs 61% of those who did not vote).
60
QA12 Would you say the actions of the EU have an impact on your daily life? (% -EU)
61
EUROPEANS’
PERCEPTION OF
THE EU AND EU
MEMBERSHIP
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1
2. EUROPEANS’ PERCEPTION OF
THE EU AND EU MEMBERSHIP
This chapter assesses citizens’ opinions of the EU and their country’s membership of the
EU. It starts by examining Europeans’ overall image of the EU, and then considers attitudes
towards EU membership: whether it is a good thing, how important it is and whether or not
their country has benefited from its membership. It then focuses on the possible benefits
and disadvantages of countries being part of the EU. Finally, the chapter considers views
on possible EU enlargement in the light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Europeans’ image of the EU is predominantly positive, with results being stable since March
2023. Results have also remained stable regarding attitudes towards EU membership.
Clear majorities of respondents see EU membership as a good thing, as important and as
beneficial for their country. All of these findings are positive when looking at patterns over
time. In addition, while support for speeding up the enlargement of the EU has decreased
slightly, the majority continue to agree with this proposal.
2.1 Image of the EU

The image of the EU among citizens is predominantly positive, with a stable gap between
positive and negative views. A majority (45%, no change since March 2023) say the EU
conjures up a positive image for them, while 38% (no change) have a neutral image and 16%
(-1 pp) have a negative image.
D78 In general, does the EU conjure up for you a very positive, fairly positive, neutral,
fairly negative or very negative image? (EU27) (%)
63
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1 2. EUROPEANS’ PERCEPTION OF THE EU AND EU MEMBERSHIP
The proportion of respondents who have a positive image of the EU is unchanged since March
2023 and the gap between positive and negative views has remained stable, now standing at
29 percentage points (+1 pp). The stable picture seen in this survey follows a decline between
April-May 2022 and March 2023. The broader picture remains relatively favourable when
observing these figures over the long term, with positive views remaining firmly in the majority.
fairly negative or very negative image? (% - EU)
In all countries, positive views prevail over negative views. The majority have a positive image
of the EU in 23 countries, while neutral views prevail in three countries (Czechia, France and
Hungary). In Austria, opinions are divided (37% ‘positive’ vs 37% ‘neutral’).
Respondents are most likely to have a positive image of the EU in Portugal (66%), Ireland
(64%), Sweden (63%) and Denmark (62%). At the opposite end of the scale, 31% in Czechia,
36% in France and 37% in Austria have a positive image.
In five countries, at least one in five respondents have a negative image of the EU: Austria
(26%), Cyprus (25%), Czechia (24%), France (23%) and Belgium (21%).
64
fairly negative or very negative image? (%)
Compared with March 2023, positive views of the EU have increased in Slovakia (44%, +13
pp), Greece (43%, +12 pp), Denmark (62%, +5 pp) and Romania (49%, +4 pp). Positive views
have declined in seven countries, notably in Ireland (64%, -8 pp) and Cyprus (41%, -7 pp). In
the remaining 16 countries, the proportion who have a positive image of the EU has remained
stable.
fairly negative or very negative image? (%)
65
Respondents in the youngest age group (15-24) have a more positive image of the EU than
those in older age groups. Half of 15-24 year olds (50%) say that their image of the EU is
positive, compared with an EU average of 45%. Specifically, 8% of 15-24 year olds have a very
positive image (compared with 6% overall) and 42% have a fairly positive image (compared
with 39%). The proportion with a neutral image is the same (38%), while the youngest age
group is less likely to have a negative image (11% vs 16% in the EU as a whole). Specifically, 10%
have a fairly negative image (vs 13% overall) and 1% have a very negative image (vs 3%). Across
all age groups, the proportion of people with a positive image of the EU decreases steadily
with age, from 50% among 15-24 year olds to 41% among those aged 55 or over.
fairly negative or very negative image? (% - EU27)
In addition to the differences between age group, differences can also be observed according
to the level of education and the socio-professional category of respondents. Those who
finished full-time education aged 20 or older are more likely to have a positive view of the
EU than those who finished aged 15 or younger (54% vs 32%). Managers (60%) and students
(56%) are the most likely to hold a positive view, particularly when compared to house persons
(32%). In addition, respondents who have the least financial difficulties are also more likely
to have a positive image of the EU (50% of those who rarely or never have difficulties paying
their bills vs 30% of those who have difficulties most of the time). Positive views are also more
widespread among those living in large towns, as compared to those living in rural villages or
smaller towns (54% vs 40-42%).
66
fairly negative or very negative image? (% - EU)
67
2.2. EU membership
Appraisal of EU membership
A clear majority (61%, no change since March 2023) think that their country’s membership
of the EU is a good thing, while only one in ten (10%, -1 pp) consider this to be a bad thing.
Slightly more than a quarter (28%, +1 pp) think this is neither a good nor a bad thing.
These figures are stable compared to March 2023, with the share of respondents who see
membership of the EU as a good thing remaining consistently above 60% since the end of
2020.
QA7 Generally speaking, do you think that (OUR COUNTRY)’s membership of the EU
is...? (% - EU27)
In 25 Member States, the majority of respondents think their country’s membership of the EU
is a good thing, with at least eight in ten expressing this view in Luxembourg (86%), Ireland (81%)
and Denmark (80%). There are two countries where as many people think EU membership is
a good thing as think it is neither a good thing nor a bad thing: Italy (both 43%) and Czechia
(both 44%). In addition to these countries, less than half of respondents say their country’s
membership is a good thing in Austria (42%), Bulgaria (48%) and Greece (49%). Respondents
are most likely to think their country’s membership of the EU is a bad thing in Austria (22%),
Cyprus (17%) and Romania (16%).
68
is...? (%)
Positive views of EU membership are more widespread in northern and western countries,
while results are more mixed in countries in the south and east of Europe.
is...? A good thing (%)
69
In eight Member States, the proportion of people who think EU membership is a good thing
has increased since March 2023. The largest increases can be found in Slovakia (53%, +14 pp),
Greece (49%, +9 pp) and Romania (51%, +8 pp).
In five countries, respondents are less likely to think their country’s membership of the EU
is a good thing: Spain (70%, -5 pp), Hungary (54%, -5 pp), the Netherlands (74%, -4 pp), Italy
(43%, -4 pp) and Ireland (81%, -4 pp). Positive views of EU membership have remained stable
or unchanged in 14 countries.
is...? (%)
Younger respondents are more likely than older respondents to say that their country’s
membership of the EU is a good thing. In particular, those in the youngest age group (15-24)
are particularly likely to see EU membership as a good thing (70% compared with 61% overall).
Less than one in ten 15-24 year olds (7%) think their country’s membership of the EU is a
bad thing (compared with 10% overall), while 22% say that it is neither a good nor a bad thing
(vs 28%).
70
is...? (% - EU27)
There are some notable differences in the socio-demographic results, in addition to the
variations by age group described above. Respondents who finished full-time education aged
20 or older are more likely to think that their country’s membership of the EU is a good thing
than those who left aged 15 or younger (71% vs 45%).
Managers (75%) and students (74%) are by far the most inclined to think that EU membership
is a good thing, while house persons (42%) are the least likely to hold this view. Respondents
who never or rarely have difficulties paying their bills are more likely to say EU membership is
a good thing than those who have difficulties most of the time (68% vs 43%).
Respondents who voted in the last European elections are more likely to have a positive view
of EU membership than those who did not vote (64% vs 49%).
71
is...? (% - EU27)
72
Importance of EU membership
Around two thirds (67%, no change since March 2023) consider their country’s membership
of the EU as important. One in ten (10%, no change) think it is not important that their country
is a Member State of the EU, while 22% (no change) have a neutral opinion. These figures have
remained unchanged since March 2023.
QA8 How important is it for you that (OUR COUNTRY) is a Member State of the European
Union? Please use a scale from 1 to 10 where 1 means “not at all important” and 10
means “extremely important”? (EU27) (%)
In all Member States, a majority think their country’s membership of the EU is important,
ranging from 86% in Luxembourg, 81% in Finland and 80% in Lithuania to 48% in Czechia and
51% in both Cyprus and Bulgaria.
Respondents are most likely to say that EU membership is not important in Bulgaria (22%),
Czechia (20%) and Cyprus and Croatia (both 18%).
73
means “extremely important”? Total ‘Important’ (7-10) (%)
The opinion that their country’s membership of the EU is important has progressed among
respondents in six Member States since March 2023, most notably in Slovakia (60%, +10 pp),
Greece (67%, +8 pp) and Romania (64%, +7 pp). By contrast, the proportion of respondents
who think this is important has fallen in seven countries, especially in Estonia (62%, -9 pp),
Ireland (78%, -6 pp) and Cyprus (51%, -6 pp). This share of respondents has remained stable
or unchanged in 14 countries.
74
means “extremely important”? (% - Total ‘Important’ (7-10))
In line with the results of other indicators concerning attitudes towards the EU, the view that
their country’s membership of the EU is important is more widespread among the youngest
respondents, those with a higher level of education and those in a better socio-economic
situation.
The proportion that thinks their country’s membership of the EU is important declines with
age, from 72% among 15-24 year olds to 62% among those aged 55 or over. Men are slightly
more likely than women to think it is important (68% vs 64%).
Three quarters (75%) of those who finished full-time education aged 20 or older think EU
membership is important, compared with around half (49%) of those who finished aged 15 or
younger. Managers (79%) and students (76%) are the more likely to consider EU membership as
important, particularly when compared with house persons (46%). The perceived importance
of EU membership is also higher among respondents who never or rarely have difficulties
paying their bills (72% vs 49% of those who have difficulties most of the time).
Those who voted in the last European elections are more likely to consider their country’s EU
membership as important (74% vs 53% of those who did not vote), as are those who follow EU
politics (75% vs 55% of those who do not).
75
means “extremely important”? (% - EU27)
76
EU membership beneficial or not

More than seven in ten EU citizens (72%, no change since October-November 2022) think
that, on balance, their country has benefited from being part of the EU. Just over one in five
(22%, no change) say their country has not benefited from its membership.
These results have remained almost identical over the last three years (since November-
December 2020), and remain at a higher level than in previous surveys going back to 2005.
In every EU Member State, more than half of respondents say that their country has benefited
from being a member of the EU;:this applies to more than nine in ten respondents in Lithuania
(94%), Ireland and Luxembourg (both 93%) and Malta (92%). This proportion is lowest in Austria
(55%), Bulgaria and Italy (both 57%).
More than a third of respondents in Austria (38%) and Italy (37%) say that their country has not
benefited from EU membership.
77
balance benefited or not from being a member of the EU? (%)
The results for individual Member States have remained largely stable since October-November
2022. In six Member States, there has been an increase in the proportion saying their country
has benefited from EU membership, the largest being in Slovakia (83%, +13 pp), Greece (73%,
+8 pp) and France (70%, +7 pp).
Decreases are seen in seven countries, with the largest being in Hungary (73%, -5 pp).
balance benefited or not from being a member of the EU? (% - Benefited)
78
Socio-demographic differences closely mirror those already seen in relation to whether EU

membership is seen as a good thing. The view that their country has benefited from EU
membership is stronger among men than women (74% vs 70%), among younger people (80%
of 15-24 year olds vs 66% of those aged 55 or over) and among those who finished education
at the age of 20 or above (80% vs 56% of those who left education at the age of 15 or below).
By socio-professional group, the proportion is highest among managers and students (both
83%) and lowest among house persons (60%). Respondents who rarely or never have difficulties
with bills (77%) are more likely to think that their country has benefited from EU membership
than those who have difficulties most of the time (59%).
79
Benefits of EU membership
There are two main reasons that citizens consider as to why their country has benefited
from membership of the EU: the fact that the EU contributes to maintaining peace and
strengthening security (34%, -2 percentage points since October-November 2022) and that
the EU improves cooperation between their country and other countries of the EU (34%, -1
pp). In this survey, all respondents were asked to consider the main benefits of EU membership,
regardless of their overall view of whether their country has benefited or not.
The next most important benefits of EU membership are that the EU contributes to economic
growth in their country (29%, -1 pp), that the EU brings people new work opportunities (24%,
+1 pp) and that the EU gives people in their country a stronger say in the world (23%, no
change).
QA10ab Regardless of whether you think (OUR COUNTRY) has benefited or not from being
a member of the EU, which of the following are the main reasons why people think
(OUR COUNTRY) has benefited from being a member of the EU? Firstly? And
then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (EU27) (%)
There are nine Member States where the EU’s contribution to maintaining peace and
strengthening security is ranked highest (or joint highest) as a benefit of EU membership,
while in eight countries the highest (or joint highest) response is that it brings people new
work opportunities.
80
In six countries, the highest (or joint highest) ranked benefit is that the EU improves cooperation
between their country and other Member States, while the EU’s contribution to economic
growth is ranked highest (or joint highest) in another six Member States.
According to respondents in Italy, the main benefit of EU membership is that it gives people
in their country a stronger say in the world. In Poland, the EU’s positive impact on people’s
standard of living is the joint highest ranked benefit.
(OUR COUNTRY) has benefited from being a member of the EU? Firstly? And then?
(MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (% - The most mentioned answer by country)
Looking at the country analysis in more detail, respondents in Greece (50%), the Netherlands
and Sweden (both 45%) are most likely to mention the EU’s contribution to maintaining peace
and strengthening security, while this benefit is least likely to be mentioned in Malta (13%)
and Ireland (18%).
The EU’s contribution to cooperation between Member States is highlighted by more than
half of respondents in Sweden (68%), Finland (62%) and the Netherlands (60%). This is least
likely to be seen as a benefit of membership by respondents in Ireland, Lithuania and Poland
(all 22%).
The EU’s contribution to economic growth is seen as an important benefit of EU membership

