Czechs are among the most optimistic in the EU, according to new poll

Prague, Feb 25 (CTK) – Czechs are among the most positive inhabitants of the EU when it comes to the evaluation of the situation in the country, according to the poll Eurobarometer conducted last year and released by the EC Representation in the Czech Republic today.

Some 71 percent of Czechs believe that the Czech Republic’s economic situation is good, while the EU average is 47 percent.

The positive evaluation of the Czech Republic’s economic situation increased by 2 percent in a year.

The assessment of employment in the Czech Republic is now also very positive. With 80 percent of positive voices, Czechs finished third after Denmark and the Netherlands, while the European average value is 43 percent.

In 2016, the state of employment in the Czech Republic was considered good by 60 percent of Czechs, the report said.

Compared with 2018, the trust in the EU rose among Czechs, but still it remains with 39 percent the fifth lowest from the examined countries.

In 2018, the figure stood at 32 percent and five years ago, at 27 percent.

Along with the growing trust in the EU, the trust in national institutions and the government has been growing, too.

When having to say what was the best the EU has brought, Czechs most often cite the free movement of people, peace, the exchange study stay Erasmus and the economic strength of the EU.

When it comes to negative features of the EU, Czechs most often speak about the red tape, waste of money and insufficient border control.

When asked on what the EU should spend money, Czechs primarily said this should be employment and social affairs. The alternative was supported by 42 percent of those polled. It was followed by defence and security with 40 percent and environmental and climate protection with 34 percent.

Seven percent Czechs more than a year ago spoke about the necessity to invest in environmental conservation.

The poll was conducted on a sample of 1,013 people over 15 between November 14 and 29. The EU average includes the United Kingdom.