17/09/2012
A majority of Germans think they would be better off without the EU. So finds TNS Emnid from its opinion poll carried out for the Bertelsmann Foundation and published in
Die Welt, the result of an extensive study of Germany, France and Poland on attitudes to the EU.
In the survey, carried out in July, only 49 percent responded to the question on the consequences of EU membership, saying "much better" or "somewhat better". In France, however, a majority of 53 percent saw more advantages than disadvantages in the membership, while in Poland, 59 percent thought they would be worse off without the EU.
As regards the single currency, only 21 percent of Germans believe that they would be worse off with the D-Mark, while an overwhelmingly clear majority of 65 percent believe that Germany is worse off after ten years of the euro.
This result, says
Welt is "significant" because "it is clearly a consequence of the discontent and mistrust engendered by the management of the euro crisis by the Euro-governments and the federal government".
Germans continue to appreciate the role of the EU in the world and are concede that Germany on its own, in a globalised world, cannot compete with China, India and the US.
They also accept the "achievement" of open borders and the associated freedom to travel, but the unrestricted labour market is seen as a disadvantage. And 48 percent even see EU membership as a threat to social peace in Germany.
In an accompanying
editorial, the paper notes that "the charm of Europe in on the wane", observing that it is the single currency rather than the overall concept of the EU that is causing the problem. Far from being the crowning glory of "Europe", the currency is turning out to be a divisive force.
But, in a strong snub to the "colleague", the survey funds that the Poles have little enthusiasm for the euro. Only 18 percent of Polish respondents believed they would be better off ditching the zloty, while 76 percent thought they would be in a "somewhat worse" or "much worse" situation if they adopted the euro.
However, as with all opinion polls, this one must be taken with a pinch of salt. Only three days ago, a study carried out by the
German Marshall Fund, publicised by
FAZ, had 53 percent of Germans in favour of a stronger influence of the EU on the economic and fiscal policies of the EU member states.
This is one of many polls on the issue, offering
mixed messages which end up providing comfort for both sides. As always, you pays your money and takes your choice.
