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Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) According to European Parliament’s latest Eurobarometer Survey, the increase in the cost of living is making an astounding 93% of Europeans worried. And that number is only the average. For example, in Greece, 100% of the participants in the survey said that life is just too expensive, especially when it comes to paying for food and energy. None of the countries had less than 70% in that regard.
Second on the list of worries is the threat of becoming poor, understandably related to the first on the list. It makes 82% of Europeans concerned. It is closely followed by fear of social exclusion.
The list of worries goes on. There are public health and climate change issues. Also, as expected, fear that the war in Ukraine might overflow to other countries.
In the past few years, European Union demonstrated its ability to stand united and be effective in the face of numerous challenges. That is one of the reasons why EU citizens expect the Union to tackle pressing issues. The survey states that only every third person in the EU is satisfied with how their government deals with increased living expenses.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola offered words of comfort.
“People are understandably worried about the rising cost of living, as more and more families are struggling to make ends meet. Now is the time for us to deliver, bring our bills under control, push back inflation, and make our economies grow. We must protect the most vulnerable in our societies”, Metsola said.
DESPITE WORRIES, SUPPORT FOR THE EU REMAINS STRONG
The survey shows that 62% claim that being an EU member is a good thing, which is the best result in the past 15 years. 72% think that EU membership bore fruit in their own countries. In addition, there is a 6% increase in people who believe the European Union’s contribution to maintaining peace and strengthening security are the principal benefits of EU membership.
Last, but not least, it is worth pointing out that the Ukrainian crisis strengthened citizens’ support for the European Union. Around 75% approve of the EU’s support of Ukraine as well as sanctions against Russia.
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