in Ireland (50%), Luxembourg and Malta (both 48%). This is least likely to be seen as a benefit
of membership by respondents in Italy (18%), Romania (21%) and France (22%).
81
The analysis also shows some high figures for other benefits. The EU’s contribution to new
work opportunities is mentioned by 51% in Croatia and 49% in Bulgaria. Large proportions in
Greece (35%) and Denmark (34%) say that the EU gives people in their country a stronger say
in the world. In Ireland, 39% say that a benefit of EU membership is that it improves people’s
standard of living.
(OUR COUNTRY) has benefited from being a member of the EU? Firstly? And then?
At country level, findings are generally stable compared with October-November 2022, with
no changes of more than eight percentage points in any country in the proportions mentioning
various benefits of EU membership.
In three countries, the EU’s contribution to maintaining peace and strengthening security is
mentioned more often now than in October-November 2022; the largest increase can be seen
in Austria (34%, +5 pp). However, there are decreases in ten Member States, most notably in
Malta (13%, -8 pp) and Croatia (27%, -7 pp).
In seven countries, there has been an increase in the proportion mentioning the EU’s
contribution to cooperation between Member States. The largest increases are seen in
Slovenia (37%, +8 pp), Croatia (29%, +5 pp) and Finland (62%, +5 pp). Seven Member States
show a decrease in the proportion that say EU membership provides co-operation between
Member States, with the largest being in Spain (24%, -6 pp).
In seven countries, there has been an increase since October-November 2022 in the proportion
that say the EU contributes to their country’s economic growth. The largest increases are
seen in Luxembourg (48%, +8 pp), Portugal (44%, +6 pp) and Slovakia (33%, +6 pp). Eight
countries show a decrease, most notably Estonia (31%, -7 pp).
82
There have been some other notable changes since October-November 2022. In Cyprus,
there has been an increase in the proportion that says the EU gives people in their country
a stronger say in the world (29%, +8 pp), while this proportion has decreased in Luxembourg
(24%, -8 pp). Respondents in Luxembourg are more likely than in October-November 2022
to say that the EU improves people’s standard of living in their country (26%, +7 pp), while
respondents in Malta are less likely to say that people have a significant influence in decisions
made at EU level (12%, -8 pp).
then? (%)
83
In the socio-demographic analysis, results are generally consistent across the different
groups, with findings very similar across age groups. The only gender difference is that men
are more likely than women to say that the EU contributes to economic growth in their country
(32% vs 27%).
Several benefits show differences by educational level. Respondents who remained in

education until the age of 20 or above are more likely to say that EU membership improves
co-operation between Member States (40% vs 26% of those who left education by the age
of 15). They are also more likely to mention the EU’s contribution to maintaining peace and
strengthening security (38% vs 30%) and the EU’s contribution to economic growth in their
country (34% vs 24%).
A similar pattern applies to respondents’ financial position, with certain benefits mentioned
more frequently by those who never or rarely have difficulties paying bills, compared with
those who have difficulties most of the time: the EU’s contribution to economic growth in
their country (32% vs 25%), its contribution to maintaining peace and strengthening security
(36% vs 30%), improved co-operation between Member States (36% vs 30%) and improved
living standards in their country (19% vs 13%).
It is also useful to examine the main benefits according to whether respondents think their
country has benefited or not from EU membership. Those who say their country has benefited
from EU membership are much more likely to mention some of the items, compared with
those who think their country has not benefited: that the EU contributes to economic growth
in their country (35% vs 16%), that the EU contributes to maintaining peace and strengthening
security (38% vs 26%), that membership of the EU improves co-operation between Member
States (37% vs 27%) and that EU membership has improved standards of living (21% vs 11%).
84
then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (% - EU27)
85
Disadvantages of EU membership
Respondents were also asked to think of reasons why their country might have not benefited
from being a member of the EU, regardless of their own views on the subject. The main
reasons why people think their country has not benefited from EU membership are that
national citizens have very little influence on decisions made at EU level (32%, -2 percentage
points since October-November 2022), and that issues that are important for their country
are best dealt with at the national level (30%, no change).
One in four say that their national government has very little influence on decisions made
at EU level (25%, no change), while a similar proportion say that being a member of the EU
undermines the control of their country’s external borders (24%, +4 pp). This last issue
has seen an increase since October-November 2022, but otherwise findings have remained
stable.
QA11ab Still regardless of whether you think (OUR COUNTRY) has benefited or not from
being a member of the EU, which of the following are the main reasons why people
think (OUR COUNTRY) has not benefited from being a member of the EU? Firstly?
And then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (EU27) (%)
86
These responses reflect a more general debate over whether policy decisions should be
made at the EU or national level. In the Standard Eurobarometer conducted in June 2023,
a clear majority agreed that “more decisions should be taken at EU level”, while more than a
third disagreed with this statement3. This indicates that while issues of national influence and
control are seen as potential disadvantages of EU membership, the majority of EU citizens
continue to support a greater role for decision-making at the EU level.
In 16 Member States, the most common (or joint most common) reason given for why their
country has not benefited from EU membership is that national citizens have very little
influence on decisions made at the EU level. In eight countries, the highest (or joint highest)
ranked reason is that important issues are best dealt with at the national level.
In three countries (Malta, Germany and Austria), the reason that is ranked highest (or joint
highest) is that being a member of the EU undermines the control of their country’s external
borders.
In Italy, the reason given most frequently is that the national government has very little
influence on decisions made at EU level, while the joint most common reason in France is that
the EU decreases the standard of living of national citizens.
And then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (% - The most mentioned answer by country)
87
In the EU as a whole, the main reason why people think their country has not benefited from
EU membership is that national citizens have very little influence on decisions made at EU
level. At least half of respondents in Sweden (52%) and in Finland and the Netherlands (both
50%) mention this, but this applies to less than a quarter in Poland and Portugal (both 24%).
More than half of respondents in Sweden (55%) and the Netherlands (54%) say that important
issues are best dealt with at the national level, and this is also mentioned by large proportions
in Finland (49%), Denmark (44%) and Slovakia (40%).
Respondents in Cyprus (42%), Slovenia (38%) and Romania (37%) are the most likely to say
that the national government has very little influence on decisions made at EU level.
Respondents in Malta (40%), Germany (35%) and Austria (33%) are the most likely to say that
being a member of the EU undermines the control of their country’s external borders.
In addition, some other reasons are given by a high proportion of respondents in certain
countries. The view that their country’s economy could do better outside of the EU is held
by a relatively large proportion in Sweden (31%), while a third of respondents in Malta (32%)
say that being a member of the EU puts their country more at risk in terms of maintaining
peace and security. In Malta, one third (33%) say that the EU puts people’s jobs in danger.
And then?
88
At country level, there have been some changes since October-November 2022 in the
proportions mentioning various reasons for EU membership not beneficial for their country.
The proportion that say national citizens have very little influence on decisions made at EU
level has increased in five Member States, the highest being in Belgium (35%, +5 pp). It has
decreased in nine countries, with the largest decrease found in Spain (26%, -5 pp).
The proportion that say important issues are best dealt with at the national level has
increased in six countries. The largest increases are seen in Slovenia (30%, +9 pp), Romania
(33%, +7 pp) and Portugal (38%, +6 pp). Among the seven countries where there has been a
decrease, the largest can be seen in Czechia (38%, -5 pp).
Respondents are more likely to say that the national government has very little influence on
decisions made at EU level in Slovenia (38%, +8 pp), Cyprus (42%, +6 pp) and Ireland (29%, +6
pp), while the proportion has decreased most in Spain (22%, -6 pp).
There are some other large changes in individual items. The proportion that says being a
member of the EU undermines the control of their country’s external borders has increased
markedly in Malta (40%, +14 pp), Portugal (29%, +9 pp) and Slovenia (24%, +8 pp). Respondents
are now more likely to say that being a member of the EU puts their country more at risk
in terms of maintaining peace and security in Malta (32%, +13 pp), while this proportion has
decreased most in Luxembourg (10%, -6 pp).
In Czechia, there is a decrease in the proportion who say that their country’s economy could
do better outside of the EU (19%, -7 pp), while the proportion who say being a member of the
EU is bad for democracy in their country has decreased in Malta (6%, -8 pp).
Respondents in France are less likely to say that the EU decreases people’s standard of living
(25%, -9 pp), while this proportion has increased in Croatia (25% +8 pp). In Malta, there has
been an increase in the proportion saying the EU puts people’s jobs in danger (33%, +11pp).
89
And then? (%)
90
In the socio-demographic analysis, findings are very consistent across the different groups.
There are some differences by level of education: more highly educated respondents are
more likely to say that national citizens have very little influence on decisions made at EU
level (34% of those who left education at the age of 20 or above vs. 26% of those who left by
the age of 15) and that issues that are important for their country are best dealt with at the
national level (35% vs. 24%).
People that have difficulties paying bills most of the time are more likely to say that the EU
decreases people’s standard of living (26% vs 14% of those who never or rarely have difficulties).
Again, it is useful to compare the reasons why one’s country might not have benefited from
EU membership between those who believe that their country has benefited and those who
believe it hasn’t. Two reasons are much more likely to be given by respondents who think their
country has not benefited from EU membership: that the EU decreases people’s standard of
living (27% vs 13%) and that their country’s economy could do better if outside the EU (28%
vs 17%).
91
And then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (% - EU27)
92
2.3. Europeans’ views on EU enlargement

In view of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, just over half of citizens (53%, -5 percentage
points since April-May 2022) agree that the European Union should speed up its efforts to
let new countries join the EU. In fact, around one in six (15%, -1 pp) ‘totally agree’ with this.
However, four in ten (40%, +4 pp) disagree, with 15% (+3 pp) saying they ‘totally disagree’.
While support for speeding up enlargement of the EU has decreased slightly since April-May
2022, the majority continue to agree with this proposal.
QA22 Please tell to what extent you agree or disagree with this statement. In view of the
Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union should speed up its efforts to let
new countries join the EU. (EU27) (%)
Support for speeding up efforts to let new countries join the EU varies considerably between
Member States. More than two thirds in Lithuania (72%) and in Poland, Ireland, Spain and
Croatia (all 68%) agree that this process should be speeded up, while at the other end of
the scale 37% in Czechia, 40% in Slovakia and 41% in both Austria and Cyprus think the same
way. Overall, there are 19 countries where the majority agrees, and eight where the majority
disagrees.
93
new countries join the EU. Total ‘Agree’ (%)
new countries join the EU. (%)
94
In five Member States, agreement that the EU should speed up its efforts to let new countries
join the EU has increased since April-May 2022: Greece (55%, +5 pp), Bulgaria (45%, +5 pp),
Slovakia (40%, +4 pp), Luxembourg (53%, +4 pp) and Slovenia (47%, +3 pp).
Agreement has decreased in 17 countries, with decreases of at least ten percentage points
seen in Malta (48%, -16 pp), Poland (68%, -12 pp), Germany (43%, -10 pp), Cyprus (41%, -10 pp),
Czechia (37%, -10 pp) and Estonia (52%, -10 pp). Results have remained stable since April-May
2022 in the other five Member States.
Although majorities in most socio-demographic groups agree that the EU should speed up its
efforts to let new countries join the EU, support is strongest among younger and more highly
educated respondents.
new countries join the EU. (%)
Six in ten 15–24 year olds agree that the EU should speed up its efforts to let new countries
join the EU (60%), compared to 48% of those aged 55 and older. Agreement is also higher
among respondents who finished full-time education at the age of 20 or above (57%) than
those who finished by the age of 15 (43%).
The results for socio-professional groups show that students (61%) are the most likely to
agree, while house persons (40%) are the least likely to do so. Respondents who rarely or
never have difficulties paying bills are more likely to agree than those who have trouble paying
bills most of the time (55% vs 40%).
Respondents who think things in the EU are going in the right direction (72%) are more likely
to agree that the EU should speed up its efforts to let new countries join it than those who
think things are going in the wrong direction (42%).
The analysis also illustrates that respondents who think it is important their country belongs
to the EU are much more likely to agree than those who think membership is not important
(63% vs 21%).
95
new countries join the EU. (% - EU27)
96
THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT BEFORE
THE END OF THE
LEGISLATIVE TERM
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1
3. THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

BEFORE THE END OF THE LEGISLATIVE TERM
This chapter focuses on Europeans’ perception of the European Parliament. It starts by
examining whether citizens have read, seen or heard anything in the media about it, and
then assesses their overall image of the European Parliament, as well as their opinion on
the role it should play. It also assesses citizens’ opinions of democracy in the EU, as well as
the key values and priorities for the European Parliament to address. It starts by discussing
Europeans’ perceptions of whether their voice counts and also gauges satisfaction with
democracy in their country and in the EU. It then focuses on the values that citizens think
the European Parliament should defend, and then the topics that the European Parliament
should address as a priority.
Results show that the most important topics the European Parliament should prioritise,
according to EU citizens, remain constant over time: the fight against poverty and social
exclusion comes first, public health is second and in third place come climate change along
with support to the economy and the creation of new jobs.
Most Europeans would like the European Parliament to play a more important role, a
majority view in 21 Member States. This result is noteworthy in the context of the upcoming
European elections, which will take place across the EU between 6 and 9 June 2024.
Democracy is again the most cherished value and the one the EP should defend as a matter
of priority according to Europeans.
3.1. Perception of the European Parliament
Media visibility of the European Parliament
The results show that the majority of Europeans have read, seen or heard information about the
European Parliament recently. The image that respondents have of the European Parliament
is generally positive or neutral, and more than half want it to have a more important role. On
these issues, results have remained stable since March 2023.
EU citizens generally have a high level of awareness of the European Parliament. Standard
Eurobarometer surveys have shown that the European Parliament has consistently topped
the list of EU institutions in terms of awareness since 2006. The results of the last European
Commission Standard Eurobarometer survey conducted in June 2023 are no exception, with
around nine in ten saying they have heard of the European Parliament4.
98
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1 3. THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT BEFORE THE END OF THE
LEGISLATIVE TERM
QA10 Have you ever heard of...? (% - EU - YES)
Source: Standard Eurobarometer 99 spring 2023 for the European Commission
In the same line, this Parlemeter shows that a clear majority of citizens (64%, +2 percentage
points since March 2023) have recently read in the press, seen on the Internet or on
television, or heard on the radio something about the European Parliament. Conversely, just
over one third (36%, -2 pp) say they have not read, seen or heard anything about the European
Parliament. These figures have remained broadly stable compared to March 2023.
QA1 Have you recently read in the press, seen on the Internet or on television or heard
on the radio something about the European Parliament? (EU27) (%)
99
LEGISLATIVE TERM
In seven Member States, more than three quarters of respondents have recently read, seen or
heard something about the European Parliament, either from the Internet, television or radio:
Slovakia (83%), the Netherlands (82%), Luxembourg (80%), Sweden and Estonia (both 79%),
Lithuania (78%) and Finland (76%). This contrasts with 41% in France, 52% in Ireland and 54%
in Bulgaria who give this answer.
Compared to March 2023, there have been some large increases in the proportion of
respondents who have recently read, seen or heard something about the European Parliament.
The largest increases are observed in Portugal (73%, +20 pp), Slovakia (83%, +11 pp), Malta
(73%, +11 pp) and Romania (65%, +10 pp). At the same time, large declines can be seen in
Belgium (56%, -15 pp), Finland (76%, -9 pp) and Latvia (72%, -7 pp). Overall, an increase can
be observed in ten countries and a decrease in four, while the figure has remained stable or
unchanged in the remaining 13 countries.
on the radio something about the European Parliament? (% - Yes)
The socio-demographic results show that men are more likely than women to say they have
recently read, seen or heard something about the European Parliament, either from the
Internet, television or radio (68% vs 61%). This proportion increases with age, from 50% among
15-24 year olds to 68% among those aged 40 or over.
The longer respondents remained in full-time education, the more likely they are to say they
have recently read, seen or heard something about the European Parliament. This is the case
for 72% of those who finished education aged 20 or older, compared with 56% of those who
left aged 15 or younger. Managers (75%) and self-employed people (72%) are the most likely
to positively answer this question, especially when compared to house persons (46%). Higher
proportions of respondents who have read, seen or heard something about the European
Parliament can also be found among those who almost never or never have difficulties paying
their bills (68% vs 56% of those who have difficulties most of the time).
100
LEGISLATIVE TERM
Respondents who have a positive image of the EU are more likely than those who have a
negative image to say they have recently read, seen or heard something about the European
Parliament (74% vs 59%), and a similar gap can be seen between those who have a positive
image of the European Parliament and those who have a negative image (78% vs 61%).
Lastly, higher proportions of those who have recently read, seen or heard something about
the European Parliament can be found among those who voted in the last European elections
(74% vs 48% of those who did not vote).
on the radio something about the European Parliament? (% - EU27)
101
LEGISLATIVE TERM
Image of the European Parliament

