A new Eurobarometer survey published today confirms that 88% of European citizens consider a social Europe to be important to them personally.

This is consistent with the findings of a similar survey published in 2021, showing the continued relevance of the Pillar of Social Rights in Europe.

In addition, 60% of respondents are aware of at least one recent key EU initiative to improve working and living conditions. This includes:

• the Directive to ensure adequate minimum wages
• the work-life balance Directive supporting working parents and carers
• or the European Social Fund Plus which helps Member States invest in people by funding training programmes and projects tackling social exclusion

According to the survey, at national level, almost half of respondents (48%) believe that addressing the high cost of living should be a main priority in their country, followed by addressing low wages (35%).

The survey also asks which are the social priorities that matter most to the respondents. At the European level, respondents consider that the standard of living (45%), fair working conditions (44%) and access to quality health care (44%) are key elements for the EU’s social and economic development.

When asked in which areas the EU should concretely take action to prepare the future of Europe, respondents supported initiatives improving:

• health care (38%)
• wages (34%)
• old age income and pensions (30%)

In addition, 74% feel that the EU should promote better working conditions and social standards in non-EU countries with which it trades, even if it means a small price increase for European citizens.

The results of the survey come ahead of the High-Level Conference on the European Pillar of Social Rights on 15-16 April, organised by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with European Commission participation, to discuss the social priorities ahead.

An infographic with the main results of the survey is available.