Central Europeans towards Integration with the European Union: A Study of Public Opinion, Social Attitudes and National Identities.

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1 Central Europeans towards Integration with the European Union: A Study of Public Opinion, Social Attitudes and National Identities Marek Kucia

2 Marek Kucia Published in March 1999 by: OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE CENTER FOR PUBLISHING DEVELOPMENT ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING PROGRAM Open Society Institute Center for Publishing Development Electronic Publishing Program Október 6. u. 12 H-1051 Budapest Hungary This work was prepared under financial support from the Research Support Scheme of the Open Society Support Foundation. Research Support Scheme Bartolomějská Praha 1 Czech Republic The digitization of this report was supported by the Electronic Publishing Development Program and the Higher Education Support Program of the Open Society Institute Budapest. Digitization & conversion to PDF by: Virtus Libínská Praha 5 Czech Republic The information published in this work is the sole responsibility of the author and should not be construed as representing the views of the Open Society Institute. The Open Society Institute takes no responsibility for the accuracy and correctness of the content of this work. Any comments related to the contents of this work should be directed to the author. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the author.

3 Contents Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union...1 Background...1 Introduction...1 Summary of the main findings Country's future Image of EU (EC) Awareness and knowledge of EU (EC). Interest in EU affairs Opinion on European integration. Support for association and EU membership. EU membership referendum. Reasons why for/against Assessment of integration into EC/EU. Current and future effects Central Europeans' Identities. Thinking oneself European General Situation Country's future Image of EU (EC) Awareness and knowledge of EU (EC). Interest in EU affairs Opinion on European Integration. Support for Association and EU Membership. EU Membership Referendum. Reasons why for/against Support for a United Europe Support for association with EC Support for EC membership EC Membership - when? EU Membership Referendum Reasons why for/against EU Membership Assessment of Integration into EC/EU. Current and Future Effects Fairness of Trading Partners Satisfaction with 'Western' Assistance Relations with EU: who Benefits most? Advantages of EC Membership Disadvantages of EC Membership Winners and Losers Winners and Losers Central Europeans' Identities. Thinking Oneself European Identity of Czechs and Poles General Situation Country's Direction Market Economy Democracy Satisfaction Human Rights...49 Central and Eastern Eurobarometer - Comparative Results...49 CEEB Topics...49 CEEB Data General...49 CEEB Data European...49 CEEB - Topics Compared...49 CEEB Topics Compared - General...49 CEEB Topics Compared European...49 CEEB Topics Compared European...49 CEEB - Topics and Questions...49 CEEB Topics and Questions...49 CEEB Topics and Questions...49 CEEB Topics and Questions...49 CEEB Topics and Questions...49 CEEB Topics and Questions...49 CEEB Topics and Questions...49 CEEB Topics and Questions...49 Public Opinion in Central Europe on European Integration - the Cases of the Czech Republic and Poland...49 An Account of A Quantitative Research...49

4 1. Support for EU Membership Image of EU EU Issues of Interest...49 An Account of A Qualitative Research Reasons Why Join EU Fears, Dangers, and Problems of European Integration Identity of Czechs and Poles...49 Tożsamość Polaków oraz Polacy wobec integracji z Unią Europejską...49 Główne odkrycia...49 Tożsamość Polaków...49 Polacy wobec integracji z Unią Europejską...49 Wprowadzenie...49 l. Tło i cel badania Metodologia. Profil grup Tematyka badania...49 Raport zbiorczy...49 Tożsamość Polaków...49 Polacy wobec integracji z Unią Europejską...49 Raporty cząstkowe...49 Grupa pilotażowa inteligenci...49 Tożsamość Polaków...49 Polacy wobec integracji z Unią Europejską...49 Tematy poruszone w dyskusji w grupie inteligentów...49 Grupa 1 Rolnicy...49 Tożsamość Polaków...49 Polacy wobec integracji z Unią Europejską...49 Tematy poruszone w dyskusji w grupie rolników...49 Grupa 2 Uczniowie...49 Tożsamość Polaków...49 Polacy wobec integracji z Unią Europejską...49 Tematy poruszone w dyskusji w grupie uczniów...49 Nauczyciele grupa Tożsamość Polaków...49 Polacy wobec integracji z Unią Europejską...49 Tematy poruszone w dyskusji w grupie nauczycieli...49 Grupa 4 Emeryci...49 Tożsamość Polaków...49 Polacy wobec integracji z Unią Europejską...49 Tematy poruszone w dyskusji w grupie emerytów...49 Grupa 5 Robotnicy...49 Tożsamość Polaków...49 Polacy wobec integracji z Unią Europejską...49 Tematy poruszone w dyskusji w grupie robotników...49 Załącznik l Kwestionariusz Ankiety...49 Załącznik 2 Wyniki Ankiety...49 Tożsamość grupowa Polaków...49 Polacy wobec integracji z Unią Europejską...49 NajwaŻniejsze sprawy w kraju...49 Obawy, niebezpieczeństwa, problemy...49 Załacznik 3 scenariusz dyskusji...49 Current Events Asscession of Czech Rep. into the EU and NATO Some Demographics Do you ever think of yourself not only as a Czech, but also as European? Does this happen Regardless of what you have answered to the previous question, what does it mean, according to you, To Be European? Does it, in your view, have the meaning? What does the concept of CENTRAL EUROPE mean to you? Does it have the meaning? To what extent does the concept of Central Europe (however understood) defines your identity? Which of those concepts describe your identity the most and which describe it the least?...49