Europeans are much more likely to have a positive than a negative image of the European
Parliament. More than one third (36%, -1 percentage point since March 2023) have a positive
image of the European Parliament, while less than one in five (18%, -1 pp) have a negative
image. The majority of respondents (44%, +1 pp) hold a neutral view of the institution.
These figures have remained broadly stable since March 2023. Observing the long-term trend,
the proportion who have a positive image of the European Parliament remains at a relatively
high level – and close to the record level achieved in April-May 2022 (39%).
QA3 In general, do you have a very positive, fairly positive, neutral, fairly negative or
very negative image of the European Parliament? (% - EU27)
In 25 Member States, respondents are more likely to have a positive image of the European
Parliament than to have a negative image. More than half of respondents hold a positive image
of the European Parliament in Portugal and Denmark (both 56%), Malta (52%) and in Ireland,
Luxembourg and Sweden (all 51%).
The two exceptions are Czechia, where attitudes are more likely to be negative than positive
(29% vs 22%) and France, where there is an equal split (both 23%). A negative image of the
European parliament is also relatively common among respondents in Austria (25%) and in
Belgium and Greece (both 21%).
While a majority of respondents have a positive image of the European Parliament in 11

countries, a neutral image is the prevailing view in 16 Member States. More than half of
respondents are neutral in Lithuania (57%), Slovenia (55%) and in Latvia and Finland (both
54%).
102
LEGISLATIVE TERM
very negative image of the European Parliament? (%)
Positive perceptions of the European Parliament have progressed in four countries since
March 2023, most notably in Slovakia (38%, +10 pp) and Greece (31%, +9 pp). The share of
respondents who have a positive image of the EP has declined in nine countries, with the
largest decreases seen in Ireland (51%, -13 pp), Lithuania (29%, -10 pp) and Latvia (28%, -10
pp). This proportion has remained stable or unchanged in the remaining 14 countries.
very negative image of the European Parliament? (%)
103
LEGISLATIVE TERM
The image of the European Parliament is more positive among younger respondents aged
15-24 (37% positive, 10% negative) than among those aged 55 or over (33% positive, 22%
negative).
Respondents with a higher education level are more likely to have a positive image of the
European Parliament. Those who finished education aged 20 or older are more likely to hold a
positive view than those who left aged 15 or younger (44% vs 25%). Managers (51%, compared
with 24% of both housepersons and unemployed respondents) are the most likely to have a
positive view, as are those who rarely or never have difficulties paying their bills (40% vs 24%
of those who have difficulties most of the time).
Respondents living in large towns are also more likely to have a positive image of the European
Parliament (44%, vs 31-35% of those living in rural villages or small/midsized towns).
Positive views of the European Parliament are much more widespread among those who have
a positive image of the EU in general (70% vs 3% of those who have a negative image), those
who follow EU politics (49% vs 21% of those who do not follow) and those voted in the last
European elections (44% vs 23% of those who did not vote).
104
LEGISLATIVE TERM
very negative image of the European Parliament? (% - EU27)
105
LEGISLATIVE TERM
Role of the European Parliament

An absolute majority (53%, -1 pp since March 2023) would personally like to see the
European Parliament play a more important role, while three in ten (30%, +1 pp) would prefer
this institution to play a less important role.
QA4 Would you personally like to see the European Parliament play a more important or
less important role? (% - EU27)
Following the decline observed between November-December 2020 and October-November

2022, the share of respondents who would like the European Parliament to play a more
important role has stabilised somewhat in the last year. Although this proportion is now far
from the peak reached at the end of 2020 (63%), it remains at a level that is still higher than
the one seen in most surveys before October 2019.
These findings dovetail with the European Commission’s Standard Eurobarometer results,
which reveal that the European Parliament has consistently topped the list of the institutions
most trusted by Europeans since 2006. For instance, the last Standard Eurobarometer survey
shows that the European Parliament is trusted by half of respondents (50%)5.
106
LEGISLATIVE TERM
QA11 And do you tend to trust or tend not to trust these European Institutions? (% -EU
- TEND TO TRUST)
Source: Standard Eurobarometer 99 spring 2023 for the European Commission
The desire for a more important role of the European Parliament is shared by the majority of
respondents in 21 countries, most markedly in Cyprus (86%), Greece (77%), Malta (73%) and
Spain (70%). In five countries, the majority would like to see the European Parliament play a
less important role: Czechia (58% ‘less important’ vs 28% ‘more important’), Estonia (39% vs
35%), Austria (39% vs 38%), Slovakia (42% vs 39%) and Bulgaria (42% vs 40%). Opinions are
divided in Denmark (29% vs 29%), where a particularly high proportion favour no change from
the current role of the European Parliament (35%).
QA4 Would you personally like to see the European Parliament play a more important
or less important role? (%)
107
LEGISLATIVE TERM
less important role? (% - More important)
Compared to March 2023, the share of respondents who would like to see the European
Parliament play a more important role has increased in seven countries. The largest increases
can be observed in Slovakia (39%, +11 pp), Greece (77%, +11 pp) and Slovenia (61%, +8 pp).
In six Member States, respondents are now less likely to say the European Parliament should
play a more important role. The largest decreases can be seen in Belgium (62%, -6 pp),
Portugal (61%, -5 pp) and the Netherlands (53%, -5 pp). The proportion has remained stable
or unchanged in the remaining 14 countries.
QA4 Would you personally like to see the European Parliament play a more important
or less important role? (%)
108
LEGISLATIVE TERM
As observed earlier in the report, 15-24 year-olds hold the most positive image of the European
Parliament. This age group also holds a positive view of the European Parliament’s role. While
the proportion that thinks it should play a more important role is similar to other age groups
(56% compared with 53% overall), 15-24 year olds are much less likely to think its role should
be less important (21% compared with 30% overall).
less important role? (% - EU27)
In the socio-demographic analysis, differences can be observed in terms of the respondents’

level of education, with those finishing full-time education aged 20 or older being more likely
to want the European Parliament to play a more prominent role than those who left aged 15
or younger (60% vs 50%).
Managers (62%) and students (60%) are the most likely to think the European Parliament should
play a more important role, especially when compared to house persons (45%). Respondents
who have difficulties paying their bills most of the time are the least likely to express a desire
for a more important role for the European Parliament (44% vs 53%-55% of those who have
difficulties less often).
Respondents living in large towns are more inclined than those living in rural villages to want
the European Parliament to have a more prominent role (58% vs 48%).
There is also a link between the desire to see the European Parliament play a more important
role and respondents’ image of the European Parliament, with those having a positive image
being much more likely to want the European Parliament to have a more prominent role (77%
vs 26% of those who have a negative image).
Lastly, those who voted in the last European elections are more likely to want the European
Parliament to play a more important role (59% vs 43% who did not vote).
109
LEGISLATIVE TERM
QA4 Would you personally like to see the European Parliament play a more important or less
important role? (% - EU27)
110
LEGISLATIVE TERM
3.2. Values for the European Parliament to defend and priority topics
While opinions are mixed as to whether Europeans’ own voice counts in the EU, the majority of
citizens think that their country’s voice counts in the EU, and on balance a majority is satisfied
with the way democracy works in the EU. Democracy continues to top the list of values that
the European Parliament should defend, while poverty and social exclusion and public health
are seen as the main priorities for the European Parliament to address.
The perceived significance of one’s voice in their country
The feeling that their voice counts in their country is shared by a majority of respondents
(61%, +2 pp since March 2023). Less than four in ten (36%, -2 pp) disagree that their voice
counts.
In 18 countries, the majority view is that citizens’ voice counts in their country, with respondents
in Sweden (94%), Denmark (92%) and Finland (88%) being particularly inclined to hold this
opinion. Conversely, respondents in Cyprus (28%), Lithuania (31%) and Greece (34%) are the
least likely to feel that their voice counts.
Since March 2023, the level of agreement that their voice counts in their country has increased
among respondents in six countries, most notably in Poland (76%, +13 pp), Slovakia (70%, +9
pp) and Spain (50%, +6 pp). Agreement levels have declined in eight countries. Malta (44%,
-10 pp) has seen the largest decrease in this proportion, while decreases of seven percentage
points are recorded in Estonia (36%) and Lithuania (31%).
D72.2 To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?
My voice counts in (OUR COUNTRY) (%)
111
Observing the results according to the respondents’ socio-demographic profile, it can be

noted that the youngest respondents are slightly less likely to feel that their voice counts in
their country (57% vs 60%-63% of those aged 25 or over).
Large differences can be found in levels of agreement according to education level and socio-
economic conditions. The longer respondents stayed in full-time education, the more likely
they are to agree that their voice counts in their country (70% of those who finished education
aged 20 or older vs 45% of those who left aged 15 or younger). Managers are the most likely
to agree (74%), while house persons and unemployed respondents are the least likely to do so
(both 43%). Respondents who never or rarely have difficulties paying their bills are more likely
to agree that their voice counts in their country (68% vs 37% of those who have difficulties
most of the time).
Respondents are also more likely to agree that their voice counts in their country if they voted
in the last national elections (67% vs 37% of those who did not vote).
My voice counts in (OUR COUNTRY) (% - EU27)
112
Satisfaction with democracy at the national level

More than half of citizens (53%, -3 pp since March 2023) are satisfied with the way democracy
works in their country, with 6% (-1 pp) saying they are ‘very satisfied’. More than four in ten
(45%, +3 pp) are not satisfied, including 13% (+2 pp) who are ‘not at all satisfied’. Overall, these
findings have become slightly more negative since March 2023.
SD18a On the whole, are you very satisfied, fairly satisfied, not very satisfied or not at all
satisfied with the way democracy works in (OUR COUNTRY)? (%)
Majorities in 19 countries are satisfied with the way democracy works in their country, with
those in Denmark and Luxembourg (both 87%), Finland (83%) and Ireland (82%) being the
most likely to be satisfied. Satisfaction levels are the lowest in Cyprus (35%), Greece (36%)
and in Bulgaria and Malta (both 40%). Overall, dissatisfaction is the majority view in eight
Member States.
The level of satisfaction with the way democracy works at national level has increased in seven
Member States since March 2023. The largest increases can be seen in Slovakia (42%, +11 pp),
Greece (36%, +7 pp) and Poland (60%, +7 pp). Satisfaction has declined in 16 countries, with
decreases of at least ten percentage points seen in Cyprus (35%, -15 pp), Estonia (47%, -12
pp), Latvia (54%, -11 pp) and Germany (57%, -10 pp).
113
satisfied with the way democracy works in (OUR COUNTRY)? (%)
In the socio-demographic analysis, respondents aged 55 or over are slightly less satisfied
with the way democracy works in their country (51% vs 54%-55% in the younger age groups).
Respondents who finished full-time education aged 20 or older are more likely to be satisfied
than those who finished aged 15 or younger (59% vs 43%).
Managers (65%) are the most likely to be satisfied with the way democracy works in their
country, particularly when compared with unemployed respondents (38%). Respondents who
never or rarely have difficulties paying their bills are more likely to be satisfied than those who
have difficulties most of the time (59% vs 32%).
Respondents who voted in the last national elections are more likely to be satisfied with
democracy in their country than those who did not vote (56% vs 42%).
114
satisfied with the way democracy works in (OUR COUNTRY)? (% - EU27)
115
The perceived significance of one’s voice in the EU

Opinions are divided on whether one’s voice counts in the EU, with 48% (+1 pp since March
2023) agreeing that their voice counts and 47% (-1 pp) disagreeing with this statement.
Findings are stable compared with March 2023.
Close to two thirds (64%, +1 pp since March 2023) feel that their country’s voice counts in the
EU, while 32% (no change) think this is not the case.
In 13 countries, a majority of respondents agree their voice counts in the EU, with more than
seven in ten in Denmark (80%), Sweden (79%) and the Netherlands (71%) who feel this is the
case. Conversely, less than one quarter in Estonia (17%), Cyprus (23%) and Latvia (24%) feel
their voice is heard at EU level.
Compared with March 2023, respondents in seven countries are more likely to agree that their
voice counts in the EU, with the largest increases seen in Poland (63%, +9 pp) and Slovakia
(50%, +8 pp). Agreement has decreased in four Member States, the largest being in Portugal
(46%, -7 pp). Results have been stable or unchanged in 16 countries.
A majority in 22 Member States think that their country’s voice counts in the EU, with
respondents in Sweden and Denmark (both 89%), the Netherlands (83%) and Luxembourg
(80%) most likely to agree. In five countries, respondents are more likely to disagree than
agree: Cyprus (65% disagree), Greece (59%), Czechia (51%), Italy and Hungary (both 49%).
My voice counts in the EU (%)
116
Compared with March 2023, increases in the level of agreement that their country’s voice
counts in the EU can be observed in seven countries, led by Slovakia (60%, +11 pp) and Slovenia
(57%, +7 pp). Declines are recorded in eight countries, especially in Hungary (48%, -9 pp).
My voice counts in the EU (%)
Observing the results according to the respondents’ socio-demographic profile, it can be

noted that younger respondents are more likely to agree that their country’s voice counts in
the EU (67% of both 15-24 and 25-39 year olds vs 61% of those aged 55 or over). However,
there is no clear pattern by age in terms of whether respondents’ own voice counts in the EU.
The longer respondents stayed in full-time education, the more likely they are to agree with
both statements. For instance, 57% of those who finished education aged 20 or older feel that
their voice counts in the EU, compared to 34% of those who left aged 15 or younger.
Managers are the most likely to agree with each statement, while house persons and
unemployed people are the least likely to do so. For instance, 79% of managers feel that their
country’s voice counts in the EU, compared to 46% of house persons and 50% of unemployed
respondents.
Respondents who never or rarely have difficulties paying their bills are more likely to agree
that their voice counts in the EU (54% vs 28% of those who have difficulties most of the time)
and that their country’s voice counts in the EU (70% vs 45%).
Those who follow European politics are more likely to agree with each statement. For instance,
73% of those who follow European politics feel their country’s voice counts in the EU, compared
to 53% of those who do not follow. Respondents who voted in the last European elections are
also more likely to agree with the statements. For example, 58% agree that their voice counts
in the EU, compared with 33% of those who did not vote.
117
My voice counts in the EU (% - EU27)
118
(OUR COUNTRY)’s voice counts in the EU (% - EU)
119
The state of democracy in the EU

