The recently published Flash Eurobarometer survey, conducted among 25,000 citizens across the EU-27, provides a clear overview of public awareness and perceptions regarding EU Regional Policy and cohesion-funded initiatives. The results highlight both significant progress and persistent communication challenges.
1. Awareness of EU-Funded Projects
- 40% of respondents are aware of EU-funded projects in their region.
- Among them, 79% believe these initiatives have positively improved living conditions.
- 57% say such projects strengthened their sense of European identity.
2. Recognition of Funds and Programmes
- Two in three Europeans recognise at least one fund: ERDF, Cohesion Fund, ESF+, Interreg, or the Just Transition Fund.
- Despite its long history, Interreg remains less recognised than Erasmus.
- The Just Transition Fund, created in 2021, now enjoys higher recognition than Interreg.
3. Perceptions of Interregional and Transnational Cooperation
While the EGTC (European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation) is relatively well known:
- More than 50% of citizens are unaware that the EU supports cooperation between regions and countries.
Possible reasons include:
- projects presented as “cooperative” but functioning as parallel mirror initiatives,
- communication materials not emphasising the cooperation dimension,
- weak understanding of the Interreg brand.
4. Direct Citizen Benefits
- 17% of respondents say they have personally benefited from a project funded by the ERDF or Cohesion Fund.
- In some Member States, this reaches up to 50%.
Citizens’ Priorities for Future EU Investments
Across the EU, citizens prioritise funding for:
- Health and education — 49%
- Environmental protection, water management & climate action — 38%
- Job creation and access to employment — 31%
- Housing and energy efficiency — 27%
Views on the Targeting of Cohesion Policy
- 64% believe Cohesion Policy should support all regions of the EU.
- Additional emphasis is requested for:
- high-unemployment regions (63%)
- deprived urban areas (51%)
- remote rural and mountainous regions (50%)
Conclusions and Key Messages
The survey demonstrates:
- progress in public understanding of Cohesion Policy,
- but also major communication gaps — especially regarding Interreg and cooperation instruments.
Priorities moving forward:
- clearer explanation of why cooperation matters,
- strengthening the Interreg brand,
- highlighting tangible, citizen-visible results.
The findings offer essential insights for future communication strategies and policymaking in a period of increased geopolitical, social, and climate challenges.
What Europeans Expect from the EU Budget 2028–34
A parallel 2025 survey outlines clear public expectations. Citizens want an EU budget that:
- strengthens cohesion and guarantees solidarity,
- reduces inequalities and protects the most vulnerable,
- promotes sustainability, biodiversity and climate action,
- supports competitiveness while respecting regional needs,
- allows rapid response to crises and new opportunities,
- enhances Europe’s defence capabilities,
- ensures fair migration & integration policies,
- improves transparency, accountability and communication,
- ensures effectiveness, efficiency and measurable results.
Conclusion
Together, these surveys provide a roadmap for shaping both the future of Cohesion Policy and the next EU budgetary cycle. They highlight what citizens value, expect, and demand from European action in an era of transformation. SOURCE: https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys