TellBarroso.eu - Summary Report

Participation of European citizens
in the construction of the European Union’s future

Summary report, May 2009

Funded by Initiative by Implementation by
European Parliament Centre for European Studies Fountain Park Ltd
www.europarl.europa.eu www.thinkingeurope.eu www.fountainpark.com

TellBarroso.eu is an initiative of the Centre for European Studies,
implemented by the Fountain Park Ltd and funded by the
European Parliament.

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This publication may be reproduced and distributed freely
and can be downloaded from:
www.thinkingeurope.eu/tellBarroso.

Content starting from the page 9 is unedited input produced by
the participants of tellBarroso.eu initiative.

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Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 5

Summary ............................................................................................................ 7

Proposals ............................................................................................................ 9

English............................................................................................................... 10
Economy and work ................................................................................. 10
Environment ............................................................................................ 80
Education .............................................................................................. 133
Law and regulations .............................................................................. 175
European integration............................................................................. 210
Social and health care .......................................................................... 243
Religion, culture and values .................................................................. 271
Energy................................................................................................... 298
Finance and taxes................................................................................. 322
Peace and order ................................................................................... 341
Migration and immigration..................................................................... 358
Traffic and transportation ...................................................................... 375
Foreign policy........................................................................................ 387
Food and agriculture ............................................................................. 399

French ............................................................................................................. 409
Economy and work ............................................................................... 409
Environment .......................................................................................... 423
Education .............................................................................................. 431
Law and better regulations.................................................................... 438
Energy................................................................................................... 463
Peace and order ................................................................................... 469
Foreign policy........................................................................................ 474

German ........................................................................................................... 481
Economy and work ............................................................................... 481
Environment .......................................................................................... 488
Education .............................................................................................. 493
Energy................................................................................................... 512
Peace and order ................................................................................... 515
Foreign policy........................................................................................ 520

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Spanish ........................................................................................................... 524
Economy and work ............................................................................... 524
Environment .......................................................................................... 546
Education .............................................................................................. 552
Energy................................................................................................... 590
Peace and order ................................................................................... 594
Foreign policy........................................................................................ 599

Italian ............................................................................................................... 602
Economy and work ............................................................................... 602
Environment .......................................................................................... 640
Education .............................................................................................. 663
Energy................................................................................................... 718
Peace and order ................................................................................... 745
Foreign policy........................................................................................ 760

Polish............................................................................................................... 767
Economy and work ............................................................................... 767
Environment .......................................................................................... 770
Education .............................................................................................. 772
Energy................................................................................................... 781
Peace and order ................................................................................... 783
Foreign policy........................................................................................ 783

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Introduction

The Centre for European Studies’ tellbarroso.eu survey was an innovative web-
based platform which invited European citizens to participate in the political
decision-formation process. This pioneer initiative was personally endorsed by
José Manuel Durão Barroso. It was the latest in a line of initiatives by the Centre
for European Studies (CES), the official think thank of the European People’s
Party, aimed at bringing policy-making to the citizens by stimulating debate from
the ground-up, proposing new ideas and providing a base for centre right political
research.

TellBarroso.eu sought to engage European citizens with the question: “What areas
affecting your daily life should the EU focus its energies on?” Participants named
and discussed issues which really matter to them. Subsequently, participants were
given the opportunity to see what issues other participants had specified thus
enabling them to evaluate these issues according to their own priorities. Lastly, the
survey allowed the participants to add further issues triggered in their minds by the
exercise. The data is particularly valuable as it highlighted both individuals’ queries
and group queries in quantifiable cross-sections of society.

Participants were able to read and evaluate each others' proposals

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The Tell Barroso Facebook group has already more than 1000 members

By stimulating extensive interest on numerous website and media , CES achieved
both staggering participation as well as stimulating side discussions on the
wider web. The format used for tellBarroso.eu encouraged wider debate in the
blogosphere, as well as within online social communities, proving that Europeans
do believe in the EU project and are willing to engage if presented with the proper
approach and are given the right tools.

The outcome of the web survey is presented in this report. Participation was high.
With 150,260 participants, 11,529 proposals, 119,503 proposal evaluations and
557,438 proposal views European citizens spoke to Mr. Barroso. One canny,
anonymous participant stated:

“I have the strong feeling that young people do not know much about
Europe. There is a huge gap between the EU institutions and its citizens,
even in Brussels where I live! EU is sexy and it must be said, there is a
need for more events close to the citizens. This initiative is a good start!”
– An anonymous participant praised the tellBarroso.eu Project.

On 12th May 2009 ten participants of the web survey, who were selected at
random, were invited to come to Brussels to present and discuss the findings with
Mr. Barroso.

Tellbarroso.eu has provided excellent feedback. It is hoped that this platform will
inaugurate a series of new initiatives led by CES, bridging the gap between EU
politics and European citizens.

6

Summary
Participants made more than 11 000 proposals about how the European Union
could improve their lives and evaluated the importance of each others' proposals
over 110 000 times. Individual proposals were classified into 14 main themes.

The following bubble graph represents a three dimensional summary of the
results. The larger the bubble, the more proposals relate to the theme. The higher
the bubble, the more important the participants have ranked the proposals related
to them, and the more to the right it is located, the more disagreement about the
proposals’ importance there has been.
+
Importance
–

– Disagreement +

Participants made most proposals about economy, work and environment. Energy,
environment and education were considered the most important themes. Migration and
immigration were not much referred to and were considered the least relevant of the 14
themes, but their importance caused most disagreement between the participants.

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The following bar graph is a two-dimensional representation of the amount of
proposals made and of how important participants averagely considered the
proposals.

60 65 70 75 80

Economy and work

Environment

Education

Law and better regulations

European integration

Religion, culture and values

Energy Importance
Social and health care Amount
Finance and taxes

Peace and order

Traffic and transportation

Migration and immigration

Food and agriculture

Foreign policy

0 % 5 % 10 % 15 % 20 %

It is significant that the amounts of proposals made does not directly correlate with the
evaluations of importance. Participants made most proposals about economy and work,
but evaluated proposals related to energy, environment, education and social and health
services as more important than the most discussed themes.

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Proposals
This project was carried out in accordance with the Centre for European Studies’
pillar values. Its efforts have been directed towards creating an open, non-partisan,
transparent platform, the results of which will be available fully and with no
restrictions to all EU citizens.

Following this central goal, the full version of this report with the authentic
proposals made by the participants can be downloaded from the Centre for
European Studies web site:
www.thinkingeurope.eu/tellBarroso

Proposals are classified into following 14 themes:

theme: proposals related to:

Economy and work: enterprises, jobs, research, trade, etc.
Environment: climate, seas, pollution, waste, ecology, etc.
Education: schools, universities, studying, students, etc.
Law and better regulations: legislation, regulations, rights, etc.
European integration: harmonization, unity, mobility, EU citizenship, etc.
Social and health care: welfare, social security, families, senior citizens,
etc.
Religion, culture and values: European identity, languages, civil liberties, arts, etc.
Energy: energy security, sources, consumption, fuels, etc.
Finance and taxes: monetary system, taxation, banking, subsidies, etc.
Peace and order: defence, terrorism, crime, border control, etc.
Migration and immigration: EU’s external and internal immigration.
Traffic and transportation: transport of both goods and people, roads,
railways, etc.
Foreign policy: relations with Russia, USA, Turkey, China, Africa etc.
Food and agriculture: food safety, production, prices, subsidy policy, etc.