5 7. What are the three most important, in your view, issues in our country these days? Among the various problems facing Czech Republik, how important for you is the integration of our countrz into the European Union? Is it What do you consider more important and urgent: the accession of our country into the Eouropean Union or its accession into NATO? Does the integration of our country into the European Union is connected in your opinion with the accession of our country into NATO? In your opinion, have we in our country gained more of association of our coutry with the European Communities and their 15 member states, or have they in the West gained more on association? In your opinion, have we - in our country generelly gained more or generelly lost more on association? In your opinion, who / what has generally gained and who / what has generally lost on association in our country? Do you think we should join or we should not join the European Union? Do you think they will admit us or not? In your opinion, shall we our country gain more as our country becomes a member of the European Union or will they in the West gain more? In your opinion, shall we in our country generally gain more or generally lose more as our country becomes a member of the European Union? In your opinion, who / what will gain and who / what will lose in our country as we become a member of the European Union? What fears do you have, what dangers and problems do you see when you think of a possible accession of your country into the European Union? [WRITE IN] What Europe would you like to have? If elections to the parliament were taking place this coming Sunday, how would you vote?...49 Current Events Accession of Czech Rep. Into the EU and NATO Minutes and assessment of group...49 Students (Prague, April 23, )...49 Teachers ( Prague, April 23, 1997)...49 Workers (Ostrava, April 24, 1997)...49 Pensioners (Ostrava, April 24, 1994)...49 Conclusions...49

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7 1 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union A Study of Public Opinion, Social Attitudes and National Identities in the Czech republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia Background A Summary Report Since the collapse of communism in 1989 the countries of Central and Eastern Europe strove to 'return to Europe'. This tendency first took the form of association with the European Community (EC). The 'Europe Agreements' establishing association between the EC and its member states, on the one part, and Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland, on the other, were signed in December After the split of Czechoslovakia separate 'Europe Agreements' were signed with the Czech Republic and Slovakia in October The agreements with Hungary and Poland came into force in February The agreements with the Czech Republic and Slovakia came into force in February So far (until July 1997) 'Europe Agreements' have been concluded with ten post-communist countries. After the peaceful revolutions of 1989 Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland expressed their desire to become members of the EC. The formal applications for membership in the European Community which developed into the European Union (EU) were made after the association agreements had come into force. Hungary and Poland applied in April 1994, Slovakia in June 1995, the Czech Republic in January In mid July 1997 the European Commission announced its opinion (avis) on the applications for EU membership of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and seven other applicant countries. The Commission recommended to begin negotiations on accession with the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia. The European Council summit which will take place in Luxembourg in December 1997 will make decision on which countries the EU will begin the accession negotiations in early Introduction This report presents the results of a study of public opinion on European integration in four countries of Central Europe (CE): the Czech Republic (CZ), Hungary (H), Poland (PL), and Slovakia (SK). Public opinion on the general situation in those countries is also presented. The research results are primarily based on a public opinion survey known as the Central and Eastern Eurobarometer (CEEB). CEEB has been conducted on behalf of the European Commission in the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) each year in autumn since Among the countries where public opinion have been surveyed by CEEB for the past seven years (4 in 1990 and 20 in 1996), there have been all the four countries of CE which this project concerns. In 90-92, CEEB covered three countries: Czechoslovakia (CS), Hungary (H), and Poland (PL). The CEEB data allow one to draw comparisons between the countries and to trace the trends of the development of public opinion. Other sources of empirical data used in this report are the results of the qualitative research conducted by the author in the Czech Republic and Poland in April 1997 and data from interviews carried out in the four CE countries as a part of the research reported.

