BRUSSELS (ChatnewsTV) — Rising prices and the cost of living have emerged as the top concerns for European citizens as the new parliamentary term begins.
According to the “EU Post-Electoral Survey 2024,” released by the European Parliament on Thursday, the survey sheds light on the key issues that motivated voters during the June 2024 European elections.
A significant 42% of Europeans cited the cost of living as their primary motivation for casting a ballot, with the economic situation closely following at 41%. Other concerns included the international situation (34%) and defending democracy and the rule of law (32%).
For those who didn’t vote, cost of living (46%) and economic issues (36%) remained the top reasons that could have spurred them to participate, according to the report.
Speaking on the survey results, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola highlighted the need for action. “Last June, people across Europe made their voice count as we saw the highest turnout in the European Parliament elections in 30 years,” Metsola said.
“They gave us a mandate to act, to provide answers and solutions, and to make a positive difference in their daily lives.”
The European Parliament, she said, is now focused on scrutinizing the incoming European Commission to ensure it addresses these pressing issues, particularly the cost of living, democracy, and rule of law.
EU Trust and Optimism Remain Strong
Despite ongoing economic challenges, European citizens continue to show strong support for the EU. According to the survey, 65% of respondents expressed optimism about the EU’s future, while 70% believed their country has benefited from being a member of the bloc. Positive views of the EU outweighed negative impressions, with 48% holding favorable opinions compared to 16% who viewed it negatively.
Citizens also showed increased confidence in European parliamentary democracy. Trust in the European Parliament has reached record levels, with 42% of respondents expressing a positive image of the institution.
The 2024 European elections saw a voter turnout of 50.74%, the highest in 30 years, and an increase in 16 out of 27 EU countries. Voting, for many, has become a habitual act. Some 46% of voters said they always vote, while 42% view it as their civic duty.
The survey results suggest a growing awareness that participation in European elections matters, with 56% of citizens agreeing that their voice counts in the EU, a notable rise from earlier this year.
The European Parliament’s post-electoral Eurobarometer survey was conducted by Verian (formerly Kantar Public) between June 13 and July 8, 2024, across all 27 EU Member States. It involved over 26,000 face-to-face and video interviews.
By Gabriel Ani