9

English

Economy and work
1. Unemployment (importance: 99%, disagreement: 0, evaluations: 1)
EU is one of the richest organisations in the whole world and still finding a job is a hard thing.EU should spare
more money and effort on that instead of financing foreign states that may be EU-members in the future.
2. Employment, social security, barriers to the 4 freedoms (importance: 96%, disagreement: 6,
evaluations: 3)
I consider that the EU has to improve the way the Member States react to the mobility of other Member States'
citizens. Legal and administartive procedures are not to be eliminated or limited but banned. A coordination
(real one) in terms of emplyment and social security is compulsory if we want the people able to move in
Europe which will be vital for the cohesion of the European population.
3. employment, health, environment education justice solidarity (importance: 96%, disagreement: 3,
evaluations: 2)
The creation of the right climate that generates jobs for all sectors of society. More funding of research into
diseases and health conditions and the provision of reasonably priced medicine to all consumers - making
expensive medication for serious illness accessable to all. Safeguarding all environments - they should be
common heritage to one united Europe. Commission should ensure that environmental measure are being
implemented in all Member States. Education accessible to all. The Media should reflect reality without
manipulatint it for sensationalism. Equal Justice for all and sundry. Why, for instance, have all the CEOs
who have squandered the money of their clients not been properly penalised? Why should they enjoy the
revenues they accumulated out of the bad deals they made with people who trusted their savings with them.
They should be stripped of all their Property not re-instated into financial institutions. Finally real solidarity with
countries like mine, which are carrying the all the burden of illegal immigration. After all if European Media
did not portray such a fairytale picture of Europe - making it out to be a paradise on earth - these immigrants
would not want to leave their land to reach the continent. They are only forced to stop on Malta when they
encounter difficulties - which is all the time. Show them the real picture of Europe - not just it's successes - not
just its successful people - but also the thousands that live on the streets.
4. mobility, security, economy (importance: 96%, disagreement: 3, evaluations: 4)
Eu should consdier
5. Employment (importance: 94%, disagreement: 8, evaluations: 3)
In this difficult moment there is the risk that many students will come out from different institutes and even
high-level universities without the chance to see the results of years of efforts.
6. economy,ecology, education, (importance: 94%, disagreement: 6, evaluations: 6)
7. Employment (importance: 93%, disagreement: 5, evaluations: 9) Employer do not respect and do not obey
to law for employment, but due to fear of losing job, employees can't do anything and are left to deal with this
issue by themselfs. There are very slim chances to find decent part time job for student. Actually, not decent,
any part time job.
8. education, employment, health, sustainable developement (importance: 93%, disagreement: 6,
evaluations: 2)
9. Education and innovation (importance: 92%, disagreement: 7, evaluations: 7)
Europe's future is the brains of its people. Only well educated people can provide us with the innovations
needed to keep or improve our economic and social situation, and to make Europe stay competitive in a
globalised world.

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10. Education, Health, Enviroment, Transportation, Economy (importance: 92%, disagreement: 3,
evaluations: 3)
Education : More funds, better electronic equipment, improved facilities for sports and art education
Health: More Hospitals, especially Emergency Rooms, better equipment and more research for cancer,
aids Enviroment : European Union immediately start using clean energy from new technologies like
geothermal,wind and solar.Start making huge fines to the countries that dont comply with new enviromental
rules and the use of clean energy technology, so that big energy companies should be forced to change their
polluting policy. Transportation: Finance the transition of gasoline-vehicles to electric or other technology that
dont pollute the enviroment. Make use of the Maglev technology trains in the EU.Mass transportation is never
enough. We need more subway routes and more natural gas busses and better roads (especially in Greece!)
Economy: Unemployment and low fees are the worst problem in my country. Prices and inflation too. Young
people and elder people in pension, can't make a living with a goverment that supports more the corporations
and rich people than the poor.Eu should make more social care policy for the majority of its citizens that are
below income standards.
11. Employment, Climate Change, BiodivQuality of Live, Education (importance: 92%, disagreement: 9,
evaluations: 11)
Employment as diverse orportunities that values the individual and its creativity; that isn't based in
multinationals and globalization but rather values the identity & culture. Climate change should really be a
bigger priority, as all the ballance of life (already fragilised by over-exploitation and area degradation) depends
on it. Chance to move to a greener economy, in terms of energy, life-style and resources (reducing the imapcts
of our actions).
12. Economic Crisis. (importance: 91%, disagreement: 3, evaluations: 2)
1.What the European Commission did to prevent it? 2.What kind of regulation regarding the Banking system
has put in place? 3.Please inform me of the documents that the EU commission has issue to warn member
states, or to guide them against risky banking practices PRIOR TO THE CRISIS?
13. Job (importance: 91%, disagreement: 7, evaluations: 2)
Every eu citizen need a job
14. Economical and financial problems. Environment (importance: 91%, disagreement: 9, evaluations: 7)
The economical and financial problems hit all Europeans and I think only strong cooperation between EU-
members can make a difference. The use of green energy and a focus to the environment may be a way to
create new jobs and a new important sector.
15. Security both economic, social and national. (importance: 90%, disagreement: 9, evaluations: 3)
16. open thw world market on a real fair base- not only EU (importance: 90%, disagreement: 9,
evaluations: 3)
we see what comes out if money rule the world. stop the huge companies! force makro credits give the whole
world a change- the ballance must be right
17. jobs (importance: 90%, disagreement: 10, evaluations: 10)
18. provide a vision for Europe, education, economy (importance: 90%, disagreement: 9, evaluations: 4)
Unless we share a common Vision for Europe, we'll never be a real Union. What is the purpose, the reason
of the existence of EU, what Europe will look like when the purpose is fulfilled? What will be different and how
different. If the EU is to become, it should have a culture with a shared core and visible boundaries. Between
the two, the core and the boundaries, individual nations should have room to live their heritage culture.
This requires educated people, adults who understand that life is about serving and not being served. The
economy is on fire now, so we've better extinguish it to ensure we have a future worth living.
19. Ethical business (importance: 90%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 12)
Laws need to put people, not profit first.
20. encouraging science and innovation (importance: 90%, disagreement: 8, evaluations: 14)
It is critical that Europe creates more employment opportunities by pushing for a true knowledge and bio-
based economy. But all funding for research should lead to development of new products - this is the only
way for Europe to keep dsome competitive advantage over Asia and keep jobs in Europe. Use of bio-fuels,
agriculture biotechnology (GMO's) and industrial biotechnology are very clear and concrete exemples that
should be strongly backed by European commission that should pay much less attention to the minority of
anti's biotech groups who don't bring anything positive to Europe, only critics...
21. EU wide energy markets (importance: 90%, disagreement: 8, evaluations: 8)
The EU should link up the gas grids of member states to allow a gas market to develop, to harmonise gas
prices for the consumer and make individual countries less dependent on a single source.

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22. increase of salaries for a balance in the EU (importance: 90%, disagreement: 9, evaluations: 10)
23. economic crisis (importance: 90%, disagreement: 7, evaluations: 4)
24. economy (importance: 90%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 2)
25. Job Market (importance: 90%, disagreement: 8, evaluations: 14)
The need for labour market mobility increases as the economy shrinks, it must be preserved it is dangerous to
let Member States begin placeing restrictions on the Labour Market.
26. employment probem of the new graduates (importance: 89%, disagreement: 10, evaluations: 14)
Young people newly graduated from universities or professional high schools start a life unemployed or
employed with lower salaries than deserved. They are not preferred since they have a very limited working
experience and job opportunities are too far from being enough anyway. There should be some incentives for
employers to recruit young people apart from the cheap labour force. This is an exploitation of the youth, and I
think, a violation of human rights.
27. more chances for job (importance: 89%, disagreement: 9, evaluations: 5)
28. Appropriate technology transfer for developing countries (importance: 89%, disagreement: 15,
evaluations: 7)
Solar cookers, GSMs and mobile Internet via satellite, water purification systems, etc.
29. economical situation (importance: 89%, disagreement: 11, evaluations: 13)
crisis must be won with joint efforts
30. Student benefits. Unemployment. Public transport. (importance: 89%, disagreement: 16, evaluations:
3)
Student do not get proper benefits, if a student wants really to focus on studies, the grants should be at least
triple than they are now. No student can manage with everyday life (food, transport, clothing) without going to
work besides studies. That influences the results of studying badly. As here the economical situation is pretty
bad. There are awful lots of people without job. Public transport is always crowded by old people. Those who
bought the ticket cannot sit anywhere. Maybe some other way of transport should be given them.
31. Economy, healthcare, culture, education. (importance: 89%, disagreement: 4, evaluations: 6)
Jobs, increased gross income (less money from me to energy, rent, paying debts etc.), better healthcare as in
sensible treatment, listening to the patient, modern healthcare from the top to the bottom, more cultural events
ranging from local interests to pan-european events. Giving the universities better ways of introducing their
intellectual wealth.
32. Economy (importance: 89%, disagreement: 8, evaluations: 11)
Creating new companies, under the purposes of the EU, would be a goot idea of giving the ability to many EU
citizens to get a job. These companies could be all about financial aid, hospitals, schools, college facilities and
so on
33. education,health,economy,enviromment,energy (importance: 89%, disagreement: 15, evaluations: 11)
regenerate of education and health.Organize economy,save enviromment,find new sources for the energy
problem.In my country nothing of all that are in the priorities of the goverment and i never heard serious
suggestions.I hope EU press the govermment for all that.
34. unemployment (importance: 89%, disagreement: 10, evaluations: 3)
35. More democracy in business (importance: 89%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 3)
- People are disengaging from the market economy; to get them engaged, we need new possibilities for
more people to engage with the markets, and not only as customers; - We need a European Framework for
enterprises run in a different way, which allows more people to engage, e.g. cooperatives, co-determiniation,
foundation enterprises, enterprises run not for profit, public or semi-public enterprises, enterprises run by
consumers or unions, churches, etc.

