The perception that EU citizens have of the effects of EU regional policy remains largely positive, reveals a recent Eurobarometer survey (Flash 563 – Awareness and perception of EU regional policy by its citizens).
According to the survey, 40% Respondents are aware of EU-funded initiatives and almost four-fifths (79%) consider that these initiatives make a positive contribution to living conditions in their respective countries or regions. The 57% Respondents also believe that EU-supported projects in their area have contributed to the sense of belonging to the EU.
Two thirds of respondents know at least one cohesion policy fund, such as the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund, Interreg or the Just Transition Fund. Awareness is highest in Poland (92%) and Slovakia (91%).
On average 17% of the participants noted that they had personally benefited from a project supported by the European Regional Development Fund or the Cohesion Fund, which in some countries rose to 50 %;%.
When it comes to future EU investments, respondents prioritise improving health and education infrastructure (49%), environmental protection, water and climate action (38%), job creation and access to the labour market (31%) and the improvement of housing and energy efficiency (27%).
A significant majority (64%) respondents considered that cohesion policy should support all EU regions, with a particular focus on areas with high unemployment (63%), less-favoured urban areas (51%) and remote rural or mountain regions (50%).
English (UK)