The majority of Europeans are satisfied with the way democracy works in the EU.
More than half of respondents (53%, -1 pp since March 2023) are satisfied with the way
democracy works in the EU, including 4% (-1 pp) who are ‘very satisfied’. Around four in ten
(41%, no change) say they are not satisfied, with 11% (+1 pp) ‘not at all satisfied’.
SD18b And how about the way democracy works in the EU? (%)
In 23 countries, the majority are satisfied with the way democracy works at EU level, with the
highest proportions seen in Ireland (79%), Denmark (77%), Poland (73%) and Luxembourg
(70%). The four countries where only a minority are satisfied are France (41% ‘satisfied’ vs
47% ‘not satisfied’), Greece (42% vs 54%), Cyprus (44% vs 53%) and Germany (47% vs 50%).
Relatively high proportions who are ‘very satisfied’ with the way democracy works in the EU
are found in Ireland (17%) and Denmark (16%).
120
Satisfaction with the way democracy works in the EU has increased in eight countries compared
to March 2023. Slovakia (50%, +13 pp) stands out as having a large increase in the proportion
who are satisfied, followed by Greece (42%, +8 pp). This share of respondents has declined in
11 countries, most notably in Cyprus (44%, -12 pp), Latvia (59%, -12 pp) and Malta (53%, -8 pp).
SD18b And how about the way democracy works in the EU? (%)
In the socio-demographic analysis, respondents aged 15-24 are the most positive about the
way democracy works in the EU (58% satisfied and 32% not satisfied), while those aged 55 or
over are the least positive (47% satisfied, 45% not satisfied).
Respondents who finished full-time education aged 20 or older are more likely to be satisfied
than those who finished aged 15 or younger (60% vs 38%). Managers (66%) are the most likely
to be satisfied with the way democracy works at the EU level, particularly when compared to
unemployed respondents (39%) and house persons (40%).
Respondents who never or rarely have difficulties paying their bills are more likely to be
satisfied than those who have difficulties most of the time (58% vs 33%).
In addition, those who have a positive image of the EU are more likely than those who have
a negative image to be satisfied with the way democracy works in the EU (75% vs 16%). The
same holds true when it comes to the image of the European Parliament (79% vs 18%).
121
SD18b And how about the way democracy works in the EU? (% - EU27)
122
Values the European Parliament should defend in priority

As seen above, the majority of Europeans are satisfied with the way democracy works in the EU.
This is important, as democracy tops the list of values that the European Parliament should
defend as a matter of priority. As in previous surveys, democracy is the most frequently
mentioned value by citizens (38%, +1 pp since March 2023), followed by the protection of
human rights in the EU and worldwide (27%, -1 pp) and freedom of speech and thought (27%,
no change). One quarter of respondents think the European Parliament should prioritise the
rule of law (25%, +1 pp), while one in five mention equality between women and men (21%, no
change) and solidarity between EU Member States and between its regions (21%, no change).
All other values are cited by less than one in five respondents.
defend as a matter of priority? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (EU27) (%)
123
While results have remained stable since this question was last asked in March 2023, it is
interesting to look at evolutions since November 2021, as shown in the chart below.
QA5ab Values the European Parliament should defend: evolutions since November 2021
(%)
124
In 14 countries, democracy is the most mentioned (or joint most mentioned) value the
European Parliament should defend as a matter of priority. The protection of human rights is
first (or joint first) in eight countries.
In Portugal, solidarity between EU Member States and between its regions is the highest
ranked answer, and it is joint highest in Greece.
Freedom of movement tops the list of priorities in Bulgaria, while freedom of speech and
thought is the most mentioned value in Estonia and Slovakia.
Equality between women and men is the most frequently cited value in France, while the rule
of law ranks highest in Malta.
defend as a matter of priority? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (% - The
most mentioned answer by country)
Democracy is among the three most frequently mentioned values in 23 countries, with
proportions ranging from 56% in Germany and 54% in Sweden, to 20% in Croatia, 23% in
Slovakia and 25% in Bulgaria.
Similarly, the protection of human rights in the EU and worldwide ranks in the top three
values in 20 countries. This is most frequently mentioned by respondents in Sweden (49%),
Latvia (42%) and Denmark (39%). By contrast, 19% in Poland and 20% in Italy think this should
be a priority.
Freedom of speech and thought is among the top three values to defend in 14 countries.
More than a third mention this in Austria (36%) and Slovakia (34%), while less than a fifth do so
in Portugal (17%) and Bulgaria (19%).
125
The rule of law ranks among the top three in 12 countries. This value is most widely mentioned
in Germany and Malta (both 40%), while it is least likely to be cited in Italy and Portugal (both
14%).
In eight countries, solidarity between EU Member States and between its regions ranks
among the top three values. Proportions range from 38% in Greece and 34% in Portugal, to
14% in both France and Latvia.
Equality between women and men is considered one of the top three values in four countries,
and is mentioned most frequently by respondents in France (36%) and Spain (30%). This is
chosen least frequently in Czechia (9%).
The proportion who considers freedom of movement as a value the European Parliament
should defend as a matter of priority is especially high in Bulgaria (40%), while the respect
for national identities, cultures and traditions in the EU Member States is more likely to be
mentioned in Estonia (28%) than in other countries.
defend as a matter of priority? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (%)
126
Since March 2023, democracy has become more important as a value to defend for respondents
in seven countries, with the largest increases in Germany (56%, +5 pp) and Malta (38%, +5 pp).
Conversely, decreasing shares of respondents mention democracy in seven countries, most
notably Finland (42%, -7 pp) and Spain (33%, -6 pp). This figure has remained unchanged or
stable in 13 countries.
defend as a matter of priority? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (% -
Democracy)
The protection of human rights in the EU and worldwide has grown in importance in eight
countries since March 2023. The largest increases can be seen in Austria (29%, +6 pp), Greece
(35%, +6 pp) and Croatia (34%, +6 pp). By contrast, this value is now less widely mentioned
in seven countries, the largest decrease being in Cyprus (37%, -6 pp). This proportion has
remained unchanged or stable in 12 countries.
defend as a matter of priority? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (% - The
protection of human rights in the EU and worldwide)
127
LEGISLATIVE TERM
Equality between women and men has grown in importance in Spain since March 2023 (30%,
+3 pp), while this proportion has remained unchanged or stable in 17 countries. In the other
nine Member States, equality between women and men is less widely mentioned now than in
March 2023. The largest decreases can be observed in Cyprus (16%, -9 pp), Austria (20%, -9
pp) and Luxembourg (23%, -7 pp).
defend as a matter of priority? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (% - Equality
between women and men)
The socio-demographic analysis focuses on the top six values that citizens think the European
Parliament should defend as a matter of priority. Men are more likely than women to say
that the rule of law (28% vs 21%) and solidarity between Member States (24% vs 19%) should
be prioritised, while women are more likely than men to mention equality between men and
women (26% vs 15%).
The main differences by age are that older respondents are more likely to mention the rule
of law (27% of those aged 55 or over vs 18% of 15-24 year olds), democracy (40% vs 34%) and
solidarity between Member States (23% vs 16%).
Those who finished full-time education aged 20 or older are more likely to cite protection of
human rights in the EU and worldwide (30% vs 23% of those who left education by the age of
15). Out of the respondents who mentioned Democracy as a value the European Parliament
should defend, a higher percentage of them rarely or never have difficulties paying bills (41%),
compared with those who have difficulties more often (34%).
128
LEGISLATIVE TERM
defend as a matter of priority? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (% - EU27)
129
LEGISLATIVE TERM
Priorities for the European Parliament

Citizens think that the main priorities for the European Parliament to address are the fight
against poverty and social exclusion (36%, -2 percentage point since March 2023) and public
health (34%, +1 pp), action against climate change (29%, -2 pp) and support to the economy
and the creation of new jobs (29%, -2 pp). Democracy and the rule of law (28%, +2 pp) follows
closely. More than one in five think a priority should be the future of Europe (25%, no change),
the EU’s defence and security, including the protection of EU’s external borders (24%, +1 pp)
and the fight against terrorism and organised crime (22%, +2 pp).
European Parliament? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (EU27) (%)
130
LEGISLATIVE TERM
These findings have generally remained stable since March 2023, but there have been some
notable evolutions since November 2021. as presented below.
QA6ab Priority topics for the European Parliament: evolutions since November 2021 (%)
131
LEGISLATIVE TERM
The priority topics for the European Parliament to address vary across the EU. In nine countries,
respondents most want to see the fight against poverty and social exclusion prioritised. In
eight countries, public health is the highest (or joint highest) priority. Action against climate
change is the top (or joint top) priority in four countries, while in four Member States, the
priority is support to the economy and the creation of new jobs.
In Finland and Czechia, the EU’s defence and security is the top priority, while in Germany the
top priority is democracy and the rule of law.
European Parliament? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (% - The most
mentioned answer by country)
The fight against poverty and social exclusion is one of the three most mentioned topics in
22 countries, and across the EU proportions range from 59% in Greece, 56% in Portugal and
49% in Lithuania, to 23% in Poland and 26% in Czechia.
Public health ranks among the top three topics in 20 countries. It is mentioned most frequently
in Portugal (53%) and in Cyprus, Greece, Spain and Ireland (all 50%), but least frequently by
those in Germany (18%) and in Czechia, Finland, Sweden and Denmark (all 21%).
The proportion of respondents who mention action against climate change is highest in
Sweden (58%), Denmark (52%) and the Netherlands (50%) and lowest in Latvia (9%), Bulgaria
(11%) and Czechia (12%).
Support for the economy and the creation of new jobs is the priority topic for more than half
of respondents in Portugal (55%) and Greece (54%), compared with 13% in Sweden and 14% in
both Malta and the Netherlands.
132
LEGISLATIVE TERM
In Germany (43%), Finland (42%) and Sweden (41%), democracy and the rule of law is considered
a priority topic for the European Parliament. Respondents are least likely to choose this as a
priority in Portugal and Lithuania (both 13%).
The future of Europe is mentioned most frequently in Germany and Luxembourg (both 37%)
and Czechia (36%). At the other end of the scale, it is mentioned by 15% in Cyprus and 17% in
Greece.
The proportion of respondents who think a priority topic is the EU’s defence and security
ranges from 44% in Finland, 41% in Lithuania and 40% in Czechia, to 12% in Spain and 14% in
Ireland.
Respondents in Sweden (49%) are the most likely to mention the fight against terrorism and
organised crime, followed by those in Finland and Denmark (both 34%). Only 10% in Spain
consider this a priority.
The other topics are less frequently mentioned across the EU as a whole, but some are
chosen by a relatively high proportion in individual countries. The EU’s autonomy in the
fields of industry and energy is considered the joint second highest priority in Czechia
(36%). Respondents in Malta are the most likely to prioritise consumer rights (28%) and also
migration and asylum (32%). Those in Slovakia (33%) and Slovenia (27%) are the most likely
to prioritise agricultural policy, while a high proportion in Sweden mention gender equality,
inclusion and diversity (31%).
European Parliament? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (%)
133
LEGISLATIVE TERM
In five countries, respondents are more likely than they were in March 2023 to say the fight
against poverty and social exclusion is a topic they would like to see addressed in priority
by the European Parliament. This is particularly the case for those in Latvia (40%, +7 pp),
Romania (34%, +5 pp) and Austria (39%, +5 pp). This proportion has declined in ten countries,
the highest being in Slovenia (35%, -7 pp) and Cyprus (42%, -6 pp).
Compared to March 2023, public health is more likely to be selected as a topic to be addressed
in priority in 11 countries, most notably in Portugal (53%, +8 pp), Ireland (50%, +7 pp) and
Belgium (36%, +7 pp). Only in Finland (21%, -5 pp) has this share of respondents declined.
In three Member States, there has been an increase in the proportion mentioning action
against climate change: Romania (16%, +5 pp), Denmark (52%, +4 pp) and Greece (26%, +4
pp). The proportion has declined in seven countries, most notably Luxembourg (28%, -10 pp)
and France (35%, -8 pp).
There are three countries where respondents are now more likely to prioritise support to
the economy and the creation of new jobs: Portugal (55%, +6 pp), Czechia (30%, +4 pp) and
Estonia (43%, +3 pp). This proportion has declined in 12 Member States, with the largest
decreases seen in Malta (14%, -7 pp), Cyprus (43%, -6 pp) and Hungary (31%, -6 pp).
The proportion that mentions democracy and the rule of law (28%, +2 pp) has increased
in seven Member States, led by Luxembourg (26%, +10 pp) and Slovakia (26%, +6 pp). It has
declined in six countries, the highest being in Sweden (41%, -5 pp).
134
LEGISLATIVE TERM
European Parliament? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (%)
135
LEGISLATIVE TERM
Focusing on the results among the youngest respondents, it can be noted that the ranking
of the priorities to be addressed by the European Parliament is slightly different from that of
the general population. While the fight against poverty and social exclusion (36%, the same as
for the general population) still ranks highest, this is joined by action against climate change,
which is more likely to be mentioned by 15-24 year-olds than by the general population (36%
vs 29%). Three in ten of the youngest respondents cite public health (30%, compared to an
average of 34%), followed by support for the economy and the creation of new jobs (28% vs
29%) and the future of Europe (28% vs 25%).
The youngest respondents are less likely than average to mention the EU’s defence and
security (18% vs 24%) and agricultural policy (9% vs 13%), but are more likely to consider
gender equality, inclusion and diversity (20% vs 14%) as a priority for the European Parliament
to address.
European Parliament? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (% - EU27)
136
LEGISLATIVE TERM
The socio-demographic analysis focuses on the top eight priorities respondents would like to
see addressed by the European Parliament. It shows that women are more likely than men to
consider the fight against poverty and social exclusion (38% vs 34%) and public health (37%
vs 31%).
Older respondents are more likely to say public health (37% of those aged 55+ vs 30% of those
aged 15-24) and the fight against terrorism and organised crime (25% vs 19%) are priorities
that the European Parliament should address.
Differences can also be observed by level of education. Respondents who spent more time
in full-time education are more likely to mention action against climate change (35% of those
who finished education aged 20 or older vs 22% of those who finished aged 15 or younger)
and democracy and the rule of law (33% vs 22%). Conversely, respondents who left full-time
education aged 15 or younger are more inclined to consider the fight against poverty and
social exclusion (42% vs 36% of those who finished education aged 20 or older), public health
(46% vs 30%) and support to the economy and the creation of new jobs (34% vs 27%) as topics
the European Parliament should address in priority.
The more often respondents have difficulties paying their bills, the more likely they are to
think the European Parliament should address the fight against poverty and social exclusion
(46% of those who have difficulties most of the time vs 34% of those who rarely or never have
difficulties), public health (40% vs 33%) and support to the economy and the creation of new
jobs (34% vs 27%). The reverse holds true for action against climate change (32% of those who
rarely or never have difficulties vs 22% of those who have difficulties most of the time), the
future of Europe (27% vs 18%) and democracy and the rule of law (31% vs 22%).
Respondents who voted in the last European elections are more likely to think action against
climate change (31% vs 25% of those who did not vote), democracy and the rule of law (31%
vs 24%), the future of Europe (27% vs 22%) and the EU’s defence and security (26% vs 20%)
should be addressed by the European Parliament in priority.
Some of these topics are also more likely to be mentioned by those who have a positive image
of the European Parliament, as opposed to those who have a negative image: action against
climate change (37% vs 19%), democracy and the rule of law (32% vs 26%) and the future of
Europe (28% vs 20%).
137
LEGISLATIVE TERM
European Parliament? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (% - EU27)
138
COUNTDOWN TO THE
2024 EUROPEAN
ELECTIONS:
CITIZENS' VOTING
BEHAVIOUR
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1
4. COUNTDOWN TO THE 2024 EUROPEAN ELECTIONS:

CITIZENS’ VOTING BEHAVIOUR
This chapter looks ahead to the next European elections in June 2024, assessing citizens’
knowledge of when the elections will take place, and also their interest in the elections
and likelihood of voting. It then discusses citizens’ attitudes towards elections, particularly
European elections. It gauges the importance that citizens attach to voting in European
and national elections, their past voting behaviour and their views on the reasons leading
people to vote or not to vote.
Results show that voting indicators, such as interest in European elections or likelihood to
vote in the latter, are positive and higher than in autumn 2018, at the same time-period
before the 2019 European elections. Indeed, more citizens are interested in the 2024
European elections, or say they would vote in the elections now than in 2018. Likelihood
to vote is higher among those who follow EU politics and those who have seen, read or
heard something about the EP. These results support a major objective of the European
Parliament for the coming months: getting citizens to vote in June 2024.
4.1. Europeans Elections 2024
Overall, the majority of Europeans are interested in the next European elections, and
around two-thirds say they would be likely to vote if the elections were held next week.
Importantly, citizens appear to be more interested (+6 pp) , more likely to vote (+9 pp), and
more knowledgeable about the correct date of the next European elections (+5 pp) than in
September 2018, at a similar point in time before the last elections held in May 2019. These
indicators are slightly lower among the youngest respondents than among citizens in the EU
as a whole.
Knowledge of the date of the next European elections

Close to three in ten (28%) correctly state that the next European elections will be held in
June 2024, the same proportion as gave the correct answer in the survey conducted in March
20236. The proportion that correctly gives the year of the elections, but does not specify any
month or indicates the wrong month, has increased (+4 pp) and is now at 21%. Around one in
five (21%, -4 pp) give an incorrect answer by saying the elections will be held in 2023 (2%, -2
pp) or in 2025 (9%, -1 pp), or by giving another date (10%, -1 pp). Three in ten say they don’t
know (30%, no change).
6 Note that in the survey conducted in March 2023, a response of either May 2024 or June 2024 was counted as a
correct answer.
140
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1 4. COUNTDOWN TO THE 2024 EUROPEAN ELECTIONS:
CITIZENS’ VOTING BEHAVIOR
QA13 To your knowledge, when will the next European elections be held here in (OUR
COUNTRY)? (EU27) (%)
The level of knowledge of the date of the next European elections is somewhat higher now
than it was at a similar point in time before the last European elections in 2019. Some eight
months prior to those elections, in September 2018, 23% correctly identified the date of the
elections (May 2019) and 18% knew only that it would take place the following year7.
There is wide variation across countries in the level of knowledge of the timing of the next
European elections. In eight Member States, at least four in ten correctly identify June 2024
as the election date, with the highest proportions observed in Luxembourg (47%), Belgium
(46%), Italy (44%) and Hungary and Romania (both 43%). At the opposite end of the scale, 10%
in Spain, 14% in France, and 15% in both Finland and Sweden show correct knowledge of the
exact date (June 2024).
Finland (31%), Poland (28%), Slovakia (27%) and the Netherlands (26%) are the countries where
respondents are most likely to give an incorrect answer. More than half in Spain (62%) and
Portugal (57%) say they don’t know.
141
COUNTRY)? (%)
In six countries, the level of knowledge of the date of the next European elections has risen
since March 2023. This is especially the case in Luxembourg (47%, +21 pp) and Malta (40%,
+13 pp). Knowledge levels have decreased in ten countries, with the largest decreases seen
in Latvia (18%, -14 pp), Sweden (15%, -9 pp) and Cyprus (34%, -9 pp). The proportion giving a
correct answer has remained stable or unchanged in 11 Member States.
COUNTRY)? (%)
142
Knowledge of the date of the next European elections is slightly lower amongst the youngest
respondents than among citizens in the EU as a whole. Around one quarter (26%) of 15-24
year olds correctly specify June 2024 as the date of the next European elections (compared
with 28% overall), while 17% specify the correct year but not the month (compared with 21%
on average). Just under one quarter (23%) of 15-24 year olds give an incorrect answer (vs 21%
on average), while 34% don’t know (vs 30%).
COUNTRY)? (% - EU27)
The socio-demographic findings highlight that men are slightly more likely than women to
correctly identify the date of the next European elections (30% vs 26%).
Respondents who completed full-time education aged 16 or older are more likely than those
who finished at the age of 15 or younger to give the correct date (29-31% vs 19%). Managers
(35%) and other white collar workers (32%) are more likely to correctly answer the question
(compared with 17% of unemployed respondents), as are those who have difficulties paying
their bills from time to time or rarely/never (29% vs 18% of those who have difficulties most
of the time).
Levels of knowledge are also higher among those who have a positive image of the European
Parliament (37% vs 24% of those who have a neutral or negative image) and among those who
voted in the last European elections (35% vs 17% of those who did not vote).
143
COUNTRY)? (% - EU27)
144
Interest in the next European elections

A clear majority of respondents say they are interested in the next European elections
(57%, +6 pp since September 2018), including 15% (+2 pp) who say they are ‘very interested’.
Conversely, more than four in ten (43%, -4 pp) say they are not interested, with 14% (-4 pp)
saying they are ‘not at all interested’.
Comparing the results with those observed at an equivalent timeframe prior to the last
European elections, it can be noted that the proportion of respondents interested in the next
European elections is now 6 percentage points higher than it was in September 2018, when
51% said they were interested and 47% said they were not interested.
would you say you are in these elections? (EU27) (%)
In 19 Member States, the majority of respondents say they are interested in the next European
elections, with the highest proportions seen in the Netherlands (69%) and in Malta and Poland
(both 68%). Respondents in Czechia (28%) and Slovakia (31%) show the lowest levels of interest
in the next elections, followed by those in Latvia (38%) and Bulgaria (39%).
145
would you say you are in these elections? (%)
In 21 countries, respondents are more likely than they were in September 2018 to say they are
interested in the next European elections. The level of interest has increased by more than
ten percentage points in Poland (68%, +16 pp), Denmark (65%, +16 pp), Greece (58%, +14 pp)
and Croatia (57%, +11 pp). The proportion of those who are interested has decreased by three
percentage points in one EU Member State (Cyprus: 45%), while it has remained stable or
unchanged in the other five countries.
146
would you say you are in these elections? Total ‘Interested’ (%)
Interest in the next European elections is lower amongst the youngest respondents than
among citizens in the EU as a whole. Half (50%) of 15-24 year olds say they are interested
(compared with 57% overall), including 12% who are ‘very interested’ (vs 15%). Compared to
the results from September 2018 – eight months before the last 2019 European elections
– interest of the 15-24 has risen (from 46% to 50%). Almost half (48%) of 15-24 year olds
say they are not interested in the next European elections (compared with 43% on average),
including 17% who are ‘not at all interested’ (vs 14%).
147
would you say you are in these elections? (% - EU27)
In the socio-demographic analysis, men are more likely than women to say they are interested
in the next European elections (59% vs 54%). Interest is much higher among those who
finished full-time education aged 20 or older (66%) than those who ended education aged
15 or younger (43%). Managers (71%) show the highest level of interest, particularly when
compared to house persons (42%). Interest is also higher among those who have never or
rarely difficulties paying their bills (62% vs 39% of those who have difficulties most of the
time).
Respondents living in large towns are more inclined to show interest in the next European
elections than those living in rural villages or in smaller towns (64% vs 51%-55%).
Levels of interest are also higher among respondents who have a positive image of the
European Parliament (81% vs 36% of those with a negative image) and those who would like it
to play a more important role (71% vs 39% of those who would like its role to be less important).
148
would you say you are in these elections? (% - EU27)
149
Likelihood to vote in the next European elections

Around two thirds of respondents (68%, +1 pp since March 2023) say they would be likely
to vote in the next European elections if they were to be held next week (score of 7-10 on a
scale from 1 to 10), while 16% (-1 pp) say they would not be likely to vote (score of 1-4).
A similar question was included in the European Parliament’s Eurobarometer survey in

September 20188. On a scale from 1 to 10, respondents were asked how likely they were to
vote in the next European elections to be held in May 2019, with 59% saying they were likely
to do so (score of 7-10). Although the question was differently worded and the comparison
should be interpreted with caution, this might nonetheless indicate that citizens are currently
more inclined to participate in the 2024 European elections than they were at a similar point
in time before the 2019 elections.
QA21 If the next European elections were to be held next week, how likely would you be
to vote in these elections? Please use a scale from 1 to 10, where ‘1’ means “not at
all likely” and ‘10’ means “very likely” (EU27) (%)
Majorities in all countries say they would be likely to vote in European elections if they were
held next week, with proportions ranging from at least eight in ten in Denmark (86%), the
Netherlands (82%) and Sweden (80%), to around half in Czechia and Cyprus (both 50%) and in
Bulgaria and Estonia (both 51%).
150
all likely” and ‘10’ means “very likely” (% - Total ‘Likely’ (7-10))
The likelihood of voting in the next European elections has risen in five countries since March
2023, most notably in Romania (75%, +11 pp) and Poland (76%, +10 pp). The proportion who
say they would be likely to vote in the elections has decreased in nine Member States, with the
largest decreases seen in Cyprus (50%, -11 pp), Estonia (51%, -8 pp) and Ireland (67%, -7 pp).
This share of respondents has remained stable or unchanged in 13 countries.
all likely” and ‘10’ means “very likely” (% - Total ‘Likely’ (7-10))
Likelihood to vote (scores 7 to 10) has increased in the large majority of countries compared
to September 2018. Some notable increases can be found, for example, in Poland (+23 pp),
Romania (+20 pp), Slovakia (+20 pp). among others.
151
Likelihood to vote in 2018 and 2023 compared to actual turnout of 2019 European
elections (Scores 7-10 - %)
Focusing only on those who chose 10 (i.e. those who say they are very likely to vote), results
have increased significantly in several countries between September 2018 and now, such as
in Greece (+17 pp), Finland and Portugal (+15 pp in both countries). At the EU level, 38% of
respondents say they would very likely vote now against 31% at the same time in 2018 (score
10).
Likelihood to vote in 2018 and 2023 compared to actual turnout of 2019 European
elections (Score 10 - %)
152
Democracy is once again at the forefront, with likelihood to vote (scores 7-10) higher among
citizens who say democracy is the top value the EP should defend.
Democracy as a value to defend as a matter of priority - Likelihood to vote (7-10)
Respondents in the youngest age group are less likely than EU citizens overall to say they
would vote if the next European elections were to be held next week (56% compared with 68%
overall). Around one in five 15-24 year olds (21%) say they would not be likely to vote in these
elections (compared with 16% overall).
The likelihood of voting in the next European elections increases as the level of education and
socio-economic status of respondents increase.
Respondents who finished their full-time education aged 20 or older are more inclined to say
they would be likely to vote if European elections were held next week (78% vs 55% of those
who ended aged 15 or younger), as are managers (80% vs 53% of unemployed respondents)
and those who never or rarely have difficulties paying their bills (72% vs 51% of those who have
difficulties most of the time).
Respondents who follow European politics (80% vs 52% of those who do not) are more likely
to say they would vote if elections were held tomorrow, as are those who have a positive
image of the European Parliament (84% vs 52% of those who have a negative image).
153
QA21T If the next European elections were to be held next week, how likely would you be
all likely” and ‘10’ means “very likely” (%)
154
4.2. Voting behaviour

The importance of voting in the European elections has remained stable, as has the proportion
of citizens that say they always vote in elections. If respondents do not vote in elections, it is
usually for practical rather than ideological or political reasons.
Importance of voting in the European elections

