Forty-four per cent of Europeans believe that climate change should be a priority topic at the Conference on the Future of Europe, according to a new Eurobarometer survey commissioned by the European Parliament and the European Commission.
The survey, conducted last September and October, reveals that 44% of European citizens believe that the main topic addressed by the conference should be climate change and the environment, while 40% indicate health, economy, social justice and employment.
Some 59% of citizens believe that polls are the best way to participate in the work of the conference, while 46% said that there were willing to participate in meetings organised in their area. Another 43% of Europeans also called for greater involvement of young people in the process.
An overwhelming 90% of the citizens polled said their voices should be heard more in decisions about the future of Europe.
Eighty-seven per cent agreed that tackling climate change would help improve their lives and health. This percentage rises to 91% among 15-24-year-olds.
In addition, 68% of Europeans believe that the EU is a place of stability in a troubled world, while 67% agree that the EU project offers a European perspective for young Europeans.
The survey also focused on Italian priorities and strengths for the EU, which included economic, commercial and industrial power, followed by democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The main policy challenge is identified as unemployment (45%), followed by insufficient economic growth (32%) and the management of migratory flows (31%). In contrast to the European vision, environmental challenges are in fourth place.
According to the survey, 47% are convinced that being part of the European Union is good for Italy, a percentage up from the last poll. In comparison, 38% are indifferent, and 14% believe it is bad.
Italians also believe it will be necessary to work to strengthen and protect democracy in the EU. Looking to the future, 32% of those surveyed believe a common health policy is needed, followed by deep economic integration and a robust industrial capacity.
[Edited by Alice Taylor]
Source: euractiv.com
