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29 January 2005

Europeans ’Ignorant’ of EU Treaty

Nine out of 10 European Union citizens know little or nothing about the new EU constitution, a study suggests.

But half of the 25,000 people polled by the EU said they would vote in favour of the treaty, which faces referendums in 10 of 25 member states.

The UK was the only country where more of those questioned were against the constitution than in favour.

More than a third of respondents remain undecided, with doubt highest in states planning to hold a referendum.

The EU-wide poll, conducted by Eurobarometer in October last year, found that only 11% felt they knew the content of the European Constitution "globally".

Some 56% said they knew a little, while 33% had never heard of the constitution.

'Connect with citizens'

Despite their apparent ignorance, 49% said they would vote in favour with only 16% firmly against - mainly because they feared a loss of national sovereignty, the survey indicated.

The new constitution, approved by the EU last month, faces a plebiscite in 10 countries, including the UK, Ireland, Portugal and Spain.

More than 33% of those questioned said they had yet to make up their minds on whether they supported the constitution, with hesitation particularly high in the 10 countries where a vote will be held.

Parliaments in Lithuania and Hungary have already ratified the constitution, but a single "No" vote could stop the treaty in its tracks.

A European Commission spokesman said the more people knew of the constitution, the more they were likely to approve of it.

The treaty is an attempt to streamline EU decision-making, replacing vetoes with majority voting in many areas though not in foreign affairs, defence, social security, taxation and culture.

Margot Wallstroem, European Commission vice-president, said: "The data for countries which will hold referendums shows a high level of indecision.

"It may mean that there is a clear risk of a low turnout if campaigns are not able to connect with citizens."

The poll suggests the UK government faces the toughest campaign of all, with 30% of citizens opposed to the European constitution and only 20% in favour, according to the sample.


Source: BBC, 28 January 2005