A dramatic drop in euro-optimism in Romania: only 49% of the citizens support EU membership, ten points less than in April

The latest Eurobarometer survey commissioned by the European Parliament shows that only 49% of Romanians (representing10 points fewer on the previous Eurobarometer in April 2018) see their country’s EU membership as a good thing. In Romania, the minimum historical level was reached in October 2017, when only 48% of them saw EU membership as a good thing.

The survey does not explain the reasons for this steep decline in euro-optimism in Romania. It should be noted, however, that since April (the date of the previous research) several notable events have occurred in Romania, such as the violent repression of the 10 August meeting, as well as the continued attack on the judiciary by the SDP-ALDE alliance, and the dismissal of Laura Codruţa Kovesi as head of DNA. The European Union’s reaction in relation to all these events was rather anemic.

At European level, however, 62% of citizens believe that EU membership is a good thing, a record level in the last 25 years, according to a press release of the European Parliament’s Liaison Office in Romania.

Paradoxically, however, 64% of Romanians (down from 71% in April 2018) consider their country to have benefited from EU membership. At European level, there is a degree of 68% appreciation for EU membership compared to 67% in April 2018 (those who believe that their country has benefited from EU membership), at a record level since 1983 here.

Overall, EU support has increased significantly since the UK referendum in 2016, which suggests both European’s growing concern about the impact of Brexit, and an increase in the awareness of the benefits of EU membership , due to the difficult negotiations for Britain’s exit from the EU. In the event of a referendum on EU membership, 66% of Europeans (65% of Romanians) would vote for their country to remain a member. 17% of Europeans (15% of Romanians) would vote for leaving the EU, while 17% of Europeans (20% of Romanians) say they do not know how they would vote, according to the survey.

Survey data show that 49% of Europeans (51% of Romanians) are pleased with the way democracy works in the European Union.

32% of Europeans (43% in Romania) have a positive image about the European Parliament, 21% (17% in Romania) have a negative image, while 43% of Europeans (36% in Romania) have a neutral image. 48% of Europeans (63% in Romania) would like the European Parliament to play a more important role.

The level of information and interest in the European elections in 2019 is increasing. 41% of Europeans, compared with 32% in April 2018 (53% of Romanians, compared with 43% in April 2018) correctly identified May next year as the election period, while 51% compared to 50% in April 2018 (57% of Romanians, compared with 55% in April 2018) declare themselves interested in these elections.

In relation to the themes they want discussed in the electoral campaign, Europeans identified the following priorities: immigration (referred to by 50% of respondents), the economy (47%), combating youth unemployment (47%), combating terrorism (44% ) and environmental protection (40%). The priority themes identified by the Romanians are: economy (53%), fighting youth unemployment (44%), promoting human rights and democracy (38%), consumer protection and food security (36%) and social protection (35%) .

Commenting on the results of the survey, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said: „As the details of the UK withdrawal agreement are finalized, these results highlight the extent to which the benefits of the European Union are appreciated across the continent. However, there is still much to be done. Continued cooperation and solidarity at EU level are essential to meeting the concerns of European citizens. ”

Commenting on the results of the survey, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said: „As the details of the UK withdrawal agreement are finalized, these results highlight the extent to which the benefits of the European Union are appreciated across the continent. However, there is still much to be done. Continued cooperation and solidarity at EU level are essential to meeting the concerns of European citizens. ”

Traducerea: Ruxandra Stoicescu