EU Neighbourhood Communication Programme - measuring public opinion towards European Union

The EU Neighbourhood area program is exploring ways to measure the level of public opinion towards the European Union in the EU neighbourhood area. The survey consists of questions that may be used to capture insight into public opinion and attitudes towards the EU in partner countries. Public opinions and attitudes vary depending on various factors including age, educational attainment, employment status, gender, etc. In today’s globalized world, public opinion is increasingly important for policymakers and international actors alike. The European Union has several policies and programs in place to support its neighbouring partners which are either EU candidate countries or potential EU members. These measures are an important step toward strengthening the relationship between the EU and its neighbourhood partners; however, it remains challenging to understand how these programs are perceived by citizens in these countries.

Research Question

What is the level of public opinion towards the European Union in the EU neighbourhood area? The EU Neighbourhood Barometer survey will provide policymakers with an important tool to measure public opinion and assess whether public opinion supports the policies or programs that the EU and its partners are implementing. Moreover, public opinion can help the European Union better understand how it is perceived by its neighbours and how the EU can best tailor its policies and programs to better meet the needs of its partners.

Research Objective

The survey is part of the EU Regional Communication Programme. The programme is exploring ways to measure the level of public opinion towards the European Union in the EU neighbourhood area. The survey consists of questions that may be used to capture insight into public opinion and attitudes towards the EU in partner countries.

Research Methodology

The European Commission launched a survey campaign titled ‘EU Neighbourhood Barometer' program - measuring public opinion towards European Union. The survey campaign is part of a broader EU initiative to engage with people in partner countries and support change-makers to promote democratic values. The campaign aims to make sure people in the neighbourhood understand the EU better, while at the same time sending a clear message: the European Union is open to engage with anyone who shares our values. The campaign is being carried out in nine EU neighbours: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia.

Trade with the European Union

The European Union is a major trading partner for the countries in the EU neighbourhood area. The survey shows that 65% of people in EU neighbourhood countries think that trade with the EU is good for their country. This includes 39% who think it is very good and 26% who think it is somewhat good.

Cultural exchanges – enriching people’s lives

The survey shows that the majority of people in the European Union neighbourhood countries feel cultural exchanges enrich people’s lives in the EU neighbourhood area. The survey shows that 68% of people in the EU neighbourhood area believe that cultural exchanges are enriching their lives. The survey shows that cultural exchanges are most enriching for younger adults: 81% of people between 18 and 29 years old feel that cultural exchanges enrich people’s lives.

The EU Neighbourhood Barometer survey shows that European Union neighbours generally perceive the EU positively. The survey provides insights into people’s attitudes towards EU trade and cultural exchanges. It is important to understand public opinion to tailor EU policies and programs to better meet the needs of people in the European Union neighbourhood area.