8 2 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Summary of the main findings 1. Country's future Throughout the 90s people in CE (CZ, H, PL andsk) increasingly saw their countries' future tied up with the EU as economic and political connections to the EU were growing and, particularly, as prospects for EU membership were increasing. Some nations (particularly CZ and SK) still saw 'other West European (non-eu) countries' as their important partners, despite the fact that this category became almost empty. The regional cooperation within CE did not gain much popular recognition. 2. Image of EU (EC) The initial enthusiasm about the EC in CE (measured by a highly positive image of the EC in 90) was superseded by realism or scepticism of those positive or neutral (indicated by a less positive, more neutral and slightly more negative image). PL was slightly different in this regard to other CE discussed as its population was in 96 more positive about the EU than ever before. Throughout the region more people admit now than in the early 90s that they have some rather than none opinion on the EU. Communicating about the EU and mobilising and keeping social support for European integration has now become a challenging task. As 'elites' in CE are more positive about the EU than 'masses', the former need to stimulate the latter or European integration becomes an elites' project in CE as it has always been in the EU (EC). 3. Awareness and knowledge of EU (EC). Interest in EU affairs. In the early 90s people in CE were little aware of association with the EC and the PHARE assistance programme. In that period they were interested to know more about those two subjects. However, the CE governments, the EC authorities, and the media failed to provide appropriate information. In effect, in 97 people in CZ, PL and other CE countries know very little about the activities of the EU which concern them -association and PHARE. In the early 90s people in CE knew little about the EC and were not interested to know more. By 97 the situation changed. People seem to know more about the EU and are desperate for more information and knowledge. Communication and education is now a key task related to European integration in CE. 4. Opinion on European integration. Support for association and EU membership. EU membership referendum. Reasons why for/against. The newly gained independence did not prevent the peoples of CE from welcoming the idea of a united Europe (a survey showed in 90). Association with the EC was largely supported in the four CE countries when it was decided. EC membership gained even more support in the early 90s. Majorities in PL and H wanted to join the EC immediately while majorities in CZ and SK preferred to wait for about 5 years. By support for EU membership declined in CZ, SK, and H and remained almost unchanged in PL, compared to the early 90s. The qualitative research showed however that the high support in PL was fairly shallow while the modest support in CZ was fairly strong. People in CE want to join the EU because they hope for economic improvement and general progress thanks to the EU. Those who don't want EU membership are afraid of high costs and loss of independence and identity.

9 3 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union 5. Assessment of integration into EC/EU. Current and future effects. Early effects of integration into the EC (judged by fairness of the EC as a trading partner) were perceived positively in H and CZ and neutral in SK and PL. People in most CE countries were dissatisfied with the amount and character of 'Western' assistance that was provided in the early 90s. In the mid 90s populations of CE countries came to a belief that both their countries and the EU benefit on mutual relations, although the difficulty of separating integration from transformation seems to bias this assessment. Since the early 90s people in the four CE countries have expected economic improvement and improvement of living standards as the primary advantages of integration into the EC/EU. Private businesses and education systems have been believed to gain the most. Economic domination, loss of national identity and sovereignty have been among the major disadvantages. Farmers have been perceived as the big losers. The expectations may prove too difficult to fulfil quickly enough. The fears will remain unless they are addressed both on the factual and public relations levels. 6. Central Europeans' Identities. Thinking oneself European. Nationality is the primary identification of people in CE. 'Central Europe' means very little. 'Being European' is understood as a consequence of being PL, CZ, SK or H. 7. General Situation The transformation of the economies and political systems of the countries of CE has proved very difficult and painful, as the assessments of the general situation of those countries indicate. The assessments of the country's direction, market economy, democracy satisfaction, and respect for human rights have declined in each of the four CE countries between Elaboration and illustration of the research findings Observations are written in normal character. Interpretations are in italics. 1. Country's future In 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 CEEB asked the question: As things stand now, with which of the following do you see (our country's) future most closely tied up? 1.1 EU received the highest ratings in all CE in The ratings were the highest in CZ in 92 and 93 (46 %) and in PL in 96 (46 %). They were the lowest in H, with a minimum in 94 (22 %). The EU standing was continually increasing in PL (from 31 % in 92 to 46 % in 96). In CZ it decreased from a high to low level (46 % in 92 to 37 % in 95), after which it increased back to 44 % in 96. In SK it was fluctuating on a medium level (a little over 30 %), but increased to 38 % in 96. In H it was decreasing in (from %) and increasing in (from %). The EU standing grows as economic and political realities tie PL, H, CZ and SK to the EU and, particularly, as prospects for EU membership increase. PL seems to be particularly enthusiastic about the EU while H was particularly sceptical. CZ, after the disillusionment to the EU in 93-94, grew realistic. SK seems to show more realism and enthusiasm for the EU in than their government. 1.2 'Other WE (non-eu)', that is Austria, Sweden, and Finland (in 92-94) plus Switzerland and Norway (in 92-96) came second in CZ in and SK in and 96. They were also second in H in 93 and 94. In PL 'other WE (non-eu)' were never considered important partners. After the ex-efta members (Austria, Sweden, and Finland) had joined the EU in 1995, the EU standing in CE did not increase proportionally in 95. In 95 and 96 the category of 'other WE

