Cypriots are deeply concerned about immigration and the economy as they head into the EU elections, with 41% prioritizing immigration and 40% focusing on economic issues. These worries reflect a heightened awareness of traditional values, such as peace and security, and a conservative approach to social issues, diverging from the average concerns across the EU.
What are the top concerns for Cypriots heading into the EU elections?
The top concerns for Cypriots heading into the EU elections are immigration, with 41% prioritizing it for immediate discussion, and the economy, resonating with 40% of the population. These issues surpass the average EU concerns, reflecting a heightened awareness and preference for traditional values such as peace and security, and a conservative outlook on social issues.
Cypriots are heading into the EU elections with significant concerns primarily focused on immigration and the state of the economy. These issues are at the forefront for approximately 40% of the population. While the rest of Europe also shares these concerns, the intensity and prioritization vary.
A special Eurobarometer survey conducted ahead of the European poll in June highlighted that while 55% of Cypriots show an interest in the upcoming elections, there is a notable 44% who express disinterest, a figure slightly above the EU average. The survey underlines that migration is a priority for immediate discussion for 41% of Cypriots, a stark contrast to the EU average of 24%.
Economic Woes and Job Security
Concerns about the economy resonate with 40% of Cypriots, reflective of a tense atmosphere surrounding employment and financial stability. This percentage overtakes the EU’s average concern by a margin of 9%. Cypriots’ anxiety over economic issues suggests a heightened awareness of the financial challenges that could impact their livelihoods and the broader national economy.
The survey further revealed that digitization of the economy sits at the bottom of concerns, with only 5% of Cypriots troubled by this issue. Similarly, gender equality and diversity receive minimal attention, with only 6% expressing concern, and climate action is a priority for just 9% of the population. These figures indicate a stark difference in priorities when compared to other European citizens, particularly regarding climate action, which concerns 27% of Europeans on average.
Social Inclusion and Public Health
Beyond the economy and immigration, Cypriots show a significant level of worry towards social issues such as fighting poverty, social inclusion, and public health, with 38% of respondents naming these as concerns. These figures are slightly higher compared to the EU average, demonstrating a community-oriented perspective among Cypriots.
When it comes to ‘the future of Europe’, only 15% of Cypriots express concern, compared to the EU average of 26%. Nevertheless, a sense of optimism about the EU’s future is present among 51% of Cypriots, with a nearly equal proportion, 45%, feeling pessimistic. Despite this divide in outlook, a notable 68% acknowledge the benefits Cyprus has gained from EU membership.
Values and Expectations
In discussions of the values that the EU should champion going forward, ‘peace and security’ surfaced as the top priority for 47% of Cypriots. Human rights and democracy followed, garnering attention from about 30%, and respect for national identity from 21%. These results convey a clear preference for traditional values over progressive issues such as gender equality, which only 14% see as an EU value to be defended.
Moreover, tolerance and diversity were marked as concerns by a mere 5% of Cypriots, while the protection of minorities and the right to seek asylum from persecution registered even lower interest. These findings may reflect a more conservative or nationalistic perspective within the population, one that prioritizes internal stability over broader social issues.
The data collected by the survey provides a detailed snapshot of the Cypriot outlook on a range of critical topics, serving as a pulse check on societal values and expectations ahead of significant political events like the EU elections.
What are the top concerns for Cypriots heading into the EU elections?
The top concerns for Cypriots heading into the EU elections are immigration, with 41% prioritizing it for immediate discussion, and the economy, resonating with 40% of the population. These issues surpass the average EU concerns, reflecting a heightened awareness and preference for traditional values such as peace and security, and a conservative outlook on social issues.
How do Cypriots feel about the future of Europe?
When it comes to ‘the future of Europe’, only 15% of Cypriots express concern, compared to the EU average of 26%. Nevertheless, a sense of optimism about the EU’s future is present among 51% of Cypriots, with a nearly equal proportion, 45%, feeling pessimistic. Despite this divide in outlook, a notable 68% acknowledge the benefits Cyprus has gained from EU membership.
What values do Cypriots believe the EU should champion?
In discussions of the values that the EU should champion going forward, ‘peace and security’ surfaced as the top priority for 47% of Cypriots. Human rights and democracy followed, garnering attention from about 30%, and respect for national identity from 21%. These results convey a clear preference for traditional values over progressive issues such as gender equality, which only 14% see as an EU value to be defended.
How do Cypriots feel about social issues beyond the economy and immigration?
Beyond the economy and immigration, Cypriots show a significant level of worry towards social issues such as fighting poverty, social inclusion, and public health, with 38% of respondents naming these as concerns. These figures are slightly higher compared to the EU average, demonstrating a community-oriented perspective among Cypriots.
