Est. 2min 31-01-2005 (updated: 05-06-2012 ) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Languages: Français | DeutschPrint Email Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram The most recent Eurobarometer survey has revealed high levels of ignorance among Europeans about the new treaty. As the ratification process heats up, the EU is facing the urgent task of informing the public. The latest Eurobarometer survey has revealed that one-third of EU citizens were completely unaware of the existence of the Constitution and more than half (56%) confessed to having ‘little knowledge’ of its contents. When it comes to population groups, more women than men have not heard of the Constitution (38% vs 27%). Surprisingly, the usually most receptive 15-24 population group was found to be the least aware of the Constitution with 43% saying they have never heard of it. The most well aware group is the 40-54 range. Less surprising is the finding that people who finished their education earlier are the ones who are less aware of its existence. The Eurobarometer survey found low levels of content knowledge of the Constitution in Spain, where the first referendum will be held, Portugal, Ireland and the UK. Overall, 49% of Europeans said they were in favour of the treaty while 16% said the opposed it. Worryingly, the rest were not able to express a preference. Overall, the UK was the only country where the number of respondents opposing the EU Constitution is higher than those in favour (30% vs 20%). Of those in favour of the Constitution, 38% said that it was “essential in order to pursue European construction” as their main reason for support. Of those opposing, most respondents (37%) cited the “loss of national sovereignty” as their main point of concern. The survey suggests voter participation of 36% in Spain. The most trusted sources of information on the Constitution are national governments (22%), journalists (16%), the European Parliament (15%) and the Commission (11%). Read more with Euractiv MEPs favour changes to Commissioner hearingsThe format for Commissioner hearings, in place since 1994, is likely to undergo reforms prior to the approval of the next college in 2009. Subscribe now to our newsletter EU Elections Decoded Email Address * Politics Newsletters PositionsIn analysing the data, the Eurobarometer survey finds a link between people’s knowledge of the text and their level of support, ie, “the better people know the text, the more they are in favour of it,” concludes the analysis. “The process of ratification of the Constitution will only succeed if governments and all other relevant actors mobilise to provide information to citizens, to ensure a truly informed debate,” Commission Vice-President Margot Wallström commented in a press release. A spokesman for Ms Wallström explained that the Commission offers support to member states’ communication efforts if they so request. On the spot, however, he could only confirm such requests from Poland and Slovakia and said that no such request was made by the UK. A recent European Policy Institutes Network (EPIN) Survey of National Experts, entitled “What Prospects for the European Constitutional Treaty” predicts that 22 out of the 25 EU members are likely to ratify the EU Constitution. This survey labels Czech Republic and Poland as ‘unsure’ and the UK as ‘rather unlikely’. But they also say that if the Czech and Polish referenda succeed, it will put pressure on these two national parliaments to ratify. The EPIN survey finds that the focus of the debates will be predominantly national and thus the key players in the ratification debate will be national politicians. The two main issues used “overwhelmingly” as arguments in favour of ratification of the Treaty are the provisions on the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the enhanced role of the EU on the global stage. BackgroundThe ratification process, which is expected to complete by the end of October 2006, is entering a hot phase. The first of the ten referenda that now look certain to be held will take place in Spain, on 20 February. The Spanish vote is likely to be followed by referenda in Portugal, the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, Poland and Denmark in 2005. Countries, such as Austria, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Italy (here the lower house has already approved), Latvia, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden, are expected to ratify the treaty in parliament before the end of 2005. Two countries, Lithuania and Hungary, ratified the treaty in 2004 through their parliaments. TimelineThe first referendum will take place in Spain on 20 February 2005 Further ReadingEuropean Union Eurobarometer:The Future Constitutional Treaty – First results (January 2005) Eurobarometer:Tabellen Eurobarometer:Eurobarometer on Constitution: a positive attitude, but a lack of information Vertretung der Europäischen Kommission in Deutschland, Pressenachricht:Eine Verfassung für Europa: Europas Bürger zwischen Zustimmung und Unentschlossenheit EU Actors positions CEPS:What Prospects for the European Constitutional Treaty? – Monitoring the Ratification Debates (Sebastian Kurpas, Marco Incerti and Justus Schönlau)(Januar 2005)
