(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, 12 JULY - Only 42% of Italians are
enthusiastic about the EU against 68% of the EU average,
according to the latest Eurobarometer survey commissioned by the
European Parliament in early June, immediately after the
elections. As for pro-EU feeling, Italy is, therefore, the last
country in the ranking. The Bulgarians are the second last,
following the British. The most enthusiastic are Lithuanians
with 91%. The first results of the Eurobarometer survey also
reveal that the 2019 European elections recorded a significant
increase in the number of young people who expressed a vote in
favor of the EU.
"In the last election, citizens have voted on the basis of
very strong support for the EU and with a stronger conviction
that their voice would be heard", said European parliament
president David Sassoli. The overall turnout in the European
elections of 2019 increased by 8%, reaching 50.6%, that is the
highest turnout since 1994 and marked, for the first time since
1979, a turnaround in the participation in the European
elections.
The most important increases were recorded in Poland (up
22%), Romania (up 19%), Spain (up 17%), Austria (up15%) and
Hungary (up 14%). According to the Eurobarometer survey, the
turnout increased thanks to young people and citizens who voted
for the first time. Moreover, 42% of citizens aged 16-24
answered they took part in the EU-wide election. Youth
participation increased by 50% compared to 2014 when it was only
28%. A 34% increase was recorded in turnout in the 25-39 age
group (up 12%). The participation of young people and those who
voted for the first time exceeds the turnout increases recorded
in other age groups. (ANSA).
© Copyright ANSA - All rights reserved