Survey in Carinthia

Great interest, little trust in EU politics

Carinthians have less and less trust in the decision-makers in Brussels.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

Even though two thirds want to vote in the EU elections and 75 percent show great interest in the Union, Carinthians have little trust in the decision-makers in Brussels.

"The advantages of the European Union are taken for granted. The low level of trust is also a reflection of what is currently happening in Europe," says Paul Schmidt, Secretary General of the Austrian Society for European Politics, trying to explain the poor results in a recent survey. Only eleven percent of Carinthians trust the decision-makers in Brussels when it comes to their future. "Expectations are high, so disappointment quickly sets in," continues Schmidt. At 75 percent, Carinthians' interest in the EU remains unbroken, with two thirds intending to vote in the EU elections in June.

The closer the decision is made to the citizens, the better it will be understood. It is important that people see that their vote counts.

Landeshauptmann Peter Kaiser

High level of trust at regional level
For Governor Peter Kaiser, distance also plays a role: "The closer the decision is made to the citizen, the better it is understood." This also explains the high trust rating of 73% for the Carinthian state parliament and government. The federal government also comes off badly with 16 percent. With a view to the EU elections, Kaiser wants to communicate European successes more strongly: "Child protection is a good example of how Carinthia can make a difference at EU level." In any case, he is hoping for a voter turnout of over 50 percent in June.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV)

Social issue of most interest
The survey with 600 participants also shows which issues are currently of most concern to Carinthians. "In first place is the issue of social justice - this is where Carinthia differs from the rest of Austria," explains Schmidt. This is followed by asylum policy and EU reforms; support for Ukraine and new EU members are only a low priority.