10 4 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union (non-eu)' received disproportionally high levels of choices in CZ and SK. It got considerably less choices in H and PL. A high standing of the EFTA countries in CZ, SK, and H in can be explained by historical connections and geographical proximity, particularly to Austria. From 95 on, as 'other WE (non-eu)' were basically Switzerland and Norway only, the fairly high rating of this category may be seen as an expression of a kind of a longing for the past. CZ and SK were fairly sentimental in this regard while H were fairly realistic. 1.3 The USA always came second in PL. Their standing was fairly high in 92, decreased in 93 and has kept on a stable level of 14 % since. Also in H was the USA the second in 92, 95 and 96. The USA standing of in PL or H was always higher than in CZ or SK. In H in 93 and 94 and always in CZ and SK, the USA were the third or fourth. Interestingly, the USA standing was always a little higher in SK than in CZ. The high standing of the USA in PL is an effect of both traditional and emotional ties and economic and political connections. In H it is primarily a reflection of the US economic involvement. In CZ the US standing seems disproportionally low. In SK it seems surprisingly high, given the government's policies and their popular support. 1.4 'Germany' was spontaneously indicated the most often in H in 95 (14%). The 16 % in PL in 92 looks like a CEEB technical error (perhaps asking 'Germany' as one of the categories instead of allowing respondents to answer spontaneously). In other years in PL 'Germany' never exceeded 10 %. It was very low (1-2 %) in CZ and SK. Given the geographic, economic and political realities, H seems to be more realistic about the position of Germany for the country's future than any other CE nation. PL and CZ seem particularly non-realistic. In PL the non-mentioning of Germany after indicating the EU may be understood as considering it apart or the epitome of the EU. In CZ the forgetting of Germany may be explained through historical resentments. 1.5 'Other CE / EE' increased their ratings in all CE but PL between 92 and 96. In PL they reached the second position with 14 % in 93. In H and SK they reached the maximum of 13 % and 15 % respectively in 95. In CZ they doubled their rating from 5 % in 92 to 10 % in 96. Throughout the years the category of 'other CE / EE' has included different countries. Respondents in various countries must have understood it in various ways. Assuming that for the respondents in PL, H, CZ, and SK this category covered the Visegrad 4, one can claim that the regional cooperation did not gain much importance for CE. Interestingly, it meant the least for PL whose government was the most in favour of close political cooperation within the V4. At the same time it seemed to have meant the most for SK and CZ, whose governments hardly cared for V4. The increase of the 'other CE / EE' rating may be seen as the sign of popular recognition for economic cooperation within CEFTA. In it could have to do with a certain disillusionment of people in CE with the EU. 1.6 Russia have occupied a modest rank. It was the highest in PL (5-7%), fairly low in H and SK (2-6%), and the lowest in CZ (a mere 1% or 0 %). This seems to be due to geographic and economic factors. There was a significant growth in the Russia's rank in SK from 2 % in 93 to 6 % in 95. This seems to have been the public opinion's reflection or driving force of the SK government's policies of 'approachment' to Russia. 1.7 Spontaneous answers 'we should depend on ourselves' appeared in each country each year. Between 92 and 96 they increased considerably in H (2-6%), SK (3-7 %), and CZ (4-7 %). In PL they kept on a very low level (2-4 %). The spontaneous 'we should depend on ourselves' answers can be understood either as a sign of isolationism and disillusionment with partners or as a call for self-reliance. Both tendencies, unfortunately, are non-realistic in the uniting Europe. The 'we should depend on ourselves'

11 5 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union attitude may be seen as the public reaction to the slow opening of the West, particularly the EU, to CE. It can also be interpreted as a belief in the benefits of mutual CE /EE ties ('we' having a regional meaning). Finally, it can be seen as a longing for COMECON which, like the regimes of the past, may now be perceived as better than whatever is available now (cf. CEEB 92 data on past regimes). As things stand now, which of the following do you see (our country's) future most closely tied to? Poland EU / EC USA Other WE (non EU/EC) Germany (spont.) Other CE / EE Russia Japan / Corea Spont: none of these Spont: depend on ourselves EU / EC USA Other WE (non EU/EC) Germany (spont.) Other CE / EE Russia Japan / Corea Spont: none of these Spont: depend on ourselves

12 6 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Hungary EU / EC USA Other WE (non EU/EC) Germany (spont.) Other CE / EE Russia Japan / Corea Spont: none of these Spont: depend on ourselves EU / EC 25 USA Other WE (non EU/EC) Germany (spont.) Other CE / EE Russia 10 Japan / Corea 5 Spont: none of these Spont: depend on ourselves

13 7 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Czech R EU / EC USA Other WE (non EU/EC) Germany (spont.) Other CE / EE Russia Japan / Corea Spont: none of these Spont: depend on ourselves EU / EC USA Other WE (non EU/EC) Germany (spont.) Other CE / EE Russia Japan / Corea Spont: none of these Spont: depend on ourselves

14 8 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Slovakia EU / EC USA Other WE (non EU/EC) Germany (spont.) Other CE / EE Russia Japan / Corea Spont: none of these Spont: depend on ourselves EU / EC USA Other WE (non EU/EC) Germany (spont.) Other CE / EE Russia Japan / Corea Spont: none of these Spont: depend on ourselves

