Why is interest in the EU elections growing?
According to a new Eurobarometer survey, 81 percent of citizens believe that voting is more important than ever in view of the current geopolitical situation. 60 percent indicated interest in the upcoming European elections - an increase of 11 percentage points compared to surveys before the last EU elections in May 2019. Europe's press comments.
Fear driving people to the ballot box
The taz explains that people's expectations of the EU Parliament have increased:
“The reason for the increased interest is, unfortunately, the world's wars: the conflict in the Middle East and of course the Russian warof aggression in Ukraine. ... Even if an end to the war is not in sight, EU citizens are apparently hoping that the rather cumbersome EU apparatus can function as a guarantor of peace, security and defence. The issue is particularly important in countries that feel the threat posed by Russia more keenly than other states - countries like Finland and Lithuania, but also Germany. Expectations are therefore high for the future European Parliament.”
A long list of reasons
Turun Sanomat comments:
“The EU faces many tough challenges for which it will be easier to find answers as a group than as individual countries. It needs to strengthen its security and resilience - its ability to deal with changing situations. The fight against climate change also continues. The rivalry between the US and China threatens to marginalise the EU internationally. The EU also needs to ensure the competitiveness of its companies as the US and China step up their protectionist measures. ... In addition to the external challenges, enlargement and improved decision-making are also on the EU's agenda. So the list of reasons why the European elections should be of interest is long.”
Czechs as EU-sceptical as ever
Lidové noviny detects little enthusiasm among the Czechs:
“Surveys do suggest that this time in the Czech Republic too, more people will vote in the EU elections. However, voter turnout will still be below the EU average. A third of Czech voters believe that the EU is struggling. At the same time they admit that the bloc's political clout has increased in connection with Covid and especially the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As far as the European Parliament is concerned, the Czechs would rather have MEPs with fewer powers. In short, the Czechs have little trust in the EU.”