As Russian troops amass along the Ukrainian border, raising war concerns on the European Union's eastern flank, a survey of EU residents found that defending democracy is the organisation's priority.
The European Parliament's Autumn 2021 Barometer gaged the mood of EU residents on a variety of topics facing the region. Protecting democracy, free speech and human rights topped the list of values the EU needs to prioritise defending.
"As the citizens rightly point out, defending democracy is the most important European value above anything else. We cannot take democracy for granted; extremism, authoritarianism and nationalism are today rising threats for our common European project," said a statement from European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
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The barometer surveyed 26,510 residents representing all 27 EU Member States between November and December. The barometer, released on Tuesday, also found the vast majority of residents – 72% – think their country benefits from EU membership.
The findings mirror the results in the Future of Europe survey, published in January by the European Parliament and European Commission. This survey found 68% of Europeans agree the EU is a place of stability in a troubled world.
The Belgian response
Improving cooperation between nations, enhancing economic growth, and contributing to overall regional peace and security top the list of reasons Belgians say they benefit from European Membership.
Belgians also express a desire for the European Parliament to play a more prominent role in promoting public health initiatives, fighting against poverty and acting against climate change.
Belgian responses to European Parliament Autumn Eurobarometer. Source: European Parliament
"Citizens want and deserve more information about the concrete impact of EU policies and decisions in their daily life. People should know where the money is spent," Metsola said.
Interestingly, 59% of Belgians indicated that they think their leaders do listen to them. However, when it comes to the EU Parliament, only 49% of Belgians think their voice is heard.
Belgian responses to European Parliament Autumn Eurobarometer. Source: European Parliament
