While public attitudes towards the European Union are suffering a downward trend in recent EU-wide surveys, perceptions of the positive impact of EU regional investment continue to grow.
This broad support for the EU’s main investment policy was upheld in Flash Eurobarometer 384, published today, on “Citizens’ awareness and perception of EU Regional Policy”. Of those people aware of the investment in their area, more than three-quarters expressed confidence in the positive impact of co-financed projects on the economic and social development of their region or city.
The general awareness of the Policy remains at 34% compared to a similar survey carried out in 2010. Awareness is highest in Poland (80%), followed by Lithuania and the Czech Republic (with 67% each).
Television remains the leading source of information about EU Regional Policy co-financed projects overall, while in countries such as Germany and Finland, local and regional newspapers play a central role. In Ireland and Hungary, billboards were cited as the main initial information source. Meanwhile, the internet was identified as the main source for young people aged 15-24.
The report highlights the necessity and value of EU Regional Policy Managing Authorities and Beneficiaries communicating achievements and telling the story to citizens, in parallel with the European Commission.
Flash Eurobarometer 384: “Citizens’ awareness and perception of EU Regional policy”: Summary report (22 pages)
Flash Eurobarometer 384: Full report (67 pages)
The survey was conducted by the TNS Political & Social network in the 28 Member States of the European Union between 23 and 25 September 2013. Some 28,065 respondents from different social and demographic groups were interviewed via telephone (landline and mobile) in their mother tongue on behalf of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy.
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