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37. The EU should be an economic cooperation. (importance: 89%, disagreement: 16, evaluations: 7)
The EU should be an economic cooperation, not a political entity. Well, at least not to the inside, perhaps to
the outer world. But the EU having the power to force all kinds of laws on its members is antidemocratic. The
power moves away from the people to a level where we live in a Europe where for example Fins, Austrians
and Portugese have more to say about how things should happen in for example Belgium, Ireland or Italy.
Europe never was and never will be a single entity, Europe is diverse, a diversity we should cherish. A EU with
too much political power leads to a Europe where people can't live in the way they desire themselves. That
Europeans vote no on the so-called EU-bill is not per se a message they don't agree with it but a clear signal
that they don't want the EU as their supreme government. Most people don't even care about the European
elections anyways, most of the time they will just vote for the same parties they vote for in any other elections.
The growing power of the EU government will only cause more unrest and opposition against the EU and will
result in a rise of extreme right nationalist and populist parties because the current establishment fails these
people. In the old member states support for the EU is falling freely in all corners of society. The EU should be
reduced to an economic board and a gathering of national leaders and political figures to discuss certain items
but the EU should hold no real power whatsoever. Don't go where Hitler went.
38. Economy, corruption, equality, unity. (importance: 89%, disagreement: 8, evaluations: 4)
E.U. is a union and as such it should work in order to achieve unity among its members. I think that unity can
be achieved under a state of same obligations and same rights. I don't believe that E.U. should "give away"
privilleges to the weak (because that would be unfair for the stronger counterparts). Perhaps giving a chance
to the ones that deserve them ragardless the nationality (that is the key-word). Deal with your citizens directly.
39. Jobs (importance: 88%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 19)
People need work.
The numbers are not saying always the truth. It is good to have "happy" numbers but i better to have happy
citizens
42. education, health, economy, enviroment, energy (importance: 88%, disagreement: 18, evaluations: 9)
regenerate of education and health.Organize economy,save enviromment,find new sources for the energy
problem.In my country nothing of all that are in the priorities of the goverment and i never heard serious
suggestions.I hope EU press the govermment for all that.
43. Environment / climate change / economic refunding plan (importance: 88%, disagreement: 11,
evaluations: 10)
I think the only way to save the planet and our economic system is to create a green revolution. This change
funded on technology innovation, sustainability, and massive public expenses can only be made at the EU
scale to be effective.
44. Status in Research and Development of innovative products (importance: 88%, disagreement: 14,
evaluations: 7)
EU should invest more funds in Research and Development, especially in the fields of Nanotechnology,
Polymer Science and Green Chemistry.
45. Improve the support for european research. (importance: 88%, disagreement: 9, evaluations: 15)
Create more research programs that bring together the best of european academia and industry to help in
developing the cientific output generated every year, both in terms of quantities, but also quality.
46. highly educated, still unemployed (importance: 88%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 9)
i am a 25 year old dutch male with a turkish background. i am highly educated (university AND masters
degree). i still cannot get a job anywhere... from the european commission to the private sector, i am
constantly rejected... this is very tiresome!
47. Common market (importance: 88%, disagreement: 10, evaluations: 20)
Common market is working, but as not well as it should! Europe should focus on that.

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48. UNEMPLOYMENT,FINANCIAL CRISIS,ENVIRONMENT,INTER-EU EMPLOYMEN (importance: 88%,
disagreement: 19, evaluations: 13)
THOUGH SEEMINGLY THE INTER-EUROPEAN BORDERS SEEM TO HAVE FALLEN YEARS AGO,
THERE STILL SEEMS TO EXIST SERIOUS BARRIERS AS REGARDS TO THE FREE MOVEMENT OF
HUMANS, IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT. THERE IS LITTLE POSSIBILITY FOR A GREEK PROFESSIONAL
HAVING COMPLETED HIS STUDIES IN HIS HOME COUNTRY TO WORK IN GRAIT BRITAIN FOR
INSTANCE. COMPANIES WILL PREFER SOMEONE WHO HAS COMPLETED HIS STUDIES AT THE
"DESTINATION COUNTRY". FOR WHICH FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT WE SPEAK? I RUN INTO A
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE RECENTLY WHICH MENTIONED DATA ABOUT THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS'
DELEGATES SALARIES. I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT THESE PROFESSIONAL MUST FORM THE "ELITE"
AND MUST BE REWARDED ACCORDINGLY? BUT HAVE YOU REALIZED THAT WHOLE EUROPE
IS A "BOLING CALDRON"? I BELIEVE EVERYBODY AT THIS DIFFICULT STAGE FOR THE WHOLE
WORLD, MUST DEMONSTRATE THE PROPER REASONABLENESS AND ESPECIALLY NOT TO BE
EVOCABLE. REMEMBER: ALL SEVERE REVOLUTIONS IN HISTORY WERE INITIATED BY SIMILAR
CRISIS. LET US NOT BE SUPPRESSIVE BUT PRECAUTIONARY. LET EUROPE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
FOR A CHANGE!! LAST BUT NOT LEAST. WE EUROPEAN CITIZENS DEPEND LARGELY ON YOUR
MEASURES TO GET OVER THIS CRISIS. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT IF ONE FALLS, EVERYBODY
FALLS. OTHERWISE, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS "EUROPEAN UNION" KIND REGARDS, DIMITRA
PANAGOPOULOU
49. Secundary knowledge structure for a participative economy (importance: 88%, disagreement: 12,
evaluations: 6)
The primary knowledge structure: universities, government and corporate think tanks are not enough and
don't promote bottom-up activities. Using the power of the Internet, local communities can organize in
telecommunities and peace houses - ref. http://www.telecommunity.info with a combination of white collar
jobs and jobs for eco-farmers, lowly skilled people. In these telecommunity centers (or Peace Houses) people
obtain informal training, get support and can network in enriching ways.
50. health care, employment, education, security and justice (importance: 87%, disagreement: 15,
evaluations: 7)
It is not common sence that the words: health, employment, education, security and justice automatically are
turned into reallity when spoken in some countries. Some of them are a part of the EU. I come to wonder why
there has been an agency, which would send its employees to live in the "problematic" countries in order to
assemble a report of what is trully going on to those countries. Local politicians have their way in turning facts
and numbers in order to present to the EU a differen reality than the one the citizents in those countries have
to deal with. It is your duty as EU officials and it is our complain as mistreated EU citizents to put an end to the
street-wise politicians of some countries, who are misusing the EU money and are joking at the expense of the
habitants in their.
51. ECONOMY, ENERGY, SECURITY (importance: 87%, disagreement: 9, evaluations: 10)
52. good education, proper work, stable economic situation (importance: 87%, disagreement: 11,
evaluations: 10)
I think that in the times of the inancial crisis it is extremely important to have people with 'proper' abilities
and specialised education to be able to face current problems and help EU combat with them. In this regard,
there should be more subsidies and more support provided to the young generation to give the ambitious
young men and women an opportunity to further study and develop relevant skills as well as exchange good
practicies. This in its turn will battle the problem of offer-demand that many companies now have and thus,
will ensure the creation of the EU 'task force', a new generation of employees ready to take over the most
challenging tasks for the well-being of the European Union. Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a good start!
53. energy, immigration, trade, law, R&D, police (importance: 87%, disagreement: 16, evaluations: 3)
Energy, develope one European energy vision with a mix of coal, wind, sun, bio, fusion an nuclear energy
Immigration, develope one immigration vision on immigration workers and asylum seekers Trade, make
trade easier and force GB, SE and DK to join the euro More R&D, police, law and army cooperation. No
strassbourg and Brussel as main capitals of Europa!
54. the economy (importance: 87%, disagreement: 9, evaluations: 6)
The world economy is basically falling apart but the EU don't seem to have any sort of plan that unites all the
countries together to deal with the problems head on. If the EU were to all work together on a plan that doesn't
involve simply pouring a load of money that nations don't have into the banks - this very clearly hasn't work at
all. By the nations simply pouring money in they were having to take out loans - this was one of the reasons
for the recession in that everyone was spending money they didn't have. Those in charge of nations need to
set an example to the people of their nation that it is possible to do things with their own money.