15 9 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Trends in the EU / EC standing Poland Hungary Czech R Slovakia Poland Hungary Czech R. Slovakia Trends in the USA standing Poland Hungary Czech R Slovakia Poland Hungary Czech R. Slovakia

16 10 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Trends in the 'Other WE (non EU/EC) countries' standing Poland Hungary Czech R Slovakia Poland Hungary Czech R. Slovakia Trends in the 'Germany (spont.)' standing Poland Hungary Czech R Slovakia Poland Hungary Czech R. Slovakia

17 11 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Trends in the CE / EE standing Poland Hungary Czech R Slovakia Poland Hungary Czech R. Slovakia Trends in the 'Spont.: depend on ourselves' standing Poland Hungary Czech R Slovakia Poland Hungary Czech R. Slovakia

18 12 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union 2. Image of EU (EC) In 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996 CEEB asked a question about the image of the EU (EC): As you might know, 12/15 states of "Western" Europe form together the "European Community " / "European Union". Would you say that your impression of the aims and activities of the European Community/European Union are generally positive, neutral or negative? In 1996 this question was also asked to samples of CE 'elites': decision makers and opinion formers. In 1995 a question about reasons why the image of the EU is positive, neutral or negative was asked. Unfortunately, it was not repeated in the EU candidate countries in In 90 the EC started with an overwhelmingly positive image in the CE countries considered: H 51 %, CZ 49 %, PL 46 %, and SK 43 %. By 96 this positive image declined in three of the four countries: CZ 33 %, H 33 %, and SK 34%. Only in PL it became more positive reaching 58 %. In there was a depression of the positive image of the EC in all the countries studied. The second depression followed in 94-95, except in PL. As the positive image of the EU (EC) was declining, the negative one was developing, from 2 or 3 % in 90 to as much as 10 % in CZ, 9 % in PL, or 8 % in H (but 'only' 5 % in SK) in 93. In 96 the negative image reached 11 % in H, 9 % in CZ, 7 % in SK and 5 % in PL. The decline of the positive image of the EC and the growth of its negative perception between 90 or 91 and 92 or 93 was probably due to the EC policy of reluctant opening to the East (association, not membership; slow and difficult Europe Agreement negotiations and ratification, trade barriers) and perceived EC's own problems (the Maastricht Treaty and its ratification). In the depression of the image of the EU in CZ, SK, and H was probably stimulated by a negative perception of economic relations with the EU, particularly the growing trade deficit. Interestingly, PL had only one low in 93, probably also due to economic factors. The growth of the positive image of the EU observed in 96 can be interpreted as a positive reply to a welcoming attitude of the EU towards the CE countries. At the same time, however, the increase of the negative image occurred which may indicate that the opponents of integration consolidated their opinion. As for the neutral image of the EU (EC), it was characteristic of about a quarter of the populations of the four CE countries in 90. In 96 it remained like that in PL (24 %), but grew in H (32 %), CZ (42 %), and SK (44 %). The ratio of those undecided in 90 was about % in CZ, PL, and SK, but 20 % in H. By 96 it declined in the former three countries to %, but increased in H to 24 %. The growth of the neutral image of the EU may be understood as a decline of 'euroenthusiasm' of people in CE, except in PL. The decline of the undecided indicates that integration in the EU has become an important issue. Thus mobilising popular support for European integration has become a more difficult task. 2.2 The image of EU among the 'elites' of the CE countries was more positive and less negative, neutral and ambiguous than among the general populations of CE countries as the 1996 data showed. 'Elites' have always been more in favour of the EU than 'masses', both in the EU and CE. European integration has always been an elites' project in the EU (EC). It is good that CE elites have a highly positive image of an organisation to which they strive their countries to belong. However, integration of CE into the EU may easily become an elites' project unless the elites keep up and develop the positive image of EU among their compatriots. 2.3 In 95 the main reasons why the image of the EU was positive in CE Europe Agreement countries were: 'economic improvements' (14 %), 'general progress thanks to EU' (10 %) and 'better prospects within EU' (7 %). The main negative reason was 'economic decline or exploitation' (3 %). The main neutral reason was 'lack of information' (7 %).

