Standard Eurobarometer 69, Spring 2008: Inflation and unemployment are major concerns for European citizens. Levels of trust in the EU Institutions remains stable, as does support for membership of the EU.

Margot Wallström, Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for Institutional Relations and Communication Strategy, said: "These results reflect the current economic difficulties and show the need for the EU to continue with its policy agenda aimed at improving the quality of people's daily lives. Nonetheless, I am reassured that the level of trust in the EU remains high."

The Spring 2008 Standard Eurobarometer survey shows an important shift downwards in the confidence Europeans place in their national economy in comparison with Autumn 2007. Overall, 46% (+20) of EU citizens believe that the situation of their national economy will be worse in the next twelve months, only 16% (-8) that it will be better and 33% (-11) the same:

• 37% (+11) of EU citizens now consider inflation as the most important issue in their country at the moment; unemployment, with 24% (-3), is becoming the second most important issue.
• Overall, 44% (+2) agree that the EU protects them from the negative effects of globalisation against 35% (-5) who do not agree. 48% (-2) of Europeans believe that the European Union enables EU citizens to better benefit from the positive effects of globalisation. 31% (stable) do not agree with that statement.
• The European Union evokes a positive image for 48% (-1) of EU citizens, neutral for 35% (+1) and negative for 15% (+1). The most positive opinions are recorded in Romania with 67% (-1) and Ireland with 65% (-4).
• Overall, 42% (+2) of EU citizens believe that things are going in the right direction in the EU while 32% (-2) share this view for their own country.
• Two indicators cover the more narrow membership issue. Support for EU membership has declined somewhat reaching 52% (-6), as have the perceived benefits of membership which are recognised by 54% of EU citizens (-4).
• Overall, 50% (+2) of EU citizens tend to trust the European Union while 32% (-2) tend to trust their national Government and 34% (-1) their national Parliament.

This 'Standard Eurobarometer' survey was conducted through face to face interviews by TNS Opinion & Social. A total of 30,170 people were interviewed between 25 March and 4 May 2008. Standard Eurobarometer surveys take place twice a year in Spring and in Autumn.

The First results are available on the public opinion web page on the Europa web site.