There are only 100 days left until the next European elections and 60% of Catalans still do not know what date they will be held. This is one of the most striking conclusions that the survey published this Friday by the European Parliament Office in Barcelona and the Center for Opinion Studies (CEO) has revealed on the perception of Catalonia with respect to the European Union (EU).
The survey, carried out between January 19 and February 12 with a sample of 1,100 people of legal age, shows that six out of ten Catalans are unable to name an EU institution. In fact, the most popular body is the European Parliament, with 29% mentions, and more than half of people would like it to play an even more important role in our society in the future.
In general, the study reflects that the population has a positive view of the EU, but it also contains some surprising data. For example, pro-European sentiment falls noticeably among women and young people under 25 years of age. In the case of the latter, the majority of whom will be able to vote for the first time this year, 96% of them consider that the European Union does not have their voice.
On the other hand, in terms of the feeling of relevance, Catalanism (63%) is placed in first position, placing itself above Europeanism, and leaving Spanish sentiment in last place, which only has 36% identification by those consulted.
Even taking these data into account, a large part of those surveyed positively value being part of the EU. Now, although many of them express their willingness to vote in the next European Parliament elections, 59% of Catalans do not even know that they are being held on June 9. Practically, two out of three people do not know or even know when they will be approximately. Only 17% knew how to say the month and year of the elections.
Although the report carried out by the CEO shows that interest in European politics is low, the people surveyed believe that the twenty-seven states that make up the EU should have issues such as protection against countries like Russia, the fight against climate change or the regulation of new technologies, among other things. Mainly, they have emphasized implementing more measures against climate change (36%) and immigration policy (31%).
Likewise, in reference to community policies, the support for European intervention in the Ukrainian war stands out. Nine out of ten people agree with the health support destined for the city of Kyiv, just as a large part of them are in favor of the sanctions imposed on Russia.
Finally, regarding the expansion of the EU to 36 states, the majority of respondents (68%) are willing to incorporate new countries. Mainly, with Ukraine as the one that receives the most support.
