Research “Opinions about the European Union in Gulbene region. 2012 ”

The Europe Direct Information Center in Gulbene conducted a study “Views on the European Union in Gulbene Region. 2012 ”.

Objective of the study:

  • To find out how the population evaluates the benefits received by Latvia as an EU member state;
  • To identify the level of knowledge of Gulbene city and district residents on various European Union issues;
  • Find out what services and information resources the residents of Gulbene region have received at the Europe Direct information center in Gulbene;
  • Comparison of the survey results with similar surveys conducted in 2005 and 2009.

Respondents were asked the following questions:

  1. This year, 8 years have passed since Latvia became an EU member state - has Latvia successfully used all the opportunities in the EU?
  2. Do you think that the city and region of Gulbene has managed to use European Union funding effectively so far?
  3. Who has benefited from Latvia's accession to the European Union?
  4. How would you currently vote in the referendum on Latvia's accession to the European Union?
  5. How would you rate your knowledge of the European Union on a 10-point scale, assuming that '1' means you know nothing but '10' that you have a very good knowledge of the European Union?
  6. Where can you find information about the European Union?
  7. Please indicate where you can get information about the European Union in Gulbene?
  8. What services / events have you used / attended in EDIC?
  9. Which areas of EU activity would be most in Latvia's interests in the future?
  10. What should be the main priorities in the use of EU funding in Latvia?
  11. In your opinion, what should be done first of all to improve Latvia's ability to use the opportunities provided by the European Union?
  12. Your suggestions on what services you would like to receive at the Europe Direct Information Center or at events organized by EDIC.


Key findings:

  • The majority of respondents have acknowledged that the opportunities offered by the European Union have been seized, but this is not enough.
  • In general, the attitude of the population towards the use of EU funding in the home region is more positive: 18% more respondents believe that EU funding promotes the development of cities and counties, the number of respondents who have not heard of EU funding decreased by 5%, but about half of respondents in 2012. In 2009, as in 2009, funding is considered insufficient.
  • The participants of the survey believe that Latvia's accession to the European Union has been the most beneficial for young people, large European countries and entrepreneurs.
  • In 2012, the number of people who would vote for the European Union has increased by 18% compared to 2009. However, the highest indicator (47%) was in 2005. The respondents with the safest answer to this question also knew in 2005: the least - 24% were volatile, respectively 31% - in 2012 and 40% in 2009.
  • In all three-year surveys, the level of knowledge about the European Union is similar - most respondents rated it at 5-6 points. In 2012, the number of respondents who have not been able to determine their level of knowledge about the European Union has increased - 14% of the respondents.
  • The most frequently cited source of information about the European Union in year-round surveys is television and the press.
  • The library is the most popular place to find information about the European Union.
  • In the survey conducted in 2012, the respondents indicated that most of the services or events organized by the Europe Direct Information Center in Gulbene have received inquiries and consultations, followed by educational seminars, courses, classes, as well as exhibitions.
  • The participants of the survey believe that the following would be most in the interests of Latvia:
    - EU support for farmers;
    - the removal of all restrictions that impede fair competition in the EU common market;
    - Development of EU regions as well as education and science.
  • The participants of the survey conducted by EDIC believe that the main priorities in the use of EU funding in Latvia should be:
    - improvement of infrastructure,
    - Development of Latvia's regions,
    - support for farmers.
  • In order for Latvia to be able to use the opportunities provided by the European Union, the respondents believe that it is necessary to inform the public more actively and more widely about the opportunities provided by EU membership, to involve the public more actively in EU processes and to improve knowledge and skills.


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