EU citizens’ trust in the EU is on the rise,
amidst the robust support Brussels has provided to Ukraine and due to its
energy policies, the latest Eurobarometer published on Tuesday shows. Conducted
over June-July, the study reveals that Europeans are increasingly concerned
with the economic developments in the EU and at home, most fears targeting
inflation and the energy market. The positive perception of European economy
has dropped starting this year,
standing at 40% at present. Over half of Europeans believe the economy is
experiencing difficulties. In turn, Romanians are worried about inflation and
the economic situation. Only a half of them believe the economic situation will
improve over the next 12 months. Europeans are more skeptical, with only 16% of
them holding optimistic prospects.
As regards the consequences of the war in
Ukraine, Romanians say the price hike and a possible crisis raise most
concerns, in addition to a possible expansion of the war or nuclear warfare.
Still, two thirds of Romanian and European respondents are optimistic about the
future of the EU, which represents an increase compared to a similar survey
conducted in January-February this year, ahead of the Russian invasion of
Ukraine. Furthermore, European citizens have confirmed their firm support for
the EU’s response to the war. As regards the EU’s actions at community level,
humanitarian assistance got the most approval (92% on average at EU level and
75% in Romania), followed by the EU taking in Ukrainian refuges (90% at EU
level and 75% in Romania). In this context, 69% of Romanians endorse the
economic sanctions imposed by the EU against Russia, Russian businesses and
people, which is below of the EU average of 78%. 61% of Romanians are in favor
of funding the distribution and delivery of military equipment to Ukraine, against
an EU average of 68%.
As regards energy and energy security, the majority of
both EU citizens and Romanians in particular agree the EU should invest in
renewable energy, curb its dependency of Russian gas and that stockpiling
natural gas should be a major priority in order to allow uninterrupted gas
supplies in winter. Both Europeans and Romanians believe increasing energy
efficiency won’t make countries any less dependent on non-EU energy producers,
and are in favor of purchasing energy from other countries to obtain a better
price. Furthermore, 65% of Romanians believe they have taken appropriate action
to curb their energy consumption or intend to do so in the coming future,
compared to an EU average of 78%. (VP)