19 13 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Poland CEEB1 CEEB2 CEEB3 CEEB4 CEEB5 CEEB6 CEEB positive neutral negative d/k positive neutral negative d/k Hungary CEEB1 CEEB2 CEEB3 CEEB4 CEEB5 CEEB6 CEEB positive neutral negative d/k positive neutral negative d/k

20 14 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Czech R. CEEB1 CEEB2 CEEB3 CEEB4 CEEB5 CEEB6 CEEB positive neutral negative d/k positive neutral negative d/k Slovakia CEEB1 CEEB2 CEEB3 CEEB4 CEEB5 CEEB6 CEEB positive neutral negative d/k positive neutral negative d/k

21 15 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Positive CEEB1 CEEB2 CEEB3 CEEB4 CEEB5 CEEB6 CEEB Poland Hungary Czech R Slovakia Poland Hungary Czech R. Slovakia Neutral CEEB1 CEEB2 CEEB3 CEEB4 CEEB5 CEEB6 CEEB Poland Hungary Czech R Slovakia Poland Hungary Czech R. Slovakia

22 16 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Negative CEEB1 CEEB2 CEEB3 CEEB4 CEEB5 CEEB6 CEEB Poland Hungary Czech R Slovakia Poland Hungary Czech R. Slovakia Don't know CEEB1 CEEB2 CEEB3 CEEB4 CEEB5 CEEB6 CEEB Poland Hungary Czech R Slovakia Poland Hungary Czech R. Slovakia

23 17 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union 3. Awareness and knowledge of EU (EC). Interest in EU affairs. CEEB provides fairly fragmented data concerning the awareness and knowledge of the EC/EU and interest in the EU affairs: Awareness of EC 1990,1991,1992 Perceived level of informedness about EC 1990,1991 Knowledge of EC/EU 1991,1992,1995 Interest in EC affairs 1992 Awareness of and interest in Europe Agreements and PHARE 1992 EU issues of interest (general populations and'elites') 1996 Sources of information 1990,1991,1992,1994,1995,1996 EU information centre in (country's) capital 1996 These data can be supplemented by the results of the qualitative research and study trip interviews conducted within this project. The awareness of the EC in CE, as measured by CEEB in 90-92, seemed to have been on a very high level (between 72 % in SK in 91 and 84 % in PL in 92). Interestingly, the awareness of the EC activities which concerned CE, namely 'Europe Agreements' establishing association between CE countries and the EC and its member states and PHARE assistance programme, was very low. In 92 the awareness of 'Europe Agreements' ranged from a fairly low 36 % in H, through a modest 39 % in SK and 41 % in CZ, to 49 % in PL. The awareness of PHARE was even lower: from as little as 18 % in PL and 20 % in H to very modest 27 % in CZ and 30 % in SK. My interviews and group discussions revealed in that the awareness of association and assistance programmes was very low among people in CE. E.g. the question about the assessment of association asked in group discussions in CZ and PL was often not understood by respondents and had to be re-worded as that about the assessment of the relations with the EU. The CE governments, the EC authorities, and the media failed to propagate the major EC activities in CE - association agreements and assistance programmes - to people in CE who became very aware of the EC, the organisation they wanted their countries to belong. Although people in CE were generally aware of the EC in the early 90s, they felt not well informed about it. Between 68 % in CS in 91 and 74% in PL in 90 admitted so. Interestingly, in the early 90s people in CE were generally not interested in the EC affairs. In 92 between 67 % in H and 77 % in SK claimed so. At the same time interest in knowing more about 'Europe Agreements' was astoundingly high: 75 % in CZ, SK, and H and 64 % in PL. So was interest in knowing more about PHARE: between 70 % in PL and 75 % in SK. By 97 interest in EU affairs grew as group discussions showed. CEEB showed in 96 that people in CE were generally in favour of opening of an EU information centre in their countries' capitals (from 59 % in SK to 45 % in H). However, the main sources of information about the EU were national television, papers, radio and periodicals. Little informedness about the EC perceived by people in CE in the early 90s was not a sufficient reason for their interest in knowing more about the EC affairs, except for those which specifically concerned CE countries and peoples: association and economic assistance. As accession into the EU became a clearer prospect, people in CE became desperate for information and knowledge about the EU. The national mass media will always be the most important source of information on the EU.

24 18 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Knowledge of the EC, as measured by various CEEB questions, was very low in the early 90s. E.g. in 92 few people in CE knew in which city or cities the major institutions of the EC were located. Merely 11 % in H, 17 % in PL, 19 % in CZ, and 25 % in SK gave correct answers. By 95 knowledge seemed to have improved. The flag of Europe was correctly recognised in SK by 64 %, CZ by 61 %, PL by 44 %, and H by 42 %. Group discussions conducted in 97 indicated that people in CE desperately need more information and knowledge about the EU. This feeling was stronger in PL than in CZ. The level of knowledge seemed higher in CZ than in PL, the discussions showed. Educating about the EU and communicating about it seems to be the main task concerning European integration in CE. Activities such as developing European studies curricula (e.g. 'Jean Monnet Project') and communications campaigns (e.g. those launched in H and PI.) seem to be steps in the right direction. AWARENESS OF EC Have you ever heard of the "European Community" or "Common Market" as it is also called? (1990) I would like you to tell me whether you have, or have not heard of... EC...? (1991, 1992) CEEB1 CEEB2 CEEB3 Poland heard not heard d/k Hungary CEEB1 CEEB2 CEEB heard not heard d/k Czech R. CEEB1 CEEB2 CEEB heard not heard d/k Slovakia CEEB1 CEEB2 CEEB heard not heard d/k