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55. economy, poverty, social dimension, energy/climate change (importance: 87%, disagreement: 11,
evaluations: 12)
56. social security - employment - education - renewable energy (importance: 87%, disagreement: 12,
evaluations: 15)
Europe should encourage and help memberstates to provide an elaborate social security network for all of
her inhabitants. Europe should stimulate initiatives to improve quality and availability of education for all of
her inhabitants, young and old. Europe should stimulate economy and help create room for new jobs. Europe
should invest in renewable energy and stimulate development of economicaly viable standards as alternative
to e.g. petrol-driven cars.
57. Economy, Security, Environment. (importance: 87%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 9)
58. climate, sustainable development, economy (importance: 87%, disagreement: 18, evaluations: 12)
the crisis is a chance to change our economy in a sustainble way; less car industry more research and
develpment, money for climate change and renewable energy, no nuclear power, no gmo´s, fighting poverty in
the ms and abroad
59. Invest in me when I am young. (importance: 87%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 15)
Give me an education that fits my talents and enables me to make money and be happy in life.
60. Economy, higher education, security, environment (importance: 87%, disagreement: 11, evaluations:
11)
Economy and Europe's competitiveness will decide Europe's place in the world during the next decades,
answering the challenge posed by BRIC and other developing countries is one Europe's priorities. This should
include economic package for the Eastern Europe to prevent a neo-divided Europe; focusing resources on
education and universities, completing the internal markets by creating a truly open energy market in Europe
and using innovations in becoming a leader in "green economy" and creating new "green-collar" jobs.
61. Invest in the European Research Area (importance: 87%, disagreement: 9, evaluations: 9)
The EU's future is in knowledge, not agriculture. Swap the budgets around and look ahead, not behind.
62. unemployment, unemployment, unemployment (importance: 87%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 14)
63. business opportunity, free market (importance: 87%, disagreement: 9, evaluations: 5)
64. enviroment, the current economic climate (importance: 87%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 2)
Theres needs to be action taken at a European level on the enviroment, not nessecarily in the form of carbon
tax, but through investing in renewable energy and alterative fuel sources. Nuclear power is not the answer
and the Lisbon treaty does not set a agenda for tackling this. The EU should also give assistance to countries
suffering under the current economic climate, workers rights must be defended and must come before profit.
There should be disincentives to stop companies laying people off and free training to upskill workers who
have been laid off.
The EU should create more opportunities to work in a foreign country. More information on how (procedure,
rules of application) to apply for a job in a different country.
66. Environment, clean technologies (importance: 86%, disagreement: 10, evaluations: 11)
I am very worried about our planet and I wish the EU would take serious action in developing new clean
technologies for Europe and the world. This would be a wonderful way of combining competitiveness and
innovation to an alarming need for better use of our resources on the planet.
67. The development of new industry and services (importance: 86%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 11)
With new global economies like the BRIC countries gaining ever more power, even within international
organisations such as the UN and the IMF, Europe should focus on the development of new industry and
services revolving the new 'green' way of life, because it is here that the west has a comparative advantage (in
terms of knowledge as well as in terms of consumer interest). This can also help older industries such as the
threatened European automobile sector.
68. Stable and common economy (importance: 86%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 16)
Some countries must work harder to acheive at least a fraction of good beeing that others have. So let EU
promote and support all good activities, like infracstructurial projects, recreation, education in each and every
EU country..
I have been finding it very hard to find a job at my profession. I am a Forensic psychologist with studies
abroad which are not even recognised by the Greek authorities. It is a useful profession and the need for it in
Greece is big.

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70. The EU should focus on education and research. (importance: 86%, disagreement: 11, evaluations: 2)
Education and research are the basis of progress. Individual countries tend not to be reliable, like Italy where
researchers are hired purely because of nepotisms and universities are controlled by a oligarchy of ancient
pipsqueaks. I think the key is promoting more mobility among researchers of many universities in all countries,
more exchange of ideas and workforce. All energy and environmental problems would benefit and new
technologies are known to create more jobs.
71. Innovation and making the EU more competitive (importance: 86%, disagreement: 11, evaluations: 10)
We hear a lot of talk about making the EU the most competitive actor in the world. And we hear a lot of talk
about enterprise and innovation in the USA and how the EU is far behind in terms of investment. No doubt
the EU should invest more. But I fear that the EU wishes to copy the US model. The EU has itw own growth
model, based on a more equitable and just vision of society. Although research should aim for excellence,
I nonetheless believe there is room for a multi-centred approach to competitiveness. So, the EU should
encourage pockets of innovation and research in all parts of the terriotry.
72. education, environment, research and development (importance: 86%, disagreement: 16, evaluations:
7)
73. removing trade barriers (importance: 86%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 6)
75. The internal market and overall economic coordination (importance: 86%, disagreement: 11,
evaluations: 19)
- The EU should deal with improving the internal market and its four freedoms. Important in my view are
facilitating trade, the providing of services and the free movement of workers and capital. Also the movement
of knowledge (researchers and students) should be stimulated. - Furthermore, the EU should coordinate the
macro-economic policies of the member states. As fiscal and labour policies in the member states produce
externalities for other countries, a common strategy should be devised. This means strengthening the Broad
Economic Policy Guidelines, and, in the light of the current economic crisis, strenghtening financial supervision
at the European level.
76. EQUAL OPPORTUNITES IN JOB FOR EUROPEANS.AND MONEY INCOME (importance: 86%,
disagreement: 10, evaluations: 5)
IN GREECE THE MONTHLY LOWEST INCOME FOR A WORKER IS ABOUT 700 EURO IN FRANCE
EXAMPLE... IS THE DOUBLE. A COFFIE IN GREECE COST 3 EURO IN FRANCE COST 3 EURO THE
BALANCE IS DIFFERENT AND MUCH EXPENSIVE FOR THE GREEKS.MUST DO SOMETHING FOR THIS.
77. Innovation and R&D (importance: 86%, disagreement: 15, evaluations: 4)
I believe that each country needs to commit an x amount of energy and amount on R&D, innovation and
lateral thinking. This is the only way to compete with other countries that are snatching manufacturing and
textiles industries.
78. climate change, safe energy, transport, jobs (importance: 85%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 18)
79. Economy - crisis (importance: 85%, disagreement: 16, evaluations: 5)
As a matter of speaking, everyone who makes decisions on EU level should read about Adam Smith.
Government interruption (quotas, max/min prices, subsidies, ...) sometimes creates more issues that will
be solved by another government interruption, and so on. The free market solves itselfs !!! Only with urgent
problems (i.e. like pollution) a government should intervene to speed up the free market process. In general, a
government (i.e. like the EU) has an observing function. 1500 characters are of course not enough to explain
the problems that this brings to our economy. We are so blind to see that governments sometimes cause more
problems to solve one, or maybe we are affraid of what a free market might bring. People make people. When
their are too many, people get depressed and suicides are increasing. This is nature solving the problem. This
is life. Free economy does the same!
80. peace, education, economy (importance: 85%, disagreement: 11, evaluations: 19)
81. employment and social protection system (importance: 85%, disagreement: 18, evaluations: 7)
better protection in unemployment and motherhood/faterhood, lower fees for education, more effective and
free european health system, incentives for small companies, better transport systems, stimulate culture and
culture-related jobs in southern europe

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82. SECURITY - IMMIGRATION AND BORDER CONTROL - BUSINESS (importance: 85%, disagreement:
16, evaluations: 11)
The EU should have an integrated border control system to control the wave of illegal immigration into the EU.
You must think that everything is connected. Illegal immigration have links with organized crime, it harms the
security of good EU citizens and also put in disadvantage EU business. Think about it. Also, the EU should
be more PRO - BUSINESS and less social. Everybody have the same opportunities in life, why some good
earners have to support lazy people who do not want to work?
83. Health system, more jobs, stronger social policy (importance: 85%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 15)
A more substantial health system, more jobs as there are a lot of unemployment people and a stronger social
policy
84. Entrepreneural Aid, Greater Redistribution of Wealth (importance: 85%, disagreement: 12, evaluations:
6)
Legalese and Taxation Codes should be simplified for Entrepreneurs in Europe , Whilst more Aid grants
given to them. In addition facilitation of resources and amenities across the European Community should be
more transparent. Focus should be given to developing European Countries which would aid not only these
Countries , but would also reduce the burden on the Developed European Countries, due to the reduced flow
of immigration from Countries with less wealth.
85. science, research, education (importance: 85%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 14)
86. employment (importance: 85%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 15)
87. environment, energy, economy, really working together (importance: 85%, disagreement: 16,
evaluations: 16)
Top priorities when the crisis will be behind us are, to me : 1/ finally make all countries work closer together
and make it feel to citizens because we don't 2/ ressources management and environment should be on the
top of the agenda, we can not allow ourselves to keep poluting as we do right now
88. economy and healthcare and the high prices of food (importance: 85%, disagreement: 10,
evaluations: 2)
it s important to create more an more jops and not let the big store sell the food so expensive, because for
example the farmers win just less money but the big stores win millions of €uros and people who dont win
so much money have to live hartly. Healthcare is a right of every person, but the prices becomes higher and
higher
89. Unemployment, health care, economy, enviroment, Education (importance: 85%, disagreement: 6,
evaluations: 2)
I leave in a Country where the most important thing is to go to the Univeristy and study and generally
expand your knowledge and horizons. I got my degree and I keep on Master studies. The result is 2 years
unemployed. There is no hope in finding a good job. I believe for sure there is no hope in finding a job in my
aspect. We are the "no hope" generation. I have been tired of my parents paying for my rent.I have been tired
of working as waiter just to make ends meet.The only thing i am wondering is which is the perfect country
to move now. I don't care that I leave in a beautiful country with sun and nice people since i have no money
to experience whatever this country offers me. I feel useless and the issue is that I didn't do anything bad in
order to feel in that way. The politicians see us as numbers. I am a number, you are a number, all together we
are many numbers. In this world the only thing that matters is who your dad is.If he has a lot of money and he
owns a company, your future is stable.We don't need knowledge and degrees and experience. The only thing
we need is good conections.We need to know the right person in the right position. In the past I was feeling
strong and I was believing that I can change the world, with only condition my own will. Now I have realised
that nobody wants from me to change the world.The only thing they want from me is not to disturb their nice
nirvana. Yours sincerely, A member of "no hope" generation.
90. Stabilization of the European Economies (importance: 85%, disagreement: 10, evaluations: 12)
Due to the fact that I am going to finish my Master Studies this year the state of the European economies
is of more and more importance for me. I will be looking for a job in due course and an economic turndown
does not improve the chances for young people to find an adequate job. Thus the EU should focus on making
Europe work closer together with the USA, Japan, China and India. It's not about stabilizing the financial
markets, it's about overcomming protectionism in order to enable growth of the world economy again.
europe should come out stronger from this crisis. It will be clear suicide if EU doesn't succeed in working
together through out this

