Up to 71% of Europeans expressed their intention to go to the polls in the European elections in June, according to the latest Eurobarometer. Defense and security are the priorities, especially in the countries of northern and eastern Europe, although Spaniards are more concerned about public health.

“Citizens understand the true dimension of these European elections," summarizes the chief spokesperson of the European Parliament, Jaume Duch. The only significant decrease, of seven points, is in Bulgaria, something that those responsible for the survey attribute to possible electoral fatigue since the country has experienced four parliamentary elections in the last year. The issue of defense and security is placed among the top three for the first time (31%). It is only behind the fight against poverty and social exclusion (33%) and public health (32%), and in the same proportion as the need to support the economy and create new jobs. The increase in voting intention is majority in the EU: in 24 countries, it has increased significantly, including Spain. 47% of those surveyed want the next European Parliament to focus on the values of peace and democracy. In Spain, these values are also a priority, although for Spanish voters, there are also other fundamental principles. Equality between women and men is just as important for Spaniards as the issue of human rights and even a higher priority than the rule of law. Europeans remain overwhelmingly convinced that their country has benefited from its membership in the EU. However, in both cases, the number of convinced people is one percentage point lower than five years ago. Even so, Europeans say they are more optimistic (61%) than pessimistic (35%) about the future of the EU, according to the survey by the Duch think-tank. The results of the survey were published in the journal of the European Academy of Social Sciences and Humanities (EASH) on Wednesday, November 14. For confidential support, call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details.