Eurobarometer: EU Presidency Increased Support for EU Policies

Ljubljana, 16 July

The latest Eurobarometer survey for Slovenia has shown that support for EU policies has grown among Slovenians during the country's EU presidency. Yet the people are increasingly pessimistic about the country's economic outlook.

The survey, which was presented at the European Commission representation in Ljubljana on Wednesday, shows 71% of Slovenians believing that EU membership brings a number of benefits. The share is much higher than the EU average (54%) and on par with previous measurements.
An important increase has been recorded when it comes to the perception of Slovenia's role in the EU: 73% said that Slovenia's voice counted (up 4 percentage points compared to six month earlier) and 56% believe that Slovenian interests are being considered sufficiently (up 10 percentage points).
Slovenians' trust in European institutions also remains above EU average, with 66% saying they trusted the bloc.
As many as 92% said they had come across media reports on Slovenia's EU presidency, whereas only a fifth of other EU citizens were familiar with the fact the Slovenia held the presidency. Four out of five Slovenians believe Slovenia's stint was important.
Support to the eurozone is meanwhile up four percentage points to 90%, which makes Slovenia's the staunchest supporter of the euro in the bloc.
Along with Poland, Slovenia is also by far the biggest supporter of further EU enlargement, the share of those in favour standing at 74%. The EU average stands at 47%.
While 89% remain satisfied with life, people are less optimistic about the economic situation in the country: 17% believe the situation will improve in the coming 12 months, 42% that it will get worse, and 35% that it will remain unchanged. The share of the pessimists is up 14 percentage points.
Fighting inflation is becoming a priority concern for Slovenians, while unemployment and the situation of the economy also remain high on the list.
Finally, while 67% see globalisation as an opportunity for economic growth, 77% (a higher share than in other EU members) believe that it does not benefit the citizens but only large companies. Some 52% see it as a threat to Slovenian culture.
The survey was conducted between 1 and 27 April 2008 and included 1,003 respondents.

Eurobarometer: EU Presidency Increased Support for EU Policies

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