UK less anti-EU than France

FRENCH people are more “anti” the European Union than the British, with just 41% of French viewing Europe favourably as against 43% in the UK.

A new study by Pew Research has found that “positive views of the EU are at or near their low point in most EU nations, even among the young. And fewer Europeans now say economic integration has strengthened their nation’s economy than did a year ago.”

The euro crisis is the principal cause of the slump in popularity, with fewer Europeans believing that economic integration and a European Union are in their best interests. This trend has increased as the crisis continued.

In 2012, 60% of French viewed the EU favourably, but now 58% are unfavourable and 77% go as far as to say that economic integration with the rest of Europe has weakened the French economy.

In addition, 90% admit economic conditions are bad and 67% think President François Hollande is doing a bad job in dealing with the crisis.

Across Europe 78% say joblessness is a major problem, 71% are concerned about public debt and 67% are worried about rising prices. The report adds that the gap between the rich and poor concerns six in 10 questioned and 85% said that inequality had increased over the past five years.

There are some winners from the crisis in the eyes of the people; 77% say the economic system favours the wealthy.
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