A poll which was published yesterday, just a few weeks before the English referendum over the continuation of UK participation in the EU, shows that the dissatisfaction of European citizens has risen to new highs over the past year.
The poll was conducted in 10 of the largest EU member states by the Pew Research Center in Washington. According to its findings, the majority of those who participated wish to see Britain remain in the EU while 89% of Swedish, 75% of Dutch and 74% of Germans consider the possibility of a Brexit as a negative development.
One of the most notable findings of the poll is the impressive decline of the opinion of European citizens regarding the EU. It seems that this opinion is directly linked to the refugee crisis and the economy. The largest deterioration is found in France where only 38% of the citizens still have a positive view on the EU. The percentage is 17 points lower than last year.
In Spain the percentage of positive opinions fell by 16% (47% positive), in Germany by 8% (50% positive) and in Britain by 7% (44% positive). The biggest percentage of support towards the EU was found in Poland at 72% and Hungary at 61%. The fact is somewhat interesting as both countries have the most Euro-skeptical governments.
According to the report which follows the findings: “The British are not the only ones with doubts about the European Union. The EU’s image and stature have been on a roller coaster ride in recent years throughout Europe. In a number of nations the portion of the public with a favorable view of the Brussels-based institution fell markedly from 2012 to 2013 as the European economy cratered. It subsequently rebounded in 2014 and 2015. But the EU is again experiencing a sharp dip in public support in a number of its largest member states.”
The discontent is particularly felt in countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Sweden where the refugee crisis has become a key issue. The report states that : “Much of the disaffection with the EU among Europeans can be attributed to Brussels’ handling of the refugee issue. In every country surveyed, overwhelming majorities disapprove of how Brussels has dealt with the problem. “
Greek citizens are the most dissatisfied with the way the EU is handling economy (92%) followed by Italians (68%) and French (66%).
Almost 2/3 of the citizens of Greece and the UK believe that a larger portion of power and governance should be returned to individual countries. The percentage is significantly larger than in other countries.