1. Combine austerity with measures to boost
growth, say Eurobarometer respondents
Press release
General
Almost half of the Europeans surveyed think that combining public spending cuts
with measures to boost economic growth is the best way to end the current economic
crisis, says the latest European Parliament Eurobarometer poll. Over half (55%), say
these measures should be coordinated among Member States. Most Europeans also
say that financial help for Member States in difficulty must be conditional on compli-
ance with common rules (80%).
The EU must take action to reduce public spending and boost economic growth at the
same time, say 47 % of respondents. As to preferences, 25% say priority must go to mea-
sures to stimulate the economy, while 23% say it must go to those that reduce public
spending.
Over half (55%) would feel better protected by measures coordinated with other EU Mem-
ber States, but 38% (up three percentage points compared to the previous Eurobarometer
in September 2011) would prefer their countries to go it alone. Within the euro zone, 61%
favoured coordination, compared to only 43% outside it.
Although they favour solidarity, most Europeans say financial help for Member States in
economic or financial difficulty must be made conditional upon compliance with common
rules (80%), such as jointly-defined rules on deficits. They also say that penalties should
be imposed when these rules are broken (72%).
Most Europeans (66%) feel that pooling part of the public debt would benefit only those
Member States that are in dire straits, but 64% (up 3 percentage points), feel that it should
nevertheless be done in the name of solidarity.
Most (66% - up five points), now also favour a financial transaction tax. However, there is
a 20 point difference between those within the euro zone (73% in favour) and those out-
side it (53%). The strongest support for such a tax is found in Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Portu-
gal and Spain.
"The results show that the European Parliament has been acting in the same spirit as that
of the majority of the population in the laws and resolutions it has adopted since the begin-
ning of the economic crisis. This proves we are on the right track and should be involved
in all such decisions taken at EU level" said EP Vice-President co-Othmar Karas (EPP,
AT), who shares responsibility for communication.
EN
Press Service
Directorate for the Media
Director - Spokesperson : Jaume DUCH GUILLOT
Reference No:20120521IPR45530
Press switchboard number (32-2) 28 33000 1/2

2. Press release
Vice-president and rapporteur on the financial transaction tax Anni Podimata (S&D, EL),
was delighted to see "that an EU levy on financial transactions to put a brake on exces-
sive practices is gaining real traction among all Europeans." The European Parliament will
vote Wednesday to give its opinion on the introduction of such a tax.
The "Crisis and the economic governance in Europe" is the fifth such survey, done by TNS
opinion between 10 and 25 March 2012. It included face-to-face interviews with 26,593
Europeans aged 15 and over.
The full Eurobarometer survey can be consulted via the link on the right of this page.
Contact :
Jacques NANCY
BXL: (+32) 2 28 42485
STR: (+33) 3 881 74082
PORT: (+32) 498 98 34 06
EMAIL: jacques.nancy@europarl.europa.eu
20120521IPR45530 - 2/2