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93. Innovation and creativity (importance: 85%, disagreement: 15, evaluations: 16)
Europe is often called the Old World and, while cherishing the wonderful heritage of our continent, I believe
the EU should take action towards making sure its people look more at the future than how they do now. I
would like the EU to stimulate the creativity and innovation capabilities of its citizens, I would like the EU to
make sure its citizens are allowed to dream and build their own future and are given the tools to do so in their
societies. I would like people to think of the European Dream in even more positive terms than the American
Dream.
94. Education and harmonising the policies for employment (importance: 85%, disagreement: 10,
evaluations: 8)
This is indeed a crusial topic.
95. The greenest possible economy. (importance: 85%, disagreement: 16, evaluations: 14)
In every domain of our EU economy (from banking to architecture, from transport to services, etc), the
greenest possible approach should get top priority. EU should stimulate this more with big incentives for
positive action, as well as big fines for those entrepreneurs that are deaf and blind.
Dear Mr. Barroso My name is Aikaterini D. Pantoula and I'm a 26 year-old youth who faces the most important
problem of all in her own family. In particular, my mother who comes from the most poor Prefecture of Europe
that of Epirus cannot find a job. She's a primary school graduate and she was born in 10 August 1961. As you
realize she's a socially secluded woman who can't support financially her family. Furthermore, as you already
are aware of there is no social welfare here in Greece. As a result, I don't have the money to pursue my MA,
though I've been accepted with scholarship at UU and RUN. I have Excellent grades and unfortunately my
dream to pursue an Academic career will never become true. I work for 800 euro 136 hrs per month. Actually,
I'm taken advantage of my services as every other youth in Greece. I'm desperate. My father suffers from
heart AF and my granny with whom I sleep in the same room (in our 76 m^2 flat) suffers from Alzheimer. Why
have you condemned us to these extenuating circumstances of living? My generation and I don't deserve it.
We are condemned in poverty and employers' exploitation. Please, gives us the future we deserve, help us
fulfill our dreams. We don't have voice to speak out and if we speak we will be fired the same time. You have
done nothing for us and this is a grievance. Please, take measures for our generation, save us from this hell.
Yours sincerely, Aikaterini D. Pantoula
97. Competitive EU industry (importance: 85%, disagreement: 15, evaluations: 18)
Europe needs a globally competitive industry. The EU needs an integrated strategy to keep its industries
competitive. A competitive industry brings growth and jobs.
98. EU should focus on economic issues. (importance: 85%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 5)
99. employment for younger and older generations (importance: 85%, disagreement: 16, evaluations: 6)
Spain has inflexible employment policies not adaptable to the talented younger generation and the
experienced older one. Tapping into this talent is only possible if employment laws were adjusted to modern
day times. Far too long lunch breaks, and strict "redunancy" regulations from dictatorship days are detrimental
to creativity and to work-life-balance environment. In days of office sharing, Spain lags behind in adjustment,
ideas and flexibility. Target 1: Sift the wheat from the chaff - maintain efficiency with talent and experience
Target 2: Happy employees are productive employees - give them flexible working hours and flexible work
location convenient for younger parents and those with handicapped family members in need of care
100. Harmonisation of taxes on : employment, fiscal & VAT (importance: 85%, disagreement: 13,
evaluations: 8)
Some markets are close to impossible to develop in belgium as a Business model that are possible in France
or Germany is not rendable in Belgium. For example : e-commerce who the next competitor is just the next
click away.
101. fair trade: let Europe be the first fair continent (importance: 84%, disagreement: 16, evaluations: 13)
Fair trade is in my opinion THE answer to fight poverty worldwide. It is a sign to the rest of the world: money
doesn't rule in Europe but compassion and common sense. Why do we give so much money to Africa for
example while, if we buy more from them, we can achieve more?
102. Research&development (importance: 84%, disagreement: 11, evaluations: 20)
With knowledge society coming up, the EU should focus on promoting research, science, and development.
103. employment and skills (importance: 84%, disagreement: 8, evaluations: 10)
Employment is always important for any of EU citizen, since it guarantees the quality of life as well as ensures
- directly and indirectly - the support for EU polices. The skills development is of outmost importance in the
today’s age of challenges and technologies, since it boosts the quality of human capital, following the slogan
"The difficult I do today and the impossible might wait until tomorrow".

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105. Aid to third world countries. Investment and development (importance: 84%, disagreement: 12,
evaluations: 3)
106. job creation (importance: 84%, disagreement: 11, evaluations: 15)
The big "R". At the moment I'm concerned about the amount of reactionary measures that are being spoken
about, surely proactive solutions would be better than what appears to be sticking a finger in the dike. If
the governments want more income, then the way I see it, they could agressively create jobs by supporting
enterprise. Swiftly introducing tax breaks for business' would create more jobs, thus the governments would
gain more income through income tax, VAT and reducing the amount they pay for Social Welfare.
Chances are not equal for all within the EU. I believe there is much more to be done in that field.
108. Education, health care, work/ employment, capabilities (importance: 84%, disagreement: 15,
evaluations: 13)
A good education that is available to all children and young high school graduates can be a key to upward
mobility or the amelioration of one's environment, both mentally and financially. In the current crisis, it is not
unthinkable that unemployment numbers will continue to rise. I believe that is up to local/national governments
as well as up to the european institutions to challenge these developments and monitor them carefully.
109. economy, welfare, social, politic, (importance: 84%, disagreement: 20, evaluations: 13)
i think that EU may affect my country economicly, improving quality of life, and securing a good welfare.
socially i think that EU would create a higher standart of society. and ofcourse politic: more stability.
110. Create more jobs (importance: 84%, disagreement: 22, evaluations: 10)
I think the most important thing i that "ordinary" people must see that teh EU work for their economy as well,
not just the economic well beeing og businesses. Shift the slogan from "internal market" to "jobs for all is
priority no 1 for the EU" (and this includes a healthy economy)
111. Environment, economic, social (importance: 84%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 16)
Environment first of all. Without nature, we would have been nothing. Economic and social comes second,
because we need to provide in our own human needs, but not at the disadvantage of the enivironment.
112. Innovation (importance: 84%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 18)
Innovation is a number one issue, if Europe wants to remain competitive!
113. education and research (importance: 84%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 6)
keep investing, make information free to all across eu
114. Economics (importance: 84%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 10)
Capitalism doesn't work. Europe should be following real thinkers and not the leaders of some think tanks,
paid indirectly by companies and private interests to promote capitalism, liberalism. This is leading us to more
crisis. Never forget that a economy crisis is nothing compared to what people (real human beings) may suffer
from loosing jobs, incomes, etc. EU should stop protecting richs, companies, international interests, etc.
115. economy, alternative forms of energy, gdp, environment (importance: 84%, disagreement: 13,
evaluations: 12)
What can we do to protect efficiently the environment? Are the alternative forms of energy helping it or
the outcome is a bigger disaster(like in U.S)? Is it relevant to our nation's economy? How will get over the
economy crisis? Is there a plan or EU is just waiting from US to get it over?
116. Invest money in research, education, job market (importance: 84%, disagreement: 17, evaluations:
17)
Due to the crisis many people lose their jobs.These people have nothing to do with the cause of the economic
crisis and they should not pay for it. I am one of them.Everyday I live with the fear that I may lose my job in
the near future. I am afraid of my own futyre. What should be done is to invest money in research, education,
on the job market, to maintain the job positions and create new ones.I do not agree with this idea that Europe
should focus on the dept stability. Europe should do as the Americans do but not to that extent. Invest money
in new areas so that when the crisis is over new things may rise.We should not be selfish...
117. New technology (importance: 84%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 8)
In this finacial crises are very important to invent new techology better technology to resolve this problem and
to also invent some new mwdical system

