In the Netherlands, positive opinion about the European Union has declined in recent months. In contrast to other EU countries, it appears that confidence in the EU has decreased among the Dutch, and that the image of the EU has become more negative.
The latest Eurobarometer shows that in general the EU countries are at their highest optimism about the future since 2009. This was announced on the eve of the annual State of the Union speech by EU president Ursula von der Leyen. . On Wednesday, in Strasbourg, von der Leyen will not only look back on the past year and look ahead to the coming year, but will also discuss political priorities with MEPs.
When asked what issues the European Parliament should see as the top priority, climate change comes first, supported by 43%. This is also the main priority in the Netherlands. Other priorities mentioned by the Dutch are measures against poverty and social exclusion (30%) and counter-terrorism (38%). Migration and asylum (29%) and public health (27%) are also in the Dutch top five.
The Dutch are mainly concerned about the climate, environment and migration, while most other European citizens are concerned about their economic situation. Compared to other Member States (31%), the Dutch consider measures to support the economy and create new jobs to be of less importance to the European Parliament (15%). Most Dutch survey participants believe that the Dutch economy will recover as early as next year or in 2023.
Most Europeans are satisfied with the measures taken by the EU and national governments against the corona pandemic and believe that the large economic recovery fund (NextGenerationEU) will be effective in dealing with the economic consequences of the pandemic.
However, there is great concern in a number of EU countries about how their national governments will actually use these additional EU subsidies. While 45% on average trust their national governments, 41% has doubts, indicating significant differences in trust levels in the EU.
Four in five (81%) say European subsidies should only be paid to EU countries that respect the rule of law and democratic values. EP President David Sassoli said: “The European Parliament has made it clear that the EU recovery funds should not go to governments that do not respect core democratic values or uphold the rule of law. This survey confirms that an overwhelming majority of EU citizens agree. If you are consistently undermining the values of the EU, you should not expect EU funds.”