A survey published in early November by Eurobarometer rather surprisingly reveals “that the majority of Europeans (56%) have a positive image of the role played by the Union in the field of employment and social affairs”. The percentage increases for those who consider the Eu plays a decisive role in the fight against poverty and social exclusion (71%), against unemployment (72%) and against discrimination (75%), in the promotion of equal opportunities (76%) and in access to education and training (79%). The opinion that “regular training improves employment opportunities” enjoys virtually a plebiscite: it is shared by 88 Europeans out of 100. 84% of the interviewees are convinced of the fact that “the job for life is now a thing of the past”. A similar percentage of EU workers declare they are “confident of being able to hold onto their current job in the short term”.
