Almost every second European (49%) sees climate change as the main global challenge for the future of the EU, with overwhelming support for the environmental objectives of the European Green Deal.
Over one in two young people see climate change as main global challenge for the future of the EU
Nine out of 10
young Europeans agree that tackling climate change can help improve
their own health and well-being (91% of 15–24-year-olds) while 87% of
all respondents also share this sentiment
43% of respondents
say the main benefit of involving Europe’s youth in the Conference on
the Future of Europe is to focus on issues of interest to them
81% of respondents say they are happy living in the EU
68% of Europeans
agree the EU is a place of stability in a troubled world; while 67%
agree the EU project offers a future perspective for Europe’s youth
The European Parliament and Commission are today releasing a joint Special Eurobarometer on the Future of Europe.
The Future of Europe
As 2022 - designated European Year of
Youth – begins, today’s survey highlights the views of young Europeans
on the challenges facing the European Union, alongside the key role
young people are playing in the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Today’s Eurobarometer shows that 91% of
15–24-year-olds believe that tackling climate change can help improve
their own health and well-being, while 84% of those aged 55 or over
agree. Almost every second European (49%) sees climate change as the main global challenge for the future of the EU, with overwhelming support for the environmental objectives of the European Green Deal:
88% of Europeans think it is important to increase the share of
renewable energy in our economy and have greater energy efficiency,
while 80% agree on the importance of making Europe the world’s first
climate-neutral continent by 2050 and promoting the growth of the zero-
and low-emissions vehicles market.
Other future global challenges
highlighted by respondents include health (34%) and forced migration and
displacement (mentioned by some 30%).
Having comparable living standards (31%)
and a common health policy (22%) are the two most helpful aspects for
the future of Europe. Europeans also prioritise stronger solidarity
among Member States (21%) and energy independence (20%).
Assets, challenges and values of the EU
The four most mentioned challenges
facing the EU itself are social inequalities (36%), unemployment (32%),
followed by migration issues (31%). Like with the global challenges,
environmental issues and climate change also feature high on the list of
challenges facing the EU, mentioned by 32% of respondents.
Europeans consider the EU’s respect for
democracy, human rights and the rule of law (27%) as the main asset of
the EU, followed by its economic, industrial and trading power (25%).
Peace (49%), freedom of opinion (47%),
social equality and solidarity (45%), and tolerance and openness to
others (44%) are the values best embodied by the EU – in comparison with
other countries, according to respondents.
Life in the European Union
A large majority of Europeans agree they
are happy living in the EU (81%) and their country (89%), as well as
being happy with their family life (89%).
The Conference on the Future of Europe
Some 43% of Europeans say that the main
benefit of involving the younger generation in the Conference is to
focus on issues of interest to them. Further benefits of their key role
in the Conference is the energy and motivation for reform and change
they bring (cited by 35%) and their focus on making the future of Europe
more relevant to the challenges of today's society (33%).
European citizens remain continuously
interested in contributing to and participating in the Conference on the
Future of Europe. While answering a survey is the favourite means to do
so, as indicated by more than half of Europeans (59%), nearly every
second European (46%) could imagine taking part in meetings in their
area. Participating in online consultations (40%), putting forward ideas
and proposals to European and national politicians (39%) and taking
part in European cultural and sports events linked to the Conference
(39%) are the next most attractive forms of citizens’ engagement.
Overall, Europeans see climate change
and the environment (44%), health (40%), as well as a stronger economy,
social justice and jobs (40%) as key issues for the Conference.
There is a clear expectation that the
Conference should lead to tangible results. Indeed, respondents would be
most encouraged to take part in the activities of the Conference if
they were convinced that their participation would have a real impact
(53%).
Citizens’ voice in the EU
90% of Europeans agree that EU citizens’
voices should be taken more into account in decisions relating to the
future of Europe. 55% of Europeans mention voting in European elections
as one of the most effective ways of ensuring voices are heard by
decision-makers at EU level.
Background
In parallel to the ongoing work of
European Citizens’ Panels adopting recommendations to the Conference on
the Future of Europe, today’s Special Eurobarometer survey 517 ‘Future
of Europe’ provides insights into European views on and attitudes
towards the Conference on the Future of Europe, and the key challenges
facing our Union.
Euro Parliament
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