The importance of voting in the European elections has slightly decreased in the current
survey compared to September 20189, at a similar period of time before the previous 2019
European Elections. Almost half of citizens (47%, -4 pp since September 2018) place high
importance on voting in the European elections. Close to four in ten (39%, +7 pp) think voting
in the European elections is of medium importance, while 13% (-3 pp) attach low importance
to these elections.
QA15a Please tell how important or not it is for you personally to vote in the European
elections? Please use a scale from 1 to 10, when 1 means that voting is something
that has no importance at all for you, and 10 means that voting is something you
consider essential or a key duty for you as a citizen. The remaining numbers indicate
something in between these two positions. (EU27) (%)
155
In 18 countries, a majority of respondents say that voting in the European elections is important
to them personally. The highest proportions can be observed in Denmark (73%), Sweden (65%)
and the Netherlands (60%).
In nine Member States, the majority places medium importance on voting in these elections,
most notably in Slovakia (50%), Czechia (48%) and Italy (47%).
There are four countries where more than one quarter of respondents place low importance
on voting in these elections: Czechia and Estonia (both 27%) and Bulgaria and Cyprus (both
26%).
something in between these two positions. Total ‘High importance’ (8 - 10) (%)
156
In eight countries, respondents are more likely than they were in September 2018 to place
high personal importance on voting in the European elections. The largest increases can be
observed in Greece (58%, +10 pp), Croatia (39%, +10 pp), Poland (51%, +9 pp) and Portugal
(43%, +9 pp). This proportion has decreased in 15 countries, most notably in Sweden (65%, -11
pp), Estonia (31%, -11 pp), Germany (53%, -10 pp) and Slovenia (36%, -9 pp). It has remained
stable or unchanged in the remaining four countries.
that has no importance at all for you, and 10 means that voting is something
you consider essential or a key duty for you as a citizen. The remaining numbers
indicate something in between these two positions. (% - Total ‘High importance’
(8 - 10))
157
The 2019 Post-Election Eurobarometer found that, although older citizens were the most
likely to vote in the last European elections, the increase in turnout between 2014 and 2019
was the strongest among young people aged under 25 (42%, +14 pp) – a factor which helped
achieve the highest overall turnout in European elections since 199410. It appears therefore
crucial to monitor attitudes to voting in this age group in order to grasp more comprehensively
trends in electoral and political participation across the EU.
More than four in ten of the respondents aged 15-24 (43%) say it is of high importance for
them personally to vote in the European elections, while 13% attach low importance to these
elections. Young respondents are therefore slightly less likely than average (47%) to attribute
high importance to voting in European elections.
something in between these two positions. (% - EU27)
10 The results of the European Parliament’s Post-Election Eurobarometer survey (EB 91.5) conducted in June 2019
are available at: https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/2312
158
The importance respondents attach to voting in European elections varies with their level of
education and socio-economic status. Respondents who finished full-time education aged
20 or older are more likely than those who left aged 15 or younger to attach high importance
to it (56% vs 38%).
Managers (59%) are the most likely to place high importance to voting in European elections,
especially when compared to unemployed respondents (35%) and house persons (36%).
Those who rarely or never have difficulties paying their bills are much more likely than those
who have difficulties most of the time to say voting in European elections is highly important
(53% vs 33%).
Those who have a positive image of the European Parliament are more likely to say voting
in the European elections is of high importance (67% vs 33% of those who have a negative
image), as are those who follow European politics (60% vs 32% of those who do not follow).
159
something in between these two positions. (% - EU27)
160
Importance of voting in national elections

Around two thirds of the respondents (68%) say it is highly important for them personally to
vote in national elections. Around one quarter (24%) attribute medium importance to voting in
these elections, while 7% say this is of low importance. These figures are very similar to those
recorded at an equivalent time before the last European elections in the Eurobarometer survey
conducted in September 2018, when the same proportion (68%) placed high importance on
voting.
QA15b And how important or not is it for you to vote in the national elections in (OUR
COUNTRY) ? (EU27) (%)
In all Member States, a majority of respondents place high personal importance on voting in
national elections, with proportions ranging from 93% in Sweden, 92% in Denmark, 88% in the
Netherlands and 87% in Finland, to 49% in Bulgaria, 50% in Croatia, 52% in Italy and 55% in
Belgium. Respondents are most likely to say they place low importance on voting in national
elections in Bulgaria and Latvia (both 15%), Cyprus (14%) and Belgium (13%).
COUNTRY) ? (% - Total ‘High importance (8-10))
161
Respondents are more likely to attach high importance to voting in national elections than they
are to European elections in all countries. However, the size of this gap varies considerably
across Member States. The largest can be found in Czechia (national 57%, EU 25%), Finland
(national 87%, EU 55%) and Slovakia (national 64%, EU 34%). The smallest differences can
be observed in Hungary (national 60%, EU 50%), Belgium (national 55%, EU 44%), Croatia
(national 50%, EU 39%) and Romania (national 61%, EU 50%).
COUNTRY) ? (% - Total ‘High importance (8-10))
In eight countries, respondents are more likely than they were in September 2018 to say voting
in national elections is of high importance for them personally. The largest increases are found
in Slovakia (64%, +14 pp), Greece (78%, +10 pp) and Finland (87%, +8 pp). This proportion
has declined in ten countries, most notably in Malta (69%, -10 pp), Estonia (60%, -10 pp) and
Bulgaria (49%, -9 pp). This figure has remained stable or unchanged in nine countries.
162
COUNTRY) ? (% - EU27)
More than six in ten of the youngest respondents (62%) attribute high personal importance
to voting in national elections and less than one in ten (8%) say voting in these elections is of
low importance. Once more, 15-24 year-olds are less likely than average (68%) to attach high
importance to voting.
In the socio-demographic analysis, respondents who finished full-time education aged 20

or older are more likely than those who left aged 15 or younger to attach high importance to
voting in national elections (78% vs 60%).
The proportion that place high importance on voting in national elections is higher among
managers (78%, compared with 55% of house persons and 56% of unemployed respondents)
and those who rarely or never have difficulties paying their bills (74% vs 54% of those who have
difficulties most of the time).
163
COUNTRY) ? (% - EU27)
164
Reasons for voting in the European elections

The most mentioned reasons why respondents say people vote in the European elections are
that they want to support a political party (37%, +1 pp since March 2023), because it is their
duty as citizens (36%, -2 pp) and because they usually vote in political elections (34%, -2 pp
since March 2023). Other reasons given by at least one in five are: wanting to change things by
voting in the European elections (27%, -2 pp), wanting to support a specific candidate (23%,
no change), wanting to express their discontent (21%, no change) and wanting to express their
support for the European Union (20%, -1 pp). Overall, these findings have remained stable
since March 2023.
QA16ab In your opinion, what are the reasons for which people vote in the European
elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (EU27) (%)
165
When aggregating the answers, we find out that more than seven in ten respondents said that
people vote in the European elections for civic reasons (71%)12, while a similar proportion cited
political reasons (70%). Less than four in ten have given European reasons (38%). National
reasons (27%), and informative reasons (21%) are less mentioned to explain why people vote
in the European elections.
elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (EU27) (%)
In 13 countries, the most (or joint most) mentioned reason leading people to vote in the
European elections is that they want to support a political party. In 11 countries, the top (or
joint top) ranked reason is that it is their duty as citizens.
Usually voting in political elections is the most common reason given by respondents in four
countries, while wanting to support a specific candidate is ranked the highest in three Member
States.
In the Netherlands, the reason that is most frequently given by respondents is that they want
to change things by voting in the European elections.
12 The subtotals correspond to the aggregation of the following answers: Civic reasons: It is their duty as citizens; They
want to change things by voting in the European elections; They usually vote in political elections. Political reasons: They
want to express their discontent; They want to avoid the electoral success of other political parties they dislike; They
want to support a political party; They want to support a specific candidate; There was another important election at the
same time. European reasons: They want to influence who becomes next President of the European Commission; They
want to express dissatisfaction with the European Union; They want to express their support for the European Union.
National reasons: They want to support the (NATIONALITY) government; They want to express dissatisfaction with the
(NATIONALITY) government. Informative reasons: Political and societal issues of their interest are raised during the
election campaign; The information they have received during the campaign has persuaded them to go to vote.
166
elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (% - The most mentioned answer
by country)
Wanting to support a political party is the top (or joint top) reason in 13 Member States as
to why respondents think people vote in European elections. Proportions mentioning this are
particularly high in Greece (63%), Malta (61%) and Cyprus (54%). This is selected by less than
three in ten in Latvia (21%) and in France and Luxembourg (both 29%).
In 11 countries, the top (or joint top) reasons for voting in European elections is that it is people’s
duty as citizens. More than half of respondents mention this in Lithuania (58%), Luxembourg
(52%) and Belgium and Denmark (both 51%). Respondents are least likely to select this reason
in Czechia (16%), Slovakia (22%) and Bulgaria (25%).
In four countries, usually voting in political elections ranks as the top reason. This is most
frequently mentioned by respondents in Sweden (49%), Finland (44%), Denmark (43%) and
Germany (41%). Those in Latvia (22%) and Belgium (25%) are the least likely to cite this as a
reason.
In the Netherlands (46%), the most frequent reason given for why people vote in European
elections is that they want to change things by doing so. This is also mentioned by 41% in
Sweden and 40% in both Finland and Latvia. This reason is least likely to be given in Poland
(19%) and Cyprus and Portugal (both 21%).
The highest proportions who mention wanting to support a specific candidate as a reason
leading people to vote in European elections are found in Malta (53%) and Cyprus (52%), while
this is given least frequently in the Netherlands and Spain (both 16%).
At least one quarter in the Netherlands (29%), France (28%) and Belgium (25%) give as a reason
for people to vote that they want to express their discontent, whereas 5% in Lithuania and 8%
in Malta mention this reason.
167
Respondents in Greece and Slovakia (both 27%) and Denmark (26%) are the most likely to say
people vote in the European elections because they want to express their support for the
European Union, while those in Cyprus (9%), Latvia (13%) and Lithuania (14%) are the least
likely to do so.
elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (%)
168
In 12 Member States, the proportion of respondents who say people vote in European elections
because they want to support a political party has increased since March 2023. The largest
increases can be observed in Portugal (43%, +9 pp), Sweden (51%, +6 pp) and Hungary (36%,
+6 pp). Decreases are seen only in four countries, the largest being in Latvia (21%, -8 pp).
The share of respondents who say people vote in the European elections because it is their
duty as citizens has increased in four countries since March 2023, most notably in Greece
(42%, +9 pp). This proportion has decreased in 11 countries, with the largest declines observed
in Latvia (43%, -8 pp), Cyprus (45%, -7 pp) and Portugal (34%, -7 pp).
In two countries, respondents are more likely than they were in March 2023 to say people
vote in the European elections because they usually vote in political elections: Malta (32%,
+5 pp) and Estonia (27%, +3 pp). This proportion has decreased in six countries, the largest
decreases being found in Spain (27%, -6 pp) and Lithuania (35%, -6 pp).
In two countries, there has been an increase in the proportion that say people vote because
they want to change things: Luxembourg (30%, +5 pp) and Slovenia (27%, +5 pp). This has
declined in nine countries, most notably Cyprus (21%, -13 pp) and Sweden (41%, -10 pp).
Ten countries show an increase in the share of respondents who mention wanting to support
a specific candidate as a reason leading people to vote, most markedly Croatia (36%, +7 pp)
and Denmark (30%, +7 pp). Declines are recorded only in Portugal (29%, -5 pp), Poland (26%,
-5 pp) and Belgium (22%, -3 pp).
The proportion of respondents who say people vote to express their support for the European
Union has increased slightly in Slovakia (27%, +3 pp), while it has declined in nine countries.
The largest decreases can be seen in Latvia (13%, -7 pp) and Lithuania (14%, -6 pp).
Respondents are currently more likely than they were in March 2023 to say people vote in
European elections to express their discontent in Germany (23%, +3 pp) and Cyprus (14, +3
pp). This proportion has declined in nine countries, with the highest decreases observed in
Latvia (10%, -7 pp) and Spain (15%, -6 pp).
169
elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (%)
The ranking of reasons for which people vote in European elections as expressed by
respondents aged 15-24 is similar to the general population. The same proportion (37%)
say that people vote because they want to support a political party, but 15-24 year olds are
slightly less likely to say it is because it is a duty as citizens (33% vs 36% overall) and because
people usually vote in political elections (28% vs 34%).
However, the youngest respondents are more likely than average to say people vote because
they want to change things (31% vs 27%), because of political and societal issues of their
interest that are raised during the election campaign (16% vs 13%) and because the information
they have received during the campaign has persuaded them to go to vote (14% vs 10%).
170
elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (% - EU27)
The socio-demographic analysis shows that men are slightly more likely than women to say
people vote in European elections because they want to support a political party (39% vs
36%). In addition to the findings for the youngest age group noted above, respondents aged
55 or over are more likely to say people vote they usually vote in political elections (37% vs
28% of 15-24 year olds).
The longer the respondents remained in full-time education, the more likely they are to say
people vote because they want to change things (30% of those who finished education aged
20 or older vs 24% of those who left aged 15 or younger) and because they want to express
their support for the European Union (23% vs 18%). However, those who left education by the
age of 15 are more likely to say it is to support the national government (21% vs 15% of those
who left education at the age of 20 or above).
Respondents who have the least difficulties paying their bills are more likely to say people
vote because it is their duty as citizens (38% vs 30% of those who have difficulties most of the
time) and because they want to express their support for the European Union (22% vs 15%).
By contrast, those who have difficulties most of the time are more inclined to say people vote
because they want to express their discontent (25% vs 19% of those who rarely or never have
difficulties).
171
elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (% - EU27)
Items mentioned by 17% of respondents or more
172
Reasons for not voting in the European elections

