Greeks pessimistic about EU’s future but positive about union, euro

18:59 19/2/2014 - Πηγή: Matrix24

Greek citizens polled as the most pessimistic about the future of the European Union, believing it is heading in the wrong direction, according to a Eurobarometer poll released on Tuesday by the European Commission.

The poll, conducted in November 2013, shows that Greeks and Cypriots share a negative

image of the EU (both polled at 54 percent on an EU average of 28 pct, followed by the Portuguese and the British (both 39 pct). Conversely Bulgarians (49 pct) and Polish (45 pct) have the most positive opinion.

They also are very pessimistic about the future of the EU (69 pct versus EU average of 28.43 pct) and strongly believe that the EU is heading in the wrong direction (72 pct versus 47 pct average). They also blame the EU for the austerity affecting Europe (79 pct versus 63 pct).

Conversely, Greeks have a very positive opinion on the European Monetary Union and the euro (62 pct, over 52 pct in the EU) and greatly appreciate both the free movement of European citizens, goods and services (62 pct) and the achievement of peace (53 pct).

The highest rates of approval of the EMU and the euro are given by Luxembourg (79 pct) and Slovakia (78 pct) while the lowest are given by Great Britain (19 pct) and Sweden (23 pct).

The Greeks still want a common foreign policy (69 pct) and a common defense policy and security (71 pct) but seem rather skeptical about a further enlargement of the EU (51 pct).

They don’t trust the Greek government (87 pct) or the Parliament (86 pct) but they are also negative towards the institution of the EU (77 pct vs. 58 pct which is the average among the 28 members) and towards individual institutions.

A great dissatisfaction is expressed on the economic situation of Greece (98 pct vs. 68 pct in the Eu) while Cypriots (87 pct) along with Greeks (71 pct) believe that the worst is yet to come.

Cypriots and Greeks do not see themselves as EU citizens (75 pct and 72 pct respectively, compared with 52 pct as the European average), and they do not feel that their interests are well represented in the EU (85 pct and 83 pct respectively, on 53 pct EU average).

source: ΑΜΝΑ