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With the beginning of “economical crisis” a lot of companies started unemployment processes, even if there
was no need. EU has to work on stronger on protections of employees and make more restrictions for the
companies who are using global problems to benefit.
I want to have a good job. But there is no work nowadays. I want to earn and spend money. Because having
no money made me crazy. I am only 26 yeas old, and I have some wishes. But it is not possible to do what
you want to do. I have lots of friends that they don't have jobs, too. We educate 16 years in our country
and cannot get a good job. Because there is a hard exam as KPSS that we cannot get a good marks to be
assigned to a work. I and my friends suffer from KPSS exam. Please have a good solution for unemployment
for all the people around world.
120. employment and equal opportunities, internal market, climate (importance: 84%, disagreement: 14,
evaluations: 14)
it is comforting to see that other respondents tend to have similar views, albeit with some differences in details
etc. That looks like a clear roadmap to me
european benchmarking on job creation
122. climate andenergy policy, social policy, economy (importance: 84%, disagreement: 20, evaluations:
13)
123. Ethical Responsibility of the Companies (importance: 84%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 5)
For their own sake the Companies must change their own approach to the comunities they are inserted in.
Information runs fast and the consumers will penalize the ones that fail to do so. The companies cannot afford
anymore to consider the markets as resources to be exploited. As far as democracy prevails every consumer
is as well a citizen. They will remind this, somehow, in the polls.
124. Economic government (importance: 84%, disagreement: 16, evaluations: 9)
For instance the EU should carry out the 'new deal' policy of sustaining the growth instead of the states and
when it comes to know how to budget this we 'll have an harmonized tax policy and it will be the beginning of
an Economic government as we have the currency and the central Bank. what will happen is the contrary: the
EU will summon the states not making a deficit but as they can't do without it will lose its authority of a former
age and the policy of the Commission will be given by the state's politicians to their Citizens as the main
problem facing them . this is to lose any legitimacy in the future!
125. unemployment and immigration (importance: 84%, disagreement: 17, evaluations: 4)
how should the opening of the borders of EU affects unemployment in the EU countries with the non EU
countries, and how open should they get with each other, especially now that more countries are added to EU.
126. social security, employment, R&D, education, helath care (importance: 84%, disagreement: 12,
evaluations: 21)
127. 1) Unemployment 2)racism 3)no social politics (importance: 84%, disagreement: 15, evaluations: 12)
Day by day the people in EU are loosing their jobs, EU seems to be week to help all these people, everything
is about the rich people, about industry and the only thing that we see through our televisions is the great
meetings of the European leaders in hotels of 5 and more stars, the luxury is all around them and at the same
tme people in UK, in France, in Greece don't have 1 euro to buy milk for their family..I think that the EU has
lost the meaning of his existence..All the people together, all the countries united as one....we don't see that in
our days. we see different politic in Greece, different in France..
128. Single market, education, freedom of movement, euro (importance: 84%, disagreement: 14,
evaluations: 8)
this current 'crisis' should become 'the great reset'. don't use tax-payers money to save old industries and
global companies who have been focussing on profit and shareholders for too long, ignoring their responsibilty
to society. instead inject money in small, local, durable initiatives. reduce the amount of administration that
comes with entrepreneurship and stimulate people to follow their true hearts passion. this, together with a
continued support for innovation (but not just science and technology), would make a solid base for further
growth.

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130. Economical crisis (importance: 84%, disagreement: 18, evaluations: 14)
People are loosing jobs and fast, poverty is rising in every part of the world, on a daily basis companies have
to let people go but at the same time get to hear from the governement that people don't want to work. Pretty
hard to do when companies are closing the doors. And all of this at the same time that prices rise, renting a
house gets more expensive and 75% of people are hanging on by a thread at the end of each month.
131. enviroment, economy (importance: 84%, disagreement: 22, evaluations: 18)
132. Global warming, healthcare, progress, research. (importance: 84%, disagreement: 12, evaluations:
27)
I believe we have to care about the future of europeans meaning that new generations should take their own
new challenges. Obviously global warning and ecological issue are on of them but we can add following the
appearrance of the crisis, maintening the social welfare, investist in research and education, in science and
new technologies (communication, space).
The EU should focus on the improvement of the economic/entrepreneurial environment of member countries
so as to maintain a high standard of competitiveness and keep jobs from going East..!! Incentives, tax
rebates, lower VAT rates and administrative costs, an educated, mobile and tech-savvy workforce, are few
of the ways to keep the Asian tigers from taking our livelihoods from under our noses!!!! (must I elaborate
more???)
134. trade policy with developing countries (importance: 84%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 2)
It a shame that eu`s policy proclaim to open their markets.We are in position of power so we do our own rules
concerning only to have profit and ever lasting poverty there because its better.Read social watch report to
understand better your own policy.
135. education, health, unemployment (importance: 84%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 10)
136. Innovate! Innovate! Innovate! (importance: 84%, disagreement: 15, evaluations: 18)
Our most important resource are our people rather then the riches of the soil. But to leverage on that we
need to stay ahead by being more innovative in all aspects of our lives: in sciences, technology but also
political and ethical issues. What's needed for that is to maximize the flow of information and ideas within our
continent. Regional competition should work positive, challenging, but not negative, by being protectionistic.
We need a few focused campuses around Europe, where innovation can incubate and grow to challenge the
other technology "valleys": Biotech, Human-oriented-Software, Green-automotive as a few ideas. Europe's
leadership needs to champion this: create awareness, create consensus and implement with discipline, focus
and dedication: working supra-national is needed for success. I believe Europe can do this! Frank
137. Full harmonisation of the Common market (importance: 83%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 15)
One Market, one Currency, one system of customs, taxes and tariffs. As long as you can buy a bottle of
Gordon Gin in Portugal for 5 euros less then in The Netherlands, there is no Common Market.
138. Employement opportunities in small areas (importance: 83%, disagreement: 15, evaluations: 9)
Belgium is doing quite well as for to social sector concerns. The big problem is the employement choice in
small regions. Belgium is a small country and has huge concentration of work in big regions, the capital of
course, causing the daily problem of the traffic jams which turns to pass a high bill to the enviroment. But what
is the option left? Work opportunities outside the capital are very limited. On the other hand, the integration
of people of different origin remains also a tricky area. The raising of the extremists groups is not making it
easier. european societies seem to be creating the spaces for these group to grow slowly and quietly, they
are gaining trust from the locals and the result is very discouraging for the foreigners who in the end sustain
to a certain extende the economy. Not all of them are illegal and not many are a threat to society. Young
people are the most exposed and the easy target for extreme and orthodox thinking. This forms a real danger
which will burst only in a decade more, when they become the leaders, the voice, the chiefs, and the working
power. Therefore, EU should also focus on the integration process outside of the big cities. The small villages
are hardly accepting any foreigners and many of them lead on unhealthy mental state of mind due to social
isolation they are forced to live on. Politicians speak about integration and underline the need learning the
language, but we all know this is not the passport for integration.
139. Economy, Safety, Health Care (importance: 83%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 12)
Better economy, better salaries, better pensions. Make cities safer, control migration, stop the outsourcing of
businesses. And for heaven's sake, make health care and education a priority so that everybody can have a
chance in a good life
140. unemployment , security (importance: 83%, disagreement: 9, evaluations: 10)

