By Bruno Waterfield - 10th December 2004
Most German, French and Austrian citizens are opposed to future EU enlargement, finds official Brussels polling published on Friday.
The results of the European Commission’s latest ‘Eurobarometer’ opinion survey will concentrate minds ahead an EU summit on December 17.
Europe’s leaders will decide on giving Turkey to green light to start EU entry talks – a deeply unpopular move in Germany, France and Austria.
In France 51 per cent are opposed to ‘further enlargement’, majority opposition that rises to over 57 per cent in Germany and 62 per cent in Austria.
Eurobarometer does not currently ask specific questions on Turkey but debate over Ankara’s bid to join the EU was particularly intense in the autumn – when the survey was carried out.
Pollsters are looking at a new methodology for future surveys – with a possible Turkey question popped to EU citizens in the New Year.
EU officials are concerned that widespread fears over Turkey are tarnishing public perceptions to Romania and Bulgaria – set to join Europe in 2007.
The commission, on October 6, published proposals recommending that negotiations for EU membership be started with Turkey – a document that sparked furious debate.
Reflecting opposition in Germany, France and Austria deep splits emerged in the EU executive.
But, according to press reports, a text prepared by EU ambassadors for Europe’s leaders will give Turkey the thumbs up.
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