The European Union aims to create a greater sense of belonging among citizens and promote the participation of young people in community politics in preparation for the upcoming elections on June 9. A recent survey conducted by the CIS on the perceptions of Spaniards towards the EU reflects that Spain is moving in that direction, albeit with some nuances. While the majority of respondents acknowledge that decisions made at a supranational level have a significant impact on their lives, more than half admit to being uninformed about EU-related issues. Changes in the Union are deemed necessary by 38.6% of respondents, particularly the creation of a common European army (63.5%) and a minimum wage in all member states (47.2%).
The economic performance of Spain, which grew by 2.5% in 2023 despite the slowdown in the entire eurozone, is reflected in the fact that a majority (63.9%) of respondents consider membership in the EU beneficial. However, almost half believe that it is detrimental to the price of goods and consumption, especially amidst the inflation of food costs due to the war in Ukraine. Job prospects and economic prosperity in Europe are seen as the most important issues by 32.9% of Spaniards, overshadowing concerns about social welfare, democracy, and the rule of law. The positive aspects of EU membership are seen through better job opportunities (73.2%) and business potential (77.4%).
When it comes to specific measures that Spaniards would like to see implemented in the European Parliament, social issues such as support for the economy and job creation (33.6%), the fight against poverty and exclusion (32.4%), and the improvement of public health care (31.4%) stand out. Regarding necessary changes, 38.6% believe that profound and urgent reforms are needed. The most pressing measure, according to 47.2% of respondents, is the establishment of a European minimum wage, slightly ahead of advancing social and political rights (47.1%) and surpassing the reinforcement of the common foreign and security policy, supported by 30.7%.
Recent events such as the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and escalating geopolitical tensions have led to increased support for a more unified and coherent European Union in its global stance. Strengthening the common European foreign policy is highly endorsed (83.3%), with 65.5% of Spaniards in favor of creating a common European army. Surprisingly, more than half (53.9%) of respondents feel both European and Spanish, while 35.7% prioritize their Spanish citizenship, and only 4.6% consider themselves solely European. As the elections to the European Parliament approach on June 9, 53.3% of respondents claim that they will likely participate, with a turnout of 60.73% in the 2019 elections and only 43.81% in 2014.
Despite recent political turmoil involving national issues spilling over into European institutions, such as the involvement of Commissioner Reynders in negotiations between Spanish parties or the PP’s stance against the Amnesty Law at the European level, all EU institutions enjoy a good reputation among Spaniards and exceed average ratings. The Parliament leads with a score of 5.94 out of 10, followed by the Commission (5.88), while the European Central Bank is the least favored with a rating of 5.65.