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141. economy ,criminality (importance: 83%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 7)
financial situation in greece is extremely bad and the hight criminality is the result of it
The last 5 months there is very high risk of loosing our jobs and it is very difficult for someone to find a new
one. Something must be done to ensure our jobs and to help unemployed people find one.
143. competitiveness (importance: 83%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 9)
EU must keep and enforce its power as a global economy
144. european industry (importance: 83%, disagreement: 10, evaluations: 9)
massive investment to regenerate european industry, in order to locate employment and clients in the same
economical area
145. Generating more and better jobs. (importance: 83%, disagreement: 11, evaluations: 25)
Providing more opportunities for entrepreneurship. Helping people who want to set up a small business with
tax breaks for the first two years; business start up advice; advice on business plans; possible funding help in
the first years. Implementing more stringent regulations to stop the abuse of independent status by employers
who don't want to pay taxes to the state. No to full time for one company on an independent status! Stop the
tax evasion of companies nationally before looking to tax havens.
146. competition (importance: 83%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 13)
we need competition in order to overcome the economic crisis
it is not good not to have a job because you will not be able to have dreams
148. Aid for cancer research. (importance: 83%, disagreement: 17, evaluations: 7)
149. Better job opportunities for young people. (importance: 83%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 11)
Many graduates end up in jobs which are completely irrelevant to their studies, not out of choice but because
of a lack of opportunties.
150. Common market (importance: 83%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 22)
151. in proposing a coherent green economy centered recovery plan (importance: 83%, disagreement:
20, evaluations: 7)
We need an EU bold stimulus plan to promote green econom, create millons of green collar jobs, reduce
climat endangering emissions and increse energy autonomy and security. We need such an ambitious
investment plan to tackle the mix of crisis we are facing and to keep our leading role in the green sector. In
the meantime we see that while the EU is steping back, other developed and emerging countries are investig
massive ammounts in the green economy, promoting low carbon solutions.
152. Difficulties for a person to start a new company in Greece (importance: 83%, disagreement: 0,
evaluations: 1)
I wish the Greek goverment try to do more about the peapole who try to reach the market and especialy
the new one.I believe the current laws for creating a new company are either not used the right way due to
corruption or completely unreliable to us. Most of the peapole in my friend and family sircle who opened a
new company here in Greece,needed from 15 to 24 days in order to take the "Green light" and start their
businesses. Hope Greek politicians start to consider this very seriusely :)
153. Research in Nanotechnology and physics is non existent (importance: 83%, disagreement: 21,
evaluations: 2)
Research in Nanotechnology and physics is non existent at this time in Athens Greece. Academics and
school teachers are not even receiving their regular salaries, and they have to wait two and three months to
receive any money. Instead the government is curtailing even more funding in research and development.
154. Employment, social security, sustainable energy resources. (importance: 83%, disagreement: 18,
evaluations: 3)
Everybody says that Europe has a better working social system.Its probably so.The same does not apply
when it comes to chauvinism and racism though.These two events have a great influence when it comes to
employment and social security.Europe is still divided into Western and Eastern.As for sustainable energy
resources,Europe has the potential not only to develop but to start implement all scientific achievements in
faster pace .

22

155. Environmental health, tobacco&alcohol, jobs, urban planning (importance: 83%, disagreement: 20,
evaluations: 5)
I would like to live in a safe environment: all those products I use, cosmetics, detergents, aerosols, and the
food I consume (strawberry full of pesticides and so on + ready made processed food), products used in
place I am spending time (paints etc), the quality of the air I breathe is important, and right now I am not too
sure about it. It is also of prime importance that EU institutions take the lead in urban planning: a lot of people
are living in ugly parts of suburbs, far from city centres, the environment is degraded, housing is appaling.
Ensuring fair jobs for everybody is also important, make education disciplines offer matche employers
demand!!
156. air quality, transportation networks, flexible labour market (importance: 83%, disagreement: 13,
evaluations: 8)
157. extend the internal market (importance: 83%, disagreement: 13, evaluations: 8)
the internal market, free movements of good, capital and people, is the raison d'etre of the EU and helps the
citizens to truly enjoy the advantages of an united EU: lower consumer prices, more services, the opportunity
to live, study and work in other countries.
158. Corruption, energy, politics, jobs, education, innovation.. (importance: 83%, disagreement: 14,
evaluations: 11)
Lithuania has more issues: like lack of central management, politics make decisions on the spot, they don't
have common goal or long-term vision. They don't take examples from other countries like Estonia does with
Sweden or Finland. A bigger part of EU support money are used for low priority projects and it wouldn't make
income in the future (renovation, local health/disease centers). More & more corporations end up bankrupt,
people losing jobs. Lithuania has to put money in this sector. LT don't manufacture nothing useful for EU
market. People finish studies at universities and don't find jobs, they are forced to leave country. EU has to
harden policy with Lithuania. Lithuanian politics talks more than do something. EU should monitor all projects
monthly for any progress made. And these are just begining for all problems in Lithuania.
159. Single Market (importance: 83%, disagreement: 15, evaluations: 16)
The EU must protect the integrity of the Single market that has come under attack by various bailout packages
by individual member states. DG Internal market and DG Competition have an important job in this respect.
The single market has been the greatest achievement of the EU and it must not be allowed to fall because of
protectionist tendenices in some member states who are playing to popular opinion for electoral advantage.
160. Information & Communication Technologies (importance: 83%, disagreement: 18, evaluations: 20)
If the EU would realize full connectivity of its citizens through digital means, it would feel much more like a big
family: all citizens would be able to share information with one another at any time, in any place.
161. Energy and technology, freedom and politcal transparency (importance: 83%, disagreement: 13,
evaluations: 6)
The most important thing today is the energy. The EU should continue researching nuclear fusion power,
printable solar power based on plastics and other efficient energy sources. The key is to get the most efficient
power, not the cheapest! Waste energy is a problem, so efficiency is of top priority. We should not use the
USA as raw model for the EU. Let freedom reign. Safety is not that important. It's not political correct, but
generally it's better to have some deaths than a union living in fear. If all would just ignore "terroist" attacks,
the terrorists would have no reason to attack us, because their killing would not have any effect. I guess this
would prevent bombings etc. Of course we're made believe that the terrorists are killing invidels and doing
this for religous reasons, but the people who equip and instruct them surely do this for politcal reasons only.
Also political transparency is very important, as is the independenc of state and religion. We may not combine
those. But the EU has so many different religions that I think it's very improbable that this could happen.
162. assistive technologies in the healthcare industry (importance: 83%, disagreement: 5, evaluations: 5)
The usefulness of assistive technologies in the health care industry has already been proved nevertheless a
bridge needs to be built between on the one hand the technology (automation) industry and the health care
industry. Nowadays the technology industry is manufacturing innovative assistive products for the health
care market without taking into consideration the needs of end-user (the person with a handicap, the elderly).
Making assistive technologies work is listening to the needs of the end-user and taking into consideration
his suggestions. If the technology industry is prepared to listen to the end-user and vice versa, assistive
technologies can be a future new market that can save a lot of money to the government etc. Living labs is
already one step in the good direction but many steps have still to be taken.
163. mobility, security, economy (importance: 83%, disagreement: 19, evaluations: 14)
I think EU needs to improve communication in order to improve mobility and securyt, which will bring more
economic growth

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164. Economy, unemployment, European Parliament, anti-EU feeling (importance: 83%, disagreement:
Obviously in these particularly difficult times, economic issues, especially those surrounding employment are
the foremost concern in peoples' minds. The nature of the crisis means that jobs are going to be lost, that is
largely unavoidable. Nonetheless there has been a lack of co-ordinated responses amongst states on fiscal
and other levels to the crisis; especially within the eurozone. We need to come up with a strategy to get EU
states trading and buying again. We must encourage businesses and enterprise. At an EU level we need to
provide businesses, especially small and medium businesses with the conditions they need to foster growth.
Remember, these are the people that will provide jobs and get Europe working again. Instead, we see
beureaucrats wasting their time and creative energy in the European Civil Service making documents about
using gender neutral language, a totally futile when dealing with many European languages which happen
to have gendered articles. Libertas, UKIP and other such anti-EU parties would not have oxygen to fuel their
fire were such embarassing exercises axed. Instead employees of the EU bureaucracy need to take more
practical approaches and need to find a way to connect with European people. Additionally, MEPs need to
show their constituents the usefulness of what they do in their work instead of 'riding the EU gravy train'. Mr
Barosso, it is up to you to ensure that the EU becomes more relevant to my needs and those of all Europeans.
165. ethics in business (importance: 83%, disagreement: 15, evaluations: 12)
Financial and economic behaviour must be reformed. Businesses - as well as public authorities - must take a
responsible and ethical approach which does not prioritise short term gain over long-term growth.
166. Education & Research, economic stimulous and job creation (importance: 83%, disagreement: 18,
evaluations: 17)
Education and research are landmarks in current day society. If leaders do not stimulate higher levels of
education and research, society and economies will not be able to leap forward. There is a clear backlash
in terms of research if one compares to the other side of the Atlantic (US). It is of paramount importance
to narrow the gap and fund education, training and research more in line with the social, economic and
entrepreneurial fabric within the EU. Despite an ever more active ESDP, the EU is a civilian power whose
desideratum is to emulate itself and thus avoid the intergovenmental limbo and become a most active actor.
I strongly believe that education and research cannot be ignored if the EU is to devise a economic stimulous
to launch the EU policy, help its "near abroads" and other nations around the world sharing common values,
norms and patterns. Insofar as the job creation issue is concerned, it is essential to path social stabilisation,
"plenty" and well being.
167. Economic integration and social reforms (importance: 83%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 6)
Europe should continue the economic integration, giving all European countries access to the single market
and the euro. Also close cooperation regarding social policy, education and security matter. The EU should
not force political integration and spend money on political and military agendas.
168. ECONOMICAL SUPPORT TO UNMARRIED WOMEN (importance: 83%, disagreement: 5, evaluations:
2)
I AM AN UNNMARIED WOMEN I HAVE A SON 17 YEARS OLD.THE SUPORT MONEY THAT THE
GOVERMENT GIVES ARE VERY LOW AND THEY CUT IT TO ME TWICE.THE REASON???BECAUSE
I CHANGE LIVING-CITY BECAUSE OF MY LIBERALWORK AS A MUSICIAN.MY SITUATION HAS NT
CHANGE .I AM ALL THESE YEARS UNMARRIED WOMWN.AND NOW THAT MY SON IS PREPARING IN
STUDIES FOR THE UNIVERCITY MY MONEY IS NOT ENOUGH.THEY CUT THE SUPPORT MONEY HERE
IN GREECE IN THE AGE OF 16TEEN..THERE IS NO PSIHOLOGICAL SUPPORT NEITHER ECONOMICAL
SUPPORT.
169. New technologies, environnement, defense, freedom, democracy (importance: 82%, disagreement:
170. environment and innovation (importance: 82%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 19)
Big cities should become more sustainable and "human" by respecting the enviroment. In addition new forms
of innovation ( especially for SME's ) can trigger entrerpreunership and boost the economy. Although the
Commission does initiate funding, Member states do not always convey this priority in their national economy
171. Environment, employment and new technologies.... (importance: 82%, disagreement: 15,
evaluations: 12)
Environment is important so the EU must apply policies to imporve our way of living and the environment we
live in (promote green energies, bicycles etc). Also, employment is a big issue. EU has to find ways to promote
employment in other EU countries. Finally, new tech is the future so the EU must increase investment in
research and also apply new techs in our daily lives sooner and more effectively.

