The European Union election has revealed that the economy, migration, and international conflicts are the top concerns for voters in the EU, according to data from the bloc’s largest member countries. Provisional results show gains for nationalist and euro-sceptic parties that focused on issues such as migration restrictions, economic difficulties facing citizens, and environmental policy changes.
Improving the economy and reducing inflation were cited as the most significant factors influencing voters’ decisions, according to a survey conducted by polling platform Focaldata. This survey included responses from 6,000 citizens in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Sweden – the EU’s five most populous countries.
Concerns about international conflict and war ranked second in importance for voters, followed by immigration and asylum seekers. The survey was conducted on June 6th – the day voting began in the EU Parliament election.
Climate change was listed as the fifth most influential issue for voters, behind reducing inequality. While Europe’s Green parties experienced losses in the election, climate change ranked third in importance for voters in Sweden and Spain – countries where climate change has exacerbated drought conditions.
In France, Italy, and Poland – three of Europe’s largest economies – economic concerns were cited as primary factors influencing voters. In France – where unemployment rates remain high – immigration took second place while war was ranked as number two concern in Italy and Spain where war is an ongoing issue. German respondents ranked immigration and asylum seekers as their top concern followed by international conflicts and economic issues
