Poles, who joined the EU in 2004, are now far more inclined to see the benefits of European Union membership than the citizens of the two older members of the bloc.
Over 90 percent of Poles see the benefits of border free travel – which they associate with the EU - compared to 60 percent of the French, and 63 percent of Germans.
Sixty five percent of Poles told the survey commissioned by the German Bertelsmann foundation that they see personal benefits of EU membership, compared to a little over 50 percent of those questioned in France and Germany.
As the survey shows, the concept of European identity has become increasingly foreign to the French and Germans, to whom the phrase “a European lifestyle” is meaningless to 55 percent and 73 percent respectively.
The phrase does, however, still have some meaning for 66 percent of Poles.
Currency skeptics
The figures, however, vary when sentiments towards the single currency come into play.
The French are more favourable towards the euro, with 55 percent believing they are better off without the Franc.
The same cannot be said for German nationals, 65 percent of whom declared that the Deutsche Mark would more beneficial for their household budgets.
Poles, however, are increasingly against adopting the sngle currency, with 76 percent fearing that joining the eurozone would take its toll on their personal financial situation.
“Never before have the people judged the EU and euro so harshly, especially in Germany,” says the head of the Bertelsmann foundation, Aart De Geus.
Uncertainties towards the European Union among European public opinion are rather unsurprising to analysts, considering the debt crisis gripping the bloc for several years now.
“The European Union and the single currency are now gradually losing their image as a haven of prosperity and stability,” Aart De Geus believes.
“A political response is necessary – one offering a credible concept of a deeper and better union,” the head of the foundation claims, adding that, political leaders must draw up a model for an economic, political and social union for the “United States of Europe”.
The survey was prepared by pollster TNS Emnid on a sample of 1,001 Germans, 1,004 French and 1,000 Polish nationals in July. (aba/pg)
Source PAP