Lacking European Participation: Scant Engagement in European Events and Governance
In recent years, there has been a growing sense of disconnect between the public and the European Union (EU) in Germany. A survey revealed that eight out of ten Germans find decisions made within the EU to be opaque, indicating a lack of understanding and transparency.
This disconnect is not solely the fault of the EU institutions. All parties, including politics, media, and citizens, share the responsibility for creating more European public awareness. The low sympathy for the EU could be due to many people not understanding processes and decisions made at the EU level.
One example of this misunderstanding is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a significant EU decision that became effective in EU states in 2018. Despite its widespread impact, only about one in four Germans said they understood the changes it would bring.
The low turnout or voting for populist parties out of protest in the June election can result in an unusually high proportion of populists in the parliament. This underscores the importance of public engagement and understanding in EU matters.
Nearly 60% of Germans consider the European election to be less important than the Bundestag election. However, the June election is significant for all, and every vote counts.
To address this issue, efforts are being made to engage the public. The European Movement Germany (Europäische Bewegung Deutschland) has been actively working to facilitate expert discussions on EU policies and values. Political parties and media groups have also been implementing direct and social media communication strategies to better connect with young voters and counter political disengagement.
In May 2019, approximately 70% of Germans had a positive view of the EU. However, today, less than 50% do. This decline in support highlights the need for broader public interest in the EU, its institutions, and its mechanisms.
For those interested in learning more, surveys and resources are available at https://www.example.com. It is essential for the future of the EU that more Germans become informed and engaged in EU matters.
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