Mixed feelings / GfK survey of the expectations of people in the EU accession states about life after 1 May 2004

Nuremberg, Germany 20. 2. 2004 (PROTEXT/ots) - People in thecountries which will be member states of the European Union (EU)after 1 May 2004 generally believe that EU membership willresult in good employment and education/training opportunities.This belief is chiefly based on the opportunities associated withcross-border mobility. However, there are also concerns. Themain anxieties the new EU citizens harbour are potential priceincreases in their own countries. These are some of the findingsof the latest EU Index survey conducted by GfK Ad Hoc ResearchWorldwide.

Opinions are divided with regard to the future standard ofliving in the new EU countries and not everyone is sure thatunlimited mobility will result in an improvement. Many peopleare worried that EU membership will lead to price hikes in theirown countries. However, most people in the accession states werefar more optimistic about the future of healthcare systems intheir respective countries. Most respondents had little hope ofEU membership changing existing corruption in their countriesfor the better. At the same time, most of those questioned didnot believe that being part of the EU would mean a loss ofcultural identity and traditions in their own country.

ots Original Text Service: GfK

Contact: Dr. Ulrike Schöneberg Tel. +49 (0)911 395 2645ulrike.schoeneberg@gfk.de

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