24

protect from liberals and run-away capitalism - apply strict rules and regulations and monitor compliance
impose high taxes and tariffs to products that are produced in countries that do not respect elemental labor
laws, environmental laws, human rights, etc.
173. economy and trade (importance: 82%, disagreement: 16, evaluations: 14)
Good economic EU leadership is vital. Also in this issue, strong coöperation is required. Best is to integrate
this with other themes, such as environment, to ensure a sustainable economic system.
174. support new businessman (importance: 82%, disagreement: 6, evaluations: 3)
I started my own business slowly last year from home, (pc, web design, programming, software engineering,
software on demand.) A law states I can get funded only if I am operating for 3 years earning money. Now
after one year working steadily paying my taxes I decided it is time for me to move to a shop and can afford
the rent. There is not grant for me If I want to jumpstart my business.
Europe should fight against economy problems like inflation and unemployment. Bosses and managers should
not be fired with huge amounts of money when they are responsible for a crisis or when the emnployees of the
company get fired. People should get more security at work. Mobbing and discrimination should be fighted.
176. Financial markets and services providers’ regulation. (importance: 82%, disagreement: 11,
evaluations: 16)
As this ongoing crisis have shown financial markets and financial services providers (banks in most cases) are
too important for the well being to all countries to be left to market forces. Recent years of deregulation in all
over the world have led us to the situation there even drastic measures taken by the governments and central
banks can't deal with situation we are all in today. As many already spoken about this issue I think it is of the
prime importance in EU to adopt and implement such financial markets and financial firms regulation that
possibility of such crisis in the future would be minimized.
177. Environment, economy, education, immigration (importance: 82%, disagreement: 16, evaluations: 18)
Malta needs a good transportation system in order to solve problems regarding the environment and also
economy. Education needs to to be given a priority. We rarely hear about educational programmes being
offered in Malta financed by the EU. Pressure should be placed by the EU to help our country deal with the
immigration question, a problem which is claiming the lives of thousands of immigrants. Malta cannot solve
such a problem without the other countries sharing the burden.
178. peace, education, economy (importance: 82%, disagreement: 20, evaluations: 4)
179. Economic recovery (importance: 82%, disagreement: 9, evaluations: 8)
180. More funds for research & development, education, healthcare (importance: 82%, disagreement: 19,
evaluations: 12)
Lots of people in the whole Europe are facing unemployment and will not be able to find a job with a fair
salary and safe working condition (healthy and with very low risk conditions). The globalization is applied only
on goods (and the goods quality is impressively decreasing) but not the workers and children rights. Most of
the European citizens are facing the crisis cutting out their expenses, sometimes avoiding to buy expensive
medicines and buying low cost food whose origin cannot be checked. The EU should strongly improve the
check on imports, in terms of quality and fair treatment to the workers who produced the goods, by means of a
certification system globally certified in accordance with the United Nations.
182. Education, Environment, Technology (importance: 82%, disagreement: 10, evaluations: 5)
1. Education on how EU works 2. Protection of environment and alternatives to save and protect the
environment
183. unemployment , security ,health, education (importance: 82%, disagreement: 12, evaluations: 12)
184. training & life-long learning, employment, social security, (importance: 82%, disagreement: 17,
evaluations: 7)
185. human rights, economy, public health, employment (importance: 82%, disagreement: 26,
evaluations: 12)
Ensuring a prosperous society without poverty now, in the medium term and also in the long run.
187. employment (importance: 82%, disagreement: 19, evaluations: 13)
economical crisis has touched my both children, they have no work. I am very sad of it.

25

188. climate, innovation, creativity, moral, legal, unity (importance: 82%, disagreement: 22, evaluations:
10)
Unemployment is my largest single concern when it comes to the economy; European youths should not be
forced to worry about the future, nor to take jobs they dislike just because they can't find one they will actually
like and be good at.
190. job security (importance: 82%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 16)
Job security for Europe, lets invest in European's and work to keep our job market strong and vibrant. No to
protectionism!!
191. Counterering unemploiment and building a strong economy. (importance: 82%, disagreement: 18,
evaluations: 9)
192. Environment Energy Economy (importance: 82%, disagreement: 10, evaluations: 9)
193. Employment and social protection (importance: 82%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 6)
I think that the greatest problem affecting societal peace and the ability of the EU to progress is the global
financial crisis. Therefore, it must be addressed before anything worsens, and to alleviate those already
suffering. This would also be an excellent way for the EU to show it's citizens what it can do, and show the
world the integrity of Europe.
194. energy and growth and jobs (importance: 82%, disagreement: 24, evaluations: 13)
where member states cannot give an adequate answer on their own
195. the economy (importance: 82%, disagreement: 15, evaluations: 16)
I am not in favour of having an extra beaurocratic layer above the one we already have. The powewr of
Europe is in the common market and that is what they should be concentrating on building.
196. finding job (importance: 82%, disagreement: 17, evaluations: 13)
197. jobs abroad (importance: 82%, disagreement: 16, evaluations: 10)
making it easier for young graduates to find a job abroad
198. economy and enviroment (importance: 82%, disagreement: 14, evaluations: 10)
199. economy competitivene global warming, ageing pop, EU focus (importance: 82%, disagreement: 15,
evaluations: 9)
All the above are linked. The current crisis is undermining the growth and stability pact and some MS are
challenging the principles of the Single Market. This bad for the economy and bad for job creation. The rising
national debts will create problems when govts are faced with with increasing health care costs for the rising
number of elderly, forcing them to choose between budget cuts elsewhere, reducing the quality of care or
increasing taxes. Global warming is a real concern but the current focus is wrong. We are punishing our
own industry before we know what others will do and not focusing on the area of greatest potential benefit:
energy efficiency. Nor are we forcing individuals to really re-think there impact on the environment (no doubt
not to loose their votes). If we cripple our industry without achieveing global CO2 reductions we won't save the
planet and we'll destroy job creating industries. I feel that the EU has lost its way. It no longer has a project
which drives it and behind which the people can mobilise. Global Warming is clearly and option but it is still
divisive. How about completing the single market? Lisbon Strategy 2 (the green economy)? If our social
model is to be sustained for the next 50 years, we have to remain competitive on a global scale. Innovation
and education are our 2 greatest assets and we are not giving either the attention they deserve.
Unemployment, especially for young people, is a real issue here in Greece. In my case, I've been working for
8 years in private sector, I lost my job and I've been trying for 2 years to find a new job in Greece or abroad
(in a EU country-member). I believe that EU should focus more on "creating" employment programmes for EU
citizens.
201. human rights democracy unemployment equal oppurtunity (importance: 82%, disagreement: 14,
evaluations: 18)
I am so disturbed by violation of human rights. There are many children who cannot go to school and they are
forced to work. There should be equal opportunity for all children to change the vision of society and Turkey.
Unemployment has prevailed and people do not work in occupations they desire. This is against human
rights... I want to work on human rights, I want to study; yet, no one gives me a chance... Money talks

26

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