The most frequently mentioned reason by respondents for why people do not vote in the
European elections is the belief that their vote will not change anything (46%, -1 pp since
March 2023). More than one third say people do not vote because they are not interested in
politics in general (36%, -1 pp) or because they distrust the political system in general (35%,
-1 pp).
QA17ab In your opinion, what are the reasons for which some people do not vote in the
European elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (EU27) (%)
Other reasons given by around one fifth are: they usually don’t vote in political elections
(22%, no change), they are opposed to the European Union (22%, +3 pp), they feel like what’s
happening in the European Parliament doesn’t concern them (21%, -2 pp), they are not
convinced by any political party or candidate (21%, -1 pp), they believe that the European
Parliament does not deal sufficiently with problems that concern people like them (19%, no
change) and they don’t know very well what the role of the European Parliament is (19%, no
change).
173
Findings have generally remained stable since March 2023, although there has been a slight
increase in the proportion that says people do not vote because they are opposed to the
European Union (+3 pp).
European elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (EU27) (%)
When aggregating the answers, we find out that more than two thirds of respondents
answered that people do not vote in the European elections for political reasons (69%)11.
Close to six in ten mentioned civic reasons (59%), while just half gave European reasons (50%)
and a similar proportion mentioned informative reasons (49%). The proportion of respondents
giving practical reasons to explain why some people do not vote to European elections is
more limited (15%).
In 22 Member States, the belief that their vote will not change anything is the most (or joint
most) frequently mentioned reason why people do not vote in European elections. In five
countries, the most common reason given by respondents is that they are not interested in
politics in general, while distrust in the political system in general is the joint highest answer
in Italy.
11 The subtotals correspond to the aggregation of the following answers: Political reasons: They are not interested
in politics in general; They distrust the political system in general; They are not convinced by any political party or
candidate. Civic reasons: They believe their vote will not change anything; They usually don’t vote in political elections.
European reasons: They are opposed to the European Union; They believe that the European Parliament does not deal
sufficiently with problems that concern people like them; They feel like what’s happening in the European Parliament
doesn’t concern them. Informative reasons: They don’t know very well what the role of the European Parliament is; They
don’t know enough about the positioning of the different political parties on European affairs; They are not interested in
the topics discussed during the campaign; They are not aware of the elections; They don’t know where, or how, to vote.
Practical reasons: They lack time, they are too busy; They face some practical issues preventing them to vote (difficulty
to get to the polling stations, disability, health issues, etc.).
174
QA17ab In your opinion, what are the reasons for which some people do not vote in
the European elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (% - The most
mentioned answer by country)
In 22 Member States, the belief that their vote will not change anything is the first or joint
first most frequently mentioned reason given by respondents for people not voting in the
European elections. Proportions range from 61% in the Netherlands to 59% in each of Cyprus,
Finland and Sweden, with the lowest percentages observed in Poland at 30% and Hungary at
32%.
‘They are not interested in politics in general’ ranks as the top reason leading people not to
vote in five countries. The highest shares of respondents mentioning this are found in Lithuania
(55%), Belgium (48%), Slovenia (47%), Malta (46%) and Finland (45%). At the other end of the
scale, this reason is given by 30% of respondents in each of Austria, Bulgaria and Germany.
Distrust in the political system in general is the joint highest answer in Italy (39%), and is
most likely to be mentioned by respondents in Greece (54%) and Cyprus (51%). Less than one
quarter give this answer in Poland (21%) and Finland (24%).
Respondents in Denmark (43%), Sweden (39%) and the Netherlands (38%) are the most likely
to say people do not vote in European elections because they feel like what’s happening in
the European Parliament doesn’t concern them. Conversely, 13% in both Spain and Poland
cite this as a reason.
Greece (42%) is the country where respondents are most likely to say people do not vote
because they are not convinced by any political party or candidate, followed by Malta (36%),
Cyprus (31%) and Austria (30%). Respondents are least likely to mention this as a reason in
Denmark (10%) and in Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden (all 11%).
175
Not usually voting in political elections is most frequently mentioned in Poland (31%) and in
Czechia and Hungary (both 29%), while it is less widely cited in Malta (11%) and in Spain and
Belgium (both 13%).
The highest proportion of respondents saying that people do not vote because they are
opposed to the European Union is observed in Austria (42%), followed by Germany, Greece
and Czechia (all 29%). By contrast, less than one in ten mention this in Lithuania (8%) and
Latvia (9%).
More than three in ten in Sweden (34%), and Denmark and the Netherlands (both 32%) say
that a reason leading people not to vote is that they don’t know very well what the role of the
European Parliament is. This compares with 11% in Lithuania and 12% in Bulgaria who mention
this as a reason.
Finally, respondents in Greece (30%) and in Austria, Bulgaria, Germany and Malta (in all 24%)
mention the fact that people believe that the European Parliament does not deal sufficiently
with problems that concern people like them. Those in Spain (11%), Portugal (12%) and Ireland
(13%) are the least likely to cite this as a reason not to vote.
European elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (%)
176
In six countries, respondents are more likely than they were in March 2023 to say that
people do not vote in European elections because they believe their vote will not change
anything. This is especially the case in Latvia (58%, +8 pp) and Portugal (39%, +5 pp). This
share of respondents has decreased in nine countries, most notably Hungary (32%, -7 pp), the
Netherlands (61%, -6 pp) and Slovakia (43%, -6 pp), while it has remained stable or unchanged
in 12 countries.
The share of respondents who say people do not vote because they are not interested in
politics in general has increased in four countries since March 2023, most notably in Belgium
(48%, +6 pp). This proportion has decreased in four countries, with the largest decreases
seen in Bulgaria and Germany (both 30%, -5 pp). This has remained stable or unchanged in 19
countries.
Increases in the proportions of respondents who say people do not vote in European elections
because they distrust the political system in general are recorded only in Austria (41%, +6 pp)
and Ireland (33%, +3 pp). This share of respondents has decreased in seven countries, with the
largest decreases seen in Greece (54%, -10 pp) and Cyprus (51%, -7 pp). This has remained
stable or unchanged in 18 countries.
177
European elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (%)
178
In the socio-demographic analysis, results are very consistent across age groups and between
men and women, although some minor differences can be seen in relation to education level
and financial position.
Respondents who remained in full-time education until the age of 20 or above are more likely
than those who left by the age of 15 to say that people don’t vote because they don’t know
very well what the role of the European Parliament is (21% vs 15%). A similar relation can be
seen for feeling like what’s happening in the European Parliament doesn’t concern them as
a reason people do not vote – 17% of people who remained in education until the age of 20
mention it compared to 12% of those that finished education by the age of 15. However, those
who left education by the age of 15 are more likely to say that people don’t vote because they
distrust the political system in general (39% vs 33% of those who left education aged 20 or
above).
People who have difficulties paying bills most of the time are more likely than those who rarely
or never have difficulties to say that people don’t vote because they distrust the political
system in general (38% vs 33%).
179
European elections? Firstly? And then? (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (% - EU27)
Items mentioned by 19% of respondents or more
180
Frequency of voting in local/regional, national and European elections

When describing their voting behaviour in recent years at local, regional, national or European
level, half of the respondents (50%, no change since March 2023) say they always vote. Close
to four in ten (38%, no change) say they often vote, either ‘most of the time’ (26%, +1 pp) or
‘from time to time’ (12%, -1 pp), while around one in ten (11%, no change) say they vote less
often - either ‘rarely’ (6%, no change) or ‘never’ (5%, no change).
QA18 Let’s now talk about your personal voting behaviour. Which of the following best
describes your voting behaviour in recent years, whether at the local or regional,
national or European level? (EU27) (%)
Respondents in Denmark and Sweden (both 81%) and the Netherlands (74%) are the most
likely to say they always vote in elections whether at local or regional, national or European
level. This proportion is lowest in Croatia and Bulgaria (both 22%) and Czechia (31%). The
shares of respondents who rarely or never vote are the highest in Bulgaria (22%), Croatia (21%)
and in Cyprus and Latvia (both 19%), while they are the lowest in Denmark (1%), Sweden (2%)
and the Netherlands (4%).
181
national or European level? (%)
Since March 2023, the proportion of respondents that say they always vote in elections (at
local or regional, national or European level) has increased in five Member States. The largest
increases can be observed in Latvia (49%, +9 pp), Poland (44%, +9 pp), Spain (60%, +8 pp) and
Slovakia (38%, +8 pp). Respondents are less likely to say they always vote in 12 countries, most
notably Cyprus (41%, -15 pp), Portugal (37%, -9 pp) and Estonia (37%, -8 pp). Results have
remained stable or unchanged in the other ten Member States.
In addition, the proportion that says they rarely or never vote has increased substantially in
Cyprus (19%, +8 pp), Lithuania (15%, +6 pp) and Bulgaria (22%, +6 pp).
182
national or European level? (%)
Respondents in the youngest age group are less likely to vote regularly, compared with the
EU population as a whole. Just over a third of 15-24 year olds (36%) say they always vote, lower
than the overall figure for the general population of 50%. Around a third of 15-24 year olds say
they often vote (34%, compared with 38% on average for the EU population as a whole) and
17% say they rarely or never vote (compared with 11% on average for the EU population as a
whole).
It is important to note that 13% of those in the 15-24 age group say they are too young to have
voted before.
183
national or European level? (% - EU27)
The proportion who always vote in elections rises with age, from 36 among 15-24 year olds to
57% among those aged 55 or over. Education levels also play a role when it comes to voting
behaviour. Those who finished full-time education aged 20 or older are more likely to say they
always vote than those who finished aged 19 or younger (60% vs 44%-47%).
Managers and retired people (both 59%) are the most likely to say they always vote,
particularly when compared with house persons (39%). There is also a difference in terms of
the respondents’ financial conditions, with those who rarely or never have difficulties paying
their bills being more likely than those who have difficulties more often to say they always
vote (58% vs 36%-38%).
Respondents who hold a positive image of the European Parliament are more likely to say they
always vote (63% compared with 43% of those with a neutral image and 44% with a negative
image).
184
national or European level? (% - EU27)
185
Voting recall in the 2019 European elections and in the last national elections
European elections 2019

Around six in ten respondents (61%, +1 pp since March 2023) say they voted in the last
European elections in May 2019, while 35% (-1 pp) say they did not vote and 4% don’t know.
It should be noted that this proportion is higher than the actual turnout in the last European
elections (50.6%), which signals that a number of non-voters (including a share of those who
were not of voting age) reported in this survey that they had voted.
SD24.1 For one reason or another, some people in (OUR COUNTRY) did not vote in the
recent elections. Did you yourself vote in the last ... European elections, in May
2019? (EU27) (%)
In 20 member states, more than half of respondents say they voted in the last European
elections. The highest shares of respondents are seen in Denmark (78%), Belgium and Malta
(both 74%) and Greece (73%). In contrast, less than half say they voted in Czechia (44%),
Bulgaria, Slovenia and Estonia (all 48%) and in Cyprus and France (both 49%).
186
recent elections. Did you yourself vote in the last... European elections, in May
2019? (%)
National Elections
Voting recall is higher when it comes to national elections. Close to eight in ten (77%, -2 pp
since March 2023) say they voted in the last national elections, while around one fifth (21%, +2
pp) say they did not vote and 2% don’t know.
recent elections. Did you yourself vote in the last... National elections? (EU27) (%)
187
Majorities in all Member States say they voted in the last national elections, with the highest
proportions recorded in Sweden (93%), Denmark (91%) and the Netherlands (89%).
Voting recall in national elections is lowest in Luxembourg (61%), Croatia (65%) and Bulgaria
(67%).
recent elections. Did you yourself vote in the last... National elections? (%)
188
Local Elections
Around three quarters of respondents (74%, no change since March 2023) say they voted in
the last local elections, while around one quarter (24%, no change) say they did not vote and
2% don’t know.
recent elections. Did you yourself vote in the last... Local elections? (EU27) (%)
More than six in ten respondents in every Member States say they voted in the last local
elections, with the highest proportions seen in Sweden (91%), Denmark (88%), the Netherlands
(83%) and Greece (81%). Respondents in France (62%) and Cyprus and Czechia (both 65%) are
the least likely to say they voted in the last local elections.
189
recent elections. Did you yourself vote in the last... Local elections? (%)
The socio-demographic analysis shows that voting recall is highest among respondents aged
55 or over (70% for EU elections, 85% for national elections and 83% for local elections). The
proportions are lowest among 15-24 year olds (21% EU, 45% national, 37% local), although
some respondents in this age group will have been too young to vote when these elections
were held.
The level of education also plays a role in the level of voting recall, with those who finished
education aged 20 or older being more likely to say they voted in each of these elections (73%
EU, 87% national, 82% local) compared with those who finished aged 15 or younger (58% EU,
75% national, 75% local).
Managers (78% EU, 89% national, 83% local) are the most likely to say they voted, particularly
when compared to unemployed respondents (44% EU, 65% national, 61% local). The more the
respondents have financial difficulties, the less likely they are to say they voted. For instance,
66% of those who rarely or never have difficulties paying their bills say they voted in last
European elections, compared to 47% of those who have difficulties most of the time.
Respondents who have a positive image of the European Parliament are more likely to say
they voted in the last European elections (75%) than those who have a neutral or negative
image (both 54%).
190
recent elections. Did you yourself vote in the last... European elections, in May
2019? (% - EU27)
191
recent elections. Did you yourself vote in the last... National elections? (% - EU27)
192
recent elections. Did you yourself vote in the last... Local elections? (% - EU27)
193
Main reasons for not participating in elections or referendums

The respondents who said they often, rarely or never vote in European, national or local elections
were asked the main reasons for not participating in an election or a referendum in the past five
years. The majority of these respondents (57%, +1 pp since March 2023) say they didn’t vote
for practical or personal reasons, while close to three in ten (28%, no change) cite ideological
or political reasons. Around one in ten (9%, -1 pp) spontaneously say neither of the two reasons
apply to their case or that they have always voted in the past five years. These figures have
remained stable since March 2023.
QA19 If you did not participate in an election or a referendum in the past five years, what
was the main reason? (EU27) (%)
In all but one country, the majority say they did not participate in an election or a referendum in
the past five years because of practical or personal reasons. This proportion ranges from more
than two-thirds in the Netherlands (75%), Slovenia (71%) and in Ireland and Poland (both 68%),
to less than half in Malta (40%), Finland (46%), Portugal (47%) and France (48%). Malta is the
only country where this reason is given by a minority, and where a majority say instead that the
reasons were mainly ideological or political (45%).
Following Malta, at least three in ten say the reasons for not participating were ideological or
political in France (42%) and in Germany, Portugal and Cyprus (all 30%). The lowest proportions
citing this as a reason are seen in Slovakia (11%), Finland (13%) and the Netherlands (16%).
194
In eight countries, the proportion of respondents who did not participate in elections or
referendums in the last five years for practical or personal reasons has increased since March
2023. This is especially the case in Greece (61%, +9 pp), Malta (40%, +7 pp), Germany (53%, +7
pp), Cyprus (57%, +7 pp) and Slovakia (62%, +7 pp). By contrast this share has decreased in nine
countries, most notably in Estonia (50%, -10 pp), Sweden (53%, -9 pp) and France (48%, -7 pp).
was the main reason? (% - You didn’t vote for practical or personal reasons)
Respondents in eight countries are more likely than they were in March 2023 to mention
ideological or political reasons for not voting. The largest increases can be seen in Portugal
(30%, +10 pp), Estonia (22%, +8 pp) and France (42%, +6 pp). This proportion has declined in
eight countries, especially in Luxembourg (27%, -7 pp) and Romania (21%, -6 pp).
was the main reason? (% - You didn’t vote for ideological or political reasons)
195
The socio-demographic analysis shows that the most common reasons in all groups for not
participating in an election or a referendum in the past five years are practical or personal,
rather than ideological or political.
Men are more likely than women to say they didn’t vote because of ideological or political
reasons (30% vs 26%), while the youngest respondents are the least likely to do so (21% vs
28%-31% of those aged 25 or over), but the most likely to mention practical or personal
reasons (65% vs 55%-57%). Unemployed people (38%) and those who have difficulties paying
their bills most of the time (37%) are the most likely to say they didn’t vote for ideological or
political reasons.
Respondents are also more likely to cite ideological or political reasons if they have a negative
image of the EU (40% vs 21% of those who have a positive image) or a negative image of the
European Parliament (39% vs 24% of those who have a positive image).
196
was the main reason? (% - EU27)
197
Practical reasons preventing voting

When asked in more detail about practical reasons for not voting in an election or referendum,
the most common answers these respondents give is that they were on holiday or away from
home (20%, +1 pp since March 2023), that they were sick or had a health problem (16%, no
change) or that they were too busy or had to work (15%, -1 pp). Other reasons mentioned by
at least one in ten are being involved in a family or leisure activity (13%, +1 pp) and forgetting
to vote (10%, -1 pp).
QA20 Which of the following reasons have ever prevented you from voting in an election
or a referendum at local, national or European level? (MULTIPLE ANSWERS
POSSIBLE) (EU27) (%)
In ten countries, the most common (or joint most common) practical reason mentioned by
respondents for not voting in an election or referendum is being on holiday or away from
home. Being too busy or having to work at the time is the top (or joint top) reason in a further
ten countries. In five countries, the most frequently mentioned reason is that they were sick
or had a health problem. In three countries, the most common (or joint most common) reason
is that respondents forgot to vote.
In Romania, respondents are most likely to say that they could not get to the polling station
because of an unexpected problem. In Sweden, the joint highest answer is that respondents
didn’t know that there was an election, while in Luxembourg the joint most common reason
relates to problems with registration or voting cards.
198
or a referendum at local, national or European level? (% - The most mentioned
answer by country)
Respondents are most likely to say they did not vote in an election or referendum in the past
five years because they were on holiday or away from home in Austria (29%), Slovenia (28%)
and Czechia (25%). The lowest shares of respondents mentioning this practical reason are
found in Sweden (9%) and Spain, Portugal and Romania (all 12%).
Being sick or having had a health problem at the time of elections is most frequently
mentioned in Czechia (30%), Austria (27%) and Greece (26%). By contrast, 4% in Malta and 7%
in both France and Sweden cite this reason.
The Netherlands (30%) is the country with the highest proportion who say they were too busy
or had to work, followed by Ireland and Hungary (both 26%). Respondents are least likely to
mention this in France (9%), Malta (10%) and Portugal (11%).
One in five in Austria and Hungary (both 20%) mention being involved in a family or leisure
activity as a reason not to vote. This compares with less than one in twenty who cite this as a
reason in the Netherlands, Denmark and Malta (all 4%).
Forgetting to vote is most common in Finland (26%), the Netherlands (21%) and Denmark
(19%), while it is least common in Malta (1%), Greece (2%) and Portugal (3%).
199
POSSIBLE) (%)
In six Member States, respondents are now more likely than in March 2023 to say that they did
not vote because they were on holiday or away from home. This proportion has increased the
most in Malta (14%, +9 pp) and Cyprus (20%, +6 pp). This reason has become less prevalent
in five countries, with the largest decreases seen in Romania (12%, -7 pp) and Czechia (25%,
-5 pp).
Only in Slovakia has there been an increase since March 2023 in the proportion that did not
vote because they were sick or had a health problem (24%, +3 pp), while this proportion has
decreased in nine countries, most notably Belgium (15%, -11pp) and Lithuania (15%, -8 pp).
There has been an increase in the proportion that say they were too busy or had to work in
eight Member States, led by Cyprus (22%, +8 pp), Ireland (26%, +6 pp) and Hungary (26%, +6
pp). This reason has become less common in eight countries, with the largest decreases seen
in Belgium (14%, -8 pp), France (9%, -7 pp), the Netherlands (30%, -7 pp) and Spain (12%, -7
pp).
In six countries, respondents are more likely than in March 2023 to say they were involved in
a family or leisure activity, with the largest increases seen in Greece (13%, +9 pp) and Croatia
(17%, +5 pp). Of the five countries where this proportion has decreased, the largest can be
observed in Belgium (10%, -7 pp).
Respondents are more likely to say they forgot to vote in Denmark (19%, +8 pp) and Ireland
(15%, +4 pp), while this reason has become less common in four countries, especially
Luxembourg (12%, -6 pp).
200
POSSIBLE) (%)
The practical reasons for not voting in an election or a referendum at local, national or European
level are slightly different for the youngest age group, compared with EU citizens overall. The
most common reason given by 15-24 year olds is that they were on holiday or away from home
(18%), as is the case for the population overall (20%).
However, 15-24 year olds are far less likely to say that they were sick or had a health problem
at the time (8% vs 16% on average), and are also less likely to say they were involved in a family
or leisure activity (10% vs 13%). In contrast, they are more likely to say that they didn’t know
there was an election (10% vs 6%) and that they had registration or voting card problems (8%
vs 5%).
201
POSSIBLE) (% - EU27)
In the socio-demographic analysis, women are more likely than men to say that they were
sick or had a health problem as a reason they did not vote (18% vs 13%). Older respondents
are also more likely to mention this as a reason (23% of those aged 55 or over vs 8%-14% of
those aged 15-54).
There are also differences in terms of education levels, with respondents who finished full-
time education aged 20 or older being more likely than those who left by the age of 15 to
mention being on holiday or away from home (25% vs 12%), being too busy or having to
work (16% vs 10%) and being involved in a family or leisure activity (15% vs 9%). Conversely,
respondents who finished education aged 15 or younger are more likely to say they were sick
or had a health problem (22% vs 12%).
Those who rarely or never have difficulties paying their bills are more likely to say they were
on holiday or away from home (22%), compared with those who have difficulties most of the
time (14%).
202
203
204
CONCLUSION
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1
CONCLUSION
The present Parlemeter 2023 survey shows that most Europeans still feel the impacts of the
different crises on their daily lives, especially in financial terms. Most say their living standards
are falling or expect them to fall over the next year. However, the picture has become slightly
more positive since March 2023 and a large proportion are optimistic about the future of the
EU despite the current difficult context.
Opinions of the EU and the European Parliament remain stable and at high levels. Clear
majorities of respondents see EU membership as a good thing, as important and as a benefit
to their country. The EU’s contribution to peace and security and improved cooperation
between Member States are seen as the main benefits of EU membership. A large share of
Europeans says that EU actions have an impact on their daily lives.
The European Parliament continues to project a positive image and most Europeans share a
desire for this institution to play a more prominent role. On these issues results have remained
stable since March 2023. In comparison with September 2018, less than a year before the 2019
European elections, most indicators (in particular image of the EU, of the EP, and role people
expect the EP to play) now stand at higher levels. In addition, while support for speeding
up enlargement of the EU has decreased slightly, the majority continue to agree with this
statement.
The survey shows the continuing importance of democratic values in the EU. Democracy
continues to top the list of values that the European Parliament should defend. In a troubled
international context, EU citizens cherish democracy, and continue to ask for more. It is also
clear that the EU plays an important part in people’s lives. The majority say they follow EU
politics and discuss it with friends or relatives at least occasionally. Furthermore, the vast
majority are conscious of the impact the EU’s actions have on their daily lives.
The 2024 European elections are approaching, and the survey sheds light on Europeans’
thoughts about the elections. Overall, the majority of Europeans are interested in the next
European elections, and around two-thirds say they would be likely to vote if the elections
were held next week. Importantly, citizens appear to be more interested in the European
elections than they were at a similar point in time before the last elections in 2019, and they
are also more knowledgeable about the election date. An increased proportion of Europeans
is now stating that they would likely vote if European elections were held in a week’s time
compared to September 2018. These results support a major objective of the European
Parliament for the coming months: getting citizens to vote in June 2024.
206
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Between 29 September and 19 October 2023, Verian (formerly Kantar Public) carried out the
wave 100.1 of the Eurobarometer survey. Wave 100.1 covers the population of the respective
nationalities of the European Union Member States, resident in each of the 27 Member States
and aged 15 years and over.
The basic sample design applied in all countries is a stratified multi-stage, random (probability)
one. In each country, the sample frame is first stratified by NUTS regions and within each
region by a measure of urbanity (DEGURBA). The number of sample points selected in each
strata reflects the stratum population 15+. At the second stage sampling points were drawn
with probability proportional to their 0+ population size from within each stratum. The samples
thus represent the whole territory of the countries surveyed according to the EUROSTAT
NUTS II (or equivalent) and according to the distribution of the resident population of the
respective nationalities in terms of metropolitan, urban and rural areas1.
In each of the selected sampling points, a starting coordinate was drawn at random and a
reverse geo-coding tool used to identify the closest address to the coordinate. This address
was the starting address for the random walk. Further addresses (every Nth address) were
selected by standard “random route” procedures, from the initial address. In each household,
the respondent was drawn, at random. The approach to the random selection was conditional
on the household size. By way of example for households with two 15+ members the script
was used to select either the informant (person responding to the screener questionnaire)
or the other eligible member in the household. For households with three 15+ members
the script was used to select either the informant (1/3 of the time) or the two other eligible
members in the household (2/3 of the time). Where the two other members were selected, the
interviewer was then told to either ask for the youngest or oldest. The script would randomly
assign the selection to youngest or oldest with equal probability. This process continues for
four 15+ household members – randomly asking for the youngest, 2nd youngest and oldest.
For households with five 15+ members we revert to the last birthday rule.
If no contact was made with anyone in the household, or if the respondent selected was not
available (busy), the interviewer revisited the same household up to three additional times
(four contact attempts in total). Interviewers never indicate that the survey is conducted on
behalf of the European Commission beforehand; they may give this information once the
survey is completed, upon request.
208
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1
The recruitment phase was slightly different in the Netherlands, Finland, and Sweden. In the
two latter countries, a sample of addresses within each sampling point were selected from
the address or population register (in Finland, selection is not done in all sample points, but in
some where response rates are expected to improve). The selection of addresses was done in
a random manner. Households were then contacted by telephone and recruited to take part
in the survey. In the Netherlands, a dual frame RDD sample (mobile and landline numbers) are
used as there is no comprehensive population register with telephone numbers available. The
selection of numbers on both frames is done in a random manner with each number getting
an equal probability of selection. Unlike Sweden and Finland, the sample is un-clustered.
209
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1
Interviewing mode per country

Interviews were conducted through face-to-
face interviews, either physically in people’s
homes or through remote video interaction in the
appropriate national language. Interviews with
remote video interaction (“online face-to-face”
or CAVI, Computer Assisted Video Interviewing,
were conducted only in Czechia, Denmark, Malta
and Finland.)
Response rates
For each country a comparison between the
responding sample and the universe (i.e. the
overall population in the country) is carried out.
Weights are used to match the responding sample
to the universe on gender by age, region and
degree of urbanisation. For European estimates
(i.e. EU average), an adjustment is made to the
individual country weights, weighting them up
or down to reflect their 15+ population as a
proportion of the EU 15+ population.
The response rates are calculated by dividing the

total number of complete interviews with the
number of all the addresses visited, apart from
ones that are not eligible but including those
where eligibility is unknown. For wave 100.1 of
the EUROBAROMETER survey, the response
rates for the EU27 countries, calculated by Verian
(formerly Kantar Public), are:
210
AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.1
Margins of error
Readers are reminded that survey results are estimations, the accuracy of which, everything
being equal, rests upon the sample size and upon the observed percentage. With samples of
about 1,000 interviews, the real percentages vary within the following confidence limits:
211
The Parlemeter 2023 looks at Europeans’ attitudes towards the EU and EU membership,
including opinions on EU enlargement. It also analyses respondents’ perception of the
European Parliament before the end of the legislative term. Finally, the survey focuses on the
upcoming 2024 European elections and citizens’ voting behaviour.
This Eurobarometer was carried out by Verian (formenly Kantar Public) between 25 September
and 19 October 2023. A total of 26 523 interviews were conducted in all 27 EU Member States,
face-to-face, with CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing) and CAVI (Computer-
assisted video interviewing) in some countries. EU results weighted accordingly to the size of
the population in each country.
For more information on the full survey, scan the QR-code:
A PUBLICATION OF THE
PUBLIC OPINION MONITORING UNIT
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR COMMUNICATION
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
dgcomm-pom@ep.europa.eu
europa.eu/eurobarometer
EB044EP
CATALOGUE NUMBER: QA-CE-23-008-EN-N
ISBN: 978-92-848-1364-3
ISSN: 2529-6973
DOI: 10.2861/58496
© European Union, 2023

EP Autumn 2023 EB044EP Report en

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

EP Autumn 2023 EB044EP Report en

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

AUTUMN 2023 | EB 100.

1 DG COMM | PUBLIC OPINION MONITORING UNIT

Manuscript completed in December 2023

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER

10 KEY TAKE AWAYS 1

1. LIFE IN THE EU FROM CITIZENS’ PERSPECTIVE 20

1.1. Effects of the recent crises on Europeans’ lives 20

1.2. The EU citizens’ daily life 51

2. EUROPEANS’ PERCEPTION OF THE EU AND EU MEMBERSHIP 63

2.1. Image of the EU 63

2.3. Europeans’ view on EU enlargement 93

3. THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT BEFORE THE END OF THE LEGISLATIVE TERM 98

3.1. Perception of the European Parliament 98

4. COUNTDOWN TO THE 2024 EUROPEAN ELECTIONS: CITIZENS’ VOTING BEHAVIOUR

4.2. Voting behaviour 155

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 208

1 THE EU IS GOOD FOR YOU

2 EUROPEAN MATTERS MATTER

7 POWER TO THE PEOPLE (‘S REPRESENTATIVES)!

8 ELECTIONS? YES, PLEASE!

10 IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

Voting indicators, such as interest in European elections (57%, +6 pp compared to September

EU INDICATORS ARE STABLE AND EU MEMBERSHIP IS FIRMLY VALUED BY EUROPEANS

Likelihood to vote in 2018 and 2023 (Scores 7-10 - %)

In 2023, Europe has continued operating in an environment of permacrisis, indicating a period

SITUATION IN ISRAEL, GAZA AND THE WIDER MIDDLE EAST

RUSSIA’S WAR OF AGGRESSION AGAINST UKRAINE

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS ON NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

Migration continued to be an important topic in many Member States as well as on the

EU INSTITUTIONS AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT ON EU LEVEL

On 5 October, the European Parliament approved Wopke Hoekstra as Commissioner for

On Sunday 8 October, Luxembourg held parliamentary elections. The Christian’s Social

Eurobarometer surveys are administered face-to-face in people’s homes or on their doorstep,

1.1 Effects of the recent crises on Europeans’ lives

Changes in Europeans’ standard of living

1 Eurostat Euro indicators, 18 October 2023: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/main/news/euro-indicators

Difficulties paying bills

An examination of the socio-demographic analysis confirms that majorities in all categories

Citizens’ expectations about their living conditions

Citizens’ expectations about their national economy

Optimism about the future of the EU

1.2. The EU in citizens’ daily life

Discussion of European political matters

Perceived impact of EU actions on citizens’ daily life

2.1 Image of the EU

EU membership beneficial or not

Socio-demographic differences closely mirror those already seen in relation to whether EU

The EU’s contribution to economic growth is seen as an important benefit of EU membership

Several benefits show differences by educational level. Respondents who remained in

2.3. Europeans’ views on EU enlargement

3. THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

3.1. Perception of the European Parliament

Media visibility of the European Parliament

QA10 Have you ever heard of...? (% - EU - YES)

Source: Standard Eurobarometer 99 spring 2023 for the European Commission

Image of the European Parliament

While a majority of respondents have a positive image of the European Parliament in 11

Role of the European Parliament

Following the decline observed between November-December 2020 and October-November

Source: Standard Eurobarometer 99 spring 2023 for the European Commission

In the socio-demographic analysis, differences can be observed in terms of the respondents’

The perceived significance of one’s voice in their country