By Martin Banks - 20th January 2009
It can in no way be inferred that the figure of 34 per cent corresponds to any level of turnout
EU parliament spokesman
Public awareness of this year’s European elections is growing, according to a new survey.
The Eurobarometer poll shows that when asked a year ago about the date, only 9 per cent of Europeans knew that elections were taking place on 4 June.
Today, this figure is 26 per cent, with men more likely to be aware of the election than women.
However, the survey goes on to say that interest in the event is still limited, with 54 per cent of those surveyed saying they were “not interested”. Some 44 per cent of respondents said they were “interested.”
The number of citizens who say they are likely to vote – 34 per cent of those questioned - is actually less than it was six months ago.
This falls well short of the symbolically important figure of a 50 per cent turnout in the poll. Traditionally, the number of people voting in European elections, held every five years, falls below this figure.
A parliament spokesman, however, said, “It can in no way be inferred from this data that the figure of 34 per cent corresponds to any level of turnout.
“In fact, at eight months from the elections, it is a state of opinion while during election time, it is a state of action.”
When asked to prioritise issues, 36 per cent cited the EU’s ability to face up to international crisis, followed by improving consumer and public health protection (33 per cent) and combating climate change (31 per cent).
Respondents were also asked about the current state of the “construction” of Europe.
The survey said that 56 per cent felt the EU had grown too fast, 42 per cent said the EU was currently short of ideas and 73 per cent agreed with the statement that the EU is indispensible in meeting global challenges.
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