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Dutch Voters Give EU Defense Higher Priority

Iede de VriesIede de Vries
The Russian war against Ukraine clearly influences how Europeans view the upcoming European elections. Eight out of ten EU citizens (81%) consider the elections from June 6-9 even more important due to the geopolitical situation. Most Dutch citizens (88%) agree with this.
Afbeelding voor artikel: Nederlandse kiezers geven EU-Defensie hogere prioriteit

The latest Eurobarometer survey by the European Parliament shows a positive trend for key election indicators. In the Netherlands, 86% say they are likely to vote. This is slightly higher than the EU average. Interest in voting among the Dutch has increased compared to the same period before the 2019 elections. 

In the Netherlands, besides EU defense (50%), migration and asylum (48%) and climate change (45%) rank high on voters’ priority lists. However, for the average EU citizen these priorities are the fight against poverty and social exclusion (33%), public health (32%), economy and new jobs (31%), followed only then by EU defense and security (31%). 

Unlike the average EU citizen, Dutch people find public health (16%) and support for the economy and creating new jobs (11%) less important for this election campaign. 

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83% of Dutch citizens (81% in the EU) have a positive or neutral opinion of the European Parliament, while only 17% are negative (18% in the EU). Moreover, a majority in the Netherlands (55%) wants the EP to play a more important role. 37% prefer the opposite, which is higher than the EU average (28%). Additionally, 80% believe that overall, the Netherlands benefits from EU membership. 

In response to the survey results, EP President Metsola added: "The Parliament and the European Union have delivered an unprecedented performance over the past years. We have faced exceptional and challenging circumstances, but we have emerged stronger and more united."

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This article was written and published by Iede de Vries. The translation was generated automatically from the original Dutch version.

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