EU in brief" "
A survey conducted by “Eurobarometer Flash” on the results of the European Convention, immediately after the European summit in Salonica, has revealed that people’s awareness about the Constitution is growing, but at the same time remains vague and confused. Whereas another survey conducted in March had suggested that only 30% of the European population had heard about the EU Constitution, that percentage has now risen to 45%. At the same time, however, 55% of the sample admitted they had never heard anything about the European Constitution. Questioned about substance, 68% (over 80% in Italy, Spain and Hungary, less than 45% in Denmark, Britain, Sweden) declared their support for a Constitution as a means for the reform of the Union, whereas 43% consider that the draft, once completed, ought to be subjected to partial revision by the heads of state and of government. The best informed. The survey was conducted from 23 to 29 June, on 25,000 citizens of present and future member states of the EU. The best informed turned out to be the Greeks (81%), followed by the citizens of Luxembourg (66%), then by the Finns (65%). At the bottom of the league table, with percentages lower than 30%: the British, the Hungarians and Latvians. Questioned about the text of the Constitution produced by the Convention on the future of Europe, 38% said they would be interested to read a résumé of it, while 11% would like to examine the complete text (only 1% of those interviewed had already read it); 40% said they had no interest at all in studying the document. Powers of Parliament . 69% of those interviewed wished the European Parliament to have the right to vote on all decisions concerning the future of the Union. 40% thought there should be a referendum on the Constitution, while 43% considered such a referendum useful, but not essential, and 12% were wholly against it. Foreign Minister and President of the Council . 52% were in favour of an elected EU Foreign Minister (78% favourable in Spain and 75% in France, only 23% in Sweden and 24% in Poland). 55% wished the President of the Council to be elected by the heads of state and of government (over 70% favourable in Hungary, Greece and Belgium, against 30% in Poland, Sweden and Finland), while 34% opposed this idea. For further information, consult the website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/public_opinion/index.htm
