Eurobarometer 72.4

This Eurobarometer survey exercise comprises standard Eurobarometer indicators such as: how satisfied the respondents are with their lives, their expectations for the next 12 months, and how they view the need for social change. Additional questions focus on their knowledge and opinion on the European Union (EU), whether their country benefits from EU membership and their interest in EU affairs. They are asked about two of the most important problems facing their country. Later, respondents answer questions within five main topics: globalisation, the financial and economic crisis, social change and values, EU policies, decision-making and global challenges. In a set of questions on globalisation, respondents answer what characteristics best define their country and the EU, assess the performance of the European economy vis-à-vis other major global economies, and give their views on globalisation. In the next strand, they answer whether the crisis peak is over, or whether it will be exacerbated, their financial situation and what measures would help address the crisis and reform the financial system. The respondents then evaluate some of the statements on policy and the economy, answer which values are most relevant to them and which are best assessed by the EU, compare their purchasing power today and five years ago. As part of questions about EU policies and decision-making, respondents answer the government’s influence on their living circumstances, the priorities of the European Commission and compare the EU with the United States. In the last set of questions, respondents identify some of the global threats and challenges on which the EU should focus or where the United Nations (UN) should play a greater role or where enhanced cooperation between the EU and the UN would bring the greatest benefits. The demographic strand includes questions about the respondent’s age, gender, citizenship, marital status, political self-determination of the left-right, occupation, education, household size, possession of a fixed or mobile phone, financial situation, social situation, Internet use, type and size of settlement and region of residence.