Credit: Eurobarometer 2021

The Representation of the European Commission in Luxembourg has announced the publication of the national results of the latest Eurobarometer survey on Luxembourg.

Between 18 February and 7 March 2021, TNS-Ilres interviewed nearly 600 Luxembourg residents of different ages, social classes and nationalities on behalf of the Directorate-General for Communication of the European Commission.

Economic situation 

The European Commission welcomed the indisputable optimism of the residents of Luxembourg regarding the economic situation of their country. More than eight in ten residents considered the economic situation to be good and expressed overall confidence about the future. However, two shadows darken the picture: the cost of living, especially housing, and health were cited as the main problems facing the Grand Duchy at present.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 88% of people questioned considered their professional situation to be good or even very good, with some differences depending on age. Residents aged 35 to 44 and 55 to 64 were the most satisfied, with 91% and 90% respectively expressing a positive opinion, followed by 25 to 34 year olds, with 85%. 43% of 15 to 24 year olds and 41% of 25 to 34 year olds expected their professional situation to improve in the next twelve months.

Regarding the economic situation of the European Union (EU), the opinion of Luxembourg residents was more pessimistic: one in two residents deemed the situation "good". The youngest residents were the most optimistic, with two-thirds of 15 to 24 year olds giving a positive opinion.
 
COVID-19 pandemic

Luxembourg was in second position (after Greece) in terms of the number of people dissatisfied with the decisions taken by the EU to fight the ongoing pandemic. At the same time, three quarters of respondents believed that more decisions should be taken at EU level. Half of Luxembourg residents trusted the EU to make the right decisions in the future in response to the pandemic.

In addition, Luxembourg residents felt that priority must be given to the establishment of a European strategy to face future health-related crises, guaranteeing rapid access to safe and effective vaccines for all EU citizens and to develop a European health policy.

While 53% of Luxembourg residents deemed the development and authorisation of vaccines too quick to be safe, 70% believed that vaccination was the only way to eradicate the pandemic. The vast majority of those questioned (79%), indicated that the EU plays a key role in ensuring access to vaccines against COVID-19, a rate which is higher than the European average (69%).

Ecological issues

For residents of Luxembourg, as for all those in the EU, the European Green Deal should prioritise the development of renewable energies, the fight against plastic waste and the promotion of the circular economy. 

European unity

The areas that create a sense of community among Luxembourg residents and EU citizens are varied and relate to themes as diverse as values ​​and history, culture and solidarity with poorer regions. This sentiment has increased by 12% compared to summer 2020.
 
Future of Europe

Nine in ten residents said they would like the voice of EU citizens to be taken into account more in decisions about the future of Europe. The Representation of the European Commission in Luxembourg recalled that the Conference on the Future of Europe will be an opportunity for citizens to make their voices heard and to participate actively in shaping the future.