25 19 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union PERCEIVED LEVEL OF INFORMEDNESS ABOUT EC Taking into account all you know about the European Community, how well informed do you feel about its aims and activities? Do you feel very informed, quite informed, not very informed, or not at all informed? Poland CEEB1 CEEB informed not informed don t know 9 8 Hungary CEEB1 CEEB informed not informed don t know 2 4 Czechoslovakia CEEB1 CEEB informed not informed don t know 5 4

26 20 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union KNOWLEDGE OF EC/EU Do you happen to know in which city or cities the major institutions of the European Community are located? (IF YES) In which city or cities? Correct: Brussels and/or Strasbourg and/or Luxembourg, and no other city CEEB % correct Romania max Hungary 11 10th Poland 17 6th Czech R. 19 4th Slovakia 25 2nd Average 9 Latvia 6 CE min Russia 3 18 min Which country or ogramsation does this flag represent'' (Asked in Ea countries only) CEEB Total correct 47 European Union 30 European Community 12 Council of Europe 2 Europe in general 2 Common Market 1 CEEB6 % 1995 correct Slovenia 79 Ea 10 first Slovakia 64 Ea 10 2 nd Czech R. 61 Ea 10 3 rd Europe agre 47 Poland 44 Ea 10 8 th Hungary 42 Ea 10 9 th Lithuania 28 Ea 10 last

27 21 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union INTEREST IN EC AFFAIRS How interested would you say you are in the European Community, us institutions and Us policies? Are you interested a great deal, to some extent, not very much or not at all? Poland CEEB interested 29 not interested 69 d/k 2 Hungary CEEB interested 31 not interested 67 d/k 2 Czech R. CEEB interested 28 not interested 71 d/k 1 Slovakia CEEB interested 22 not interested 77 d/k 1

28 22 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union AWARENESS OF EUROPE AGREEMENTS 1 Over the past few months, have you heard anything about "Association agreements" or "European agreements" for closer political, economic and cultural cooperation being negotiated between the European Community and Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland 7 2 Please tell me whether you have or have not heard anything about "Association agreements" or "European agreements" for closer political, economic and cultural ties agreed or currently under negotiation between the EC and Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and Romania? Poland CEEB2 CEEB heard not heard Czech R. CEEB2 CEEB heard not heard Hungary CEEB2 CEEB heard not heard Slovakia CEEB2 CEEB heard not heard 50 61

29 23 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Heard of "Europe agreements" CEEB3 CEEB Bulgaria max Poland max Russia 57 3rd Czech R. 60 2nd Poland 49 6th Hungary 56 3rd Average 47 Average 51 Ex Russia Czech R th Slovakia 50 Slovakia 39 11th Russia 31 9th Hungary 36 12th Albania min Lithuania min Not heard of "Europe agreements" CEEB3 CEEB Lithuania max Albania max Hungary 64 7th Russia 69 4th Slovakia 61 8th Slovakia 50 Czech R. 59 9th Average 49 Ex Russia Average 53 Hungary 44 Poland 51 13th Czech R. 40 Russia 43 16th Poland min Bulgaria min

30 24 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union INTEREST OF EUROPE AGREEMENTS 1 Please tell me if you wold be very interested, somewhat interested or not really interested in knowing more about details of the Associate membership agreements, between the European Community and Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland? 2 (Asked only to those aware) Please tell me if you would be very interested, somewhat interested or not really interested in knowing more about "Europe agreements' for closer political, economic and cultural ties agreedor currently under negotiation -between the EC and Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and Romania? Poland CEEB2 CEEB very interested somewhat interested not really interested d/k 8 3 Czech R. CEEB2 CEEB very interested 46 9 somewhat interested not really interested d/k 7 7 Hungary CEEB2 CEEB very interested somewhat interested not really interested d/k 6 8 Slovakia CEEB2 CEEB very interested somewhat interested not really interested d/k 12 8

31 25 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union AWARENESS OF PHARE Have you heard anything about assistance to help improve (our country's) economy being provided by 24 industrialised nations and coordinated by the Commission of European Communities? (IF YES) Do you feel that this assistance programme is having a major impact, minor impact or no real impact in helping improve (our country's) economy? Have you heard anything about an assistance programme called PHARE to help improve (our country's) economy being provided by 24 Western natins and coordinated by the Commission of the European Community? (If yes) Do you feel that this assistance programme is having a major impact, minor impact or no real impact in helping improve (our country's) economy7 Please tell me whether you have or have not heard anything about an assistance programme - often called "PHARE" - to (our country) from the European Community CEEB 1 / 1990 CEEB 2 / 1991 CEEB3 / 1993 Poland Hungary CS Poland Hungary CS Poland Hungary Czech R. Slovakia Not heard Heard Major impact Minor impact No real impact Don't know

