Plenary Insights – October II 2022 

Each plenary session, DG COMM provides relevant public opinion data on key topics on the agenda:

• Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought: 'Democracy' tops the list of values citizens want the EP to defend as a matter of priority (38%). 'Protection of human rights in the EU and worldwide' as well as 'Freedom of speech and thought' follow on 27%. (EP Spring 2022 Eurobarometer)
• Social and economic consequences of the war in Ukraine including the introduction of a windfall tax: More than nine in ten (93%) respondents in the EU think the level of energy prices for people in their country is a serious problem. Eight in ten (80%) see the current cost of fuel for their transport needs as problem. (Eurobarometer survey on fairness perceptions of the green transition) Despite the difficulties, Russia's war against Ukraine has strengthened public support for the EU, finds the EP's Spring 2022 Eurobarometer. Almost two thirds (65%) of Europeans see EU membership as a good thing. This is the highest result since 2007, when it was at 58%. Most citizens perceive the war in Ukraine as fundamental change: 61% of Europeans are not confident that their life will continue unchanged.  However, 59% of Europeans see the defence of common European values such as freedom and democracy as a priority - even if that were to affect prices and the cost of living. The increasing economic worries are also reflected in the political priorities citizens want the European Parliament to focus on: The fight against poverty and social exclusion is mentioned first (38%). The latest EC Standard Eurobarometer finds a large majority (88%) thinks the war in Ukraine has had serious economic consequences for their country.
• UN climate change conference (COP27): 93% of European citizens consider climate change to be a serious problem. More than six in ten Europeans believe that, within the EU, national governments are responsible for tackling climate change. However, three quarters of Europeans think that their national government is not doing enough (Eurobarometer survey on Climate change) Almost nine in ten respondents agree that no one should be left behind in the green transition, but a minority (46%) is confident that by 2050 sustainable energy, services and products will be affordable for everyone, according to a new Eurobarometer survey on fairness perceptions of the green transition.
• Mental health: Respondents to a Flash Eurobarometer targeting young people (15-30 years) said the European Year of Youth should focus on improving mental and physical health and wellbeing, which was the most mentioned item on EU average together with protecting the environment and fighting climate change. Unmet healthcare needs have increased across the EU, affecting almost one in five respondents (18%). The backlog in care for younger people (18-29 years) is highest for mental health care, polling by European Union agency Eurofound shows.