A significant majority of EU25 citizens consider that more decision-making should take place at EU level in the area of Justice, Freedom and Security

EU citizens wish more European Union activity in Freedom, Security and Justice matters.

This is the finding of a poll on EU citizens’ views on the role of the European Union in the Justice Freedom and Security policy areas commissioned by the Directorate General in the light of the priorities set in the Hague Programme.

Most respondents emphasised primarily the necessity of an increased role of the EU in the fight against organised crime and trafficking, as well as against terrorism.

1. The role of the European Union in the Justice, Freedom and Security policy areas

A vast majority of the EU25 population would favour a more extensive role being played by the European Union in all fields covered by the survey.

Respondents believe foremost that there should be more decision-making at EU level regarding the fight against organised crime and trafficking, as well as against terrorism (both 86%).

Around eight out of ten citizens across the EU consider that the Union should play a more significant role in the fight against drug abuse (81%), while 11% state the opposite, 4% consider that no change is needed and 4% had no opinion. It should be noted that respondents in different Member States may focus on different aspects of «drugs abuse» when interpreting this question. For some, «drug abuse» is primarily linked to drugs trafficking, which is associated with crime. In this context, fighting drugs abuse is clearly seen to be more effective at a broader level than the national one. On the other hand, «drugs abuse» can also be perceived as part of health policy which is a predominantly national competence.

Almost four out of five EU citizens (78%) consider that the Union should make more decisions with regard to the exchange of police and judicial information between Member States, while 12% think the contrary. 5% would maintain the current situation.

73% of EU citizens would prefer greater EU influence in the protection of fundamental rights, while 16% hold the opposite view. A further 7% think that no change is needed and 5% could not form an opinion on this topic.

Almost three-quarters of Europeans polled (72%) believe more decision-making should take place at the supranational level in the control of external borders. However, 15% regard the contrary to be preferable, while 8% think no change is required.

As regards asylum and migration policy, a clear majority (65%) would favour further integration in this field, while 22% would not. A further 7% would not wish to see the present situation change and 7% had no opinion.

In almost all Member States, a relative majority of respondents would prefer more decision-making at EU level, although some country results suggest quite an ambivalent attitude towards asylum and migration policy.

Furthermore, the low «don’t know» rates recorded in responses would suggest that respondents have no difficulties in forming an opinion on these issues.

2. EU priorities in the Justice, Freedom and Security policy areas

Respondents cited as the three top priorities for the Union those areas in which they also wished to see an increase in supranational decision-making. The areas in question are the fight against organised crime (56%), terrorism (55%) and drugs abuse (37%). This correspondence indicates that EU citizens have a consistent view regarding these issues.

«Asylum and migration policy» (29%) is in fourth place in their priorities. «Exchange of police and judicial information between Member States» (24%), «promoting and protecting fundamental rights» (24%), «quality of Justice» (21%), as well as «control of external borders» (16%) are the issues that were chosen as priorities for the Union by the least proportion of respondents.

In 16 out of the 25 Member States, citizens cite the «fight against organized crime and trafficking» as the most important priority the Union should deal with. Across these countries, the importance of the issue varies from 76% in Sweden to 52% in Austria - depending on the levels of support for other priorities.

Fighting terrorism is the most significant priority in five Member States, including the UK (64%) and Spain (60%) where terrorist attacks have occurred in recent years. The full report is available at the following address:

http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/index_en.htm

MEMO/07/59

Brussels, 15 February 2007

Source : Europa