32 26 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union Heard / Not heard (PHARE in 1990 and 1991 and PHARE or TACIS in 1992) CEEB3 CEEB2 CEEB heard not heard 1991 heard not heard 1990 heard not heard Bulgaria max Czechoslovakia Phare5 max Hungary Russia rd Hungary Phare5 4th Czechosl Tacis avr Poland Phare5 min Poland Slovakia th Phare avr Czech R th Hungary th Poland min

33 27 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union EU ISSUES OF INTEREST The European Union deals with many issues. I will now ready you a list of some of them. Would you, or would you not personally like to know more about what the European Union is doing in the areas of... CEEB7 10 candidate countries General Public "Elites" "Elites" 1996 General "Elites" Difference E-G Poland Hungary Czech Rep. Slovakia Poland Czech Rep. Agriculture/Fisheries Business/Industry/Technology Common Foreign and Security Policy Culture/Audiovisual Competition/Privatisation Economic/Monetary affairs Energy Environment EU institutions and how they work EU-(our country) relations Human rights EU assistance programme (called "PHARE") Science, Research and Development Single Market Trade with EU Transport Working and living conditions None of them N/A

34 28 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union INFORMATION SOURCES Here is a list of ways you might hear about the activities of the European Union, its institutions and its policies. Which of them are your main sources of information about the European Union, its institutions and its policies? CEEB Poland Hungary Czech R. Slovakia (Our country's) television (Our country's) newspapers (Our country's) radio (Our country's) periodicals The government At work School or University Libraries Western television Personal contact with EU people Visits to EU countries Western newspapers Western periodicals Western radio EU Delegation in (our capital) Other None of them

35 29 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union EU INFORMATION CENTRE IN (COUNTRY'S) CAPITAL If the European Union were to open an information centre in (our capital), would you personally think this is a good idea, not a good idea or are you indifferent about it? CEEB Good idea Indifferent Not a good idea Romania Slovenia Slovakia Estonia Cc 10 avr Poland Bulgaria Czech R Latvia Hungary Lithuania

36 30 Central Europeans Towards the Integration with the European Union 4. Opinion on European Integration. Support for Association and EU Membership. EU Membership Referendum. Reasons why for/against. 4.1 Support for a United Europe Support for association with EC 1990, 1991, Support for EC membership 1991, EC membership - When? 1990, 1991, EU membership referendum 1995, Reasons why for/against EU membership 1996 These CEEB data can be supplemented by the results of the qualitative research and study trip interviews. 4.1 The idea of a 'United States of Europe' that would include the countries of CE was positively received, when peoples of PL, H and CS were first posed with it in 90. The reception was the warmest in H 81 % and CS 79 %. It was a bit cooler in PL 68 %. The newly gained independence did not prevent the peoples of CE from welcoming the idea of a single European state. 4.2 Association with the EC and its member states was supported by large majorities of the populations of PL, H, CZ, and SK in as 'Europe Agreements' were being negotiated or were agreed. This support ranged from 74 % in SK in 91 to 80 % in H in 91. Association with the EC was largely supported in the four CE countries despite it was a weaker form of integration into the EC than membership would have been. 4.3 At the same time (91-92) EC membership was enjoying even more support in CE. It ranged from 79 % in PL in 91 to 86 % in SK in 92. A larger support for EC membership than for association with the EC may be understood as an expression of a deep desire of CE nations to become full EC members. 4.4 In the early 90s majorities (absolute in 90, relative in 91-92) in PL and H wanted to join the EC immediately while relative majorities in CZ and SK preferred to wait for about 5 years. In 97, according to group discussions in PL, some people would rather prefer to wait. 4.5 If referenda on EU membership had been held in the four CE countries in 95 and 96, they would have been won by the supporters of integration (by 76 % in H, 80 % in CZ, 84 % in SK, and 91 % in PL in 96), as the CEEB data imply. If the undecided and those giving no answer are considered, in 95 and 96 there was a large and absolute majority of EU membership supporters in PL (68 % in 95 and 70 in 96). In the other three CE countries supporters were in relative majorities. Compared to the early 90s, support for European integration in CZ, SK, and H eroded almost by half (from about 80 % to about %). The number of opponents and the undecided increased. In PL there was a little decline of support from 79 % in 91 to 70 in 96, as CEEB data show. These quantitative data should however be read with care. The qualitative research indicated that the seemingly high support for EU membership in PL is fairly shallow, while the apparently low support in CZ is fairly strong. Throughout CE there is a high social support/or integration with the EU, despite disappointments, unfulfilled hopes and sometimes harsh realities. The support is the highest in PL which is not surprising given other survey indicators, the overall political climate vis-a-vis Europe and the economic situation in the country. H, despite the low level of various survey indicators, is still fairly positive about EU membership. CZ is the lowest and SK fairly high which is surprising, given politics and economics of those countries.