Recently published Eurobarometer survey presents the public opinion regarding the EU topics in all member states. When comparing the results in these states it is evident, that Austria evaluates the benefits of the EU a bit more sceptically as is the European average: 60% of the respondents think that Austria profited from the EU membership, what is a decrease of 5% in comparision to the survey of six months ago. For the population are central economic and social questions and the trust to the EU ability to act is decisive.
Also regarding the EU enlargement Eurobarometer brings revealing information. Its special September survey showed thet 56% of Europeans are positive considering the acceptance of new states. In Austria however the approval is much lower: only 45% of respondents approve future expansions.
The Eurobarometer results make it clear: the Union still enjoys a strong support, but in Austria many citizens are sceptical, if Austria really benefits from the EU membership. This reveals how important are the transparency and close cooperation among member states in order to strengthen the trust in the EU and to ensure its ability to act in the long term.
