Euro-barometer in the wake of the European election
The economic situation was one of the main concerns of the Romanians who voted in the European election
Leyla Cheamil, 04.10.2024, 14:00
What actually brought Romanians to the polls in the European Parliament Election this summer was the economic situation they are facing, says a Euro-barometer survey published by the European Parliament on Thursday. That was the reason which prompted 45% of the Romanians to cast their ballot in June to elect their MEPs, 44% of these was motivated by the rising prices and the plummeting standard of living.
The aforementioned survey ranks the Romanians above the average of the 27 member states in terms of optimism when it comes to the EU’s future. Other major issues that brought the Romanians to the polling stations are social protection, welfare and access to medical assistance (32%, compared to the EU average of only 24%), the international situation (30%), democracy and the rule of law (27%), defence and security (27%, almost similar with the UE average of 28%). According to the poll, people’s support for the EU remains high in spite of the economic issues. So, 65% of the European respondents are optimistic regarding the bloc’s future, but the percentage of optimistic Romanians is higher, standing at 68% and also 7 percentages higher the in spring.
The survey also shows that belonging in the EU is positively seen by the respondents; 7 out of 10 Europeans believe that their country benefitted from EU membership, figures which have remained stable in the past years.
People believe their belonging in the bloc is beneficial for four reasons: the increased cooperation between the member states, the preservation of peace and strengthened security, the union’s contribution to economic growth and job opportunities.
The aforementioned post-election survey also shows that voter turnout in European Parliament election has become habitual for many citizens.
When they were asked why they voted, 46% of the Europeans say they were always doing so. 35% of the Romanians gave the same answer.
“Last June, people across Europe made their voice count as we saw the highest turnout in the European Parliament elections in 30 years. They gave us a mandate to act, to provide answers and solutions and to make a positive difference in their daily lives. We will deliver,” Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament says in a communiqué on the recent EU poll. “Over the coming weeks, the European Parliament is scrutinizing the new European Commission to ensure it will address the issues that are a priority for people: the cost of living, the state of our economy, democracy, rule of law, migration and security. The European Parliament will continue to work to make people’s voice count in the EU,” the EU official went on to say.
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