MEMO/08/470
Brussels, 2 July 2008
The majority of EU citizens consider that more decision-making should take place at EU level in justice and home affairs policy areas.
A recent Eurobarometer survey on EU citizens’ views on the role of the European Union in Justice and home affairs policy areas shows that the majority of EU citizens consider that in all the areas covered by the survey (the fight against organised crime and trafficking, the fight against terrorism, the exchange of police and judicial information between Member States, the fight against drug abuse, the promotion and protection of fundamental rights, the control of external borders, as well as asylum and migration policy) more decision-making should take place at EU level. This indicates that EU citizens perceive the EU’s presence in the fields of justice and home affairs as legitimate and support the evolving role of the EU in this area.
[ Figures and graphics available in PDF and WORD PROCESSED ]
Generally speaking it can be postulated that EU citizens are most supportive of more EU influence in areas of justice and home affairs where they may expect a higher level of security from EU action than from national action. However, support for more decision-making concerning the fight against organised crime and trafficking (81%), the fight against terrorism (81%) and the fight against drug abuse (75%) is now less widespread than it was in spring 2006.
The two areas where respondents express a need for more supranational decision-making – the fight against organised crime and terrorism - are also most widely regarded as top priorities for the Union.
[ Figures and graphics available in PDF and WORD PROCESSED ]
However, here as well, public opinion is less intense than it was in spring 2006. At the same time, the survey points to an increase in the proportion of citizens who want the European Union to prioritise the protection of fundamental rights (35%), the control of external borders (20%) and the quality of justice (25%).
The Eurobarometer report is published at the following address: