Plans to reintroduce austerity would stop action to address the top priorities of EU citizens, trade unions are warning in response to the European Parliament’s pre-election polling.
The results of the special Eurobarometer published today show that, six months from the European elections, the priorities of citizens are:
- The fight against poverty (36%)
- Public health (34%)
- Climate change (29%)
- Support to the economy (both 29%)
The results come days before a major demonstration in Brussels called by the European Trade Union Confederation against plans to plunge Europe into another period of austerity. Under proposals for new debt and deficit rules, 14 member states to cut 45 billion Euro from their budgets next year alone.
ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said:
“The European Parliament’s polling shows people want their politicians to focus on delivering higher living standards, better public services and a greener planet.
“But plans to reintroduce austerity currently being considered by the Council would make it impossible for Europe to act on citizens’ priorities and instead mean more poverty and pollution.
“EU leaders should listen to the message coming loud and clear from the 26,000 people surveyed, as well as the thousands that will march in Brussels next week, and step back from austerity 2.0.
“This survey comes six months from the European elections and leaders should keep in mind that the only beneficiaries of a failure to address people’s priorities will be the far-right.”
