Written by Clare Ferguson,
The European Parliament, the only directly elected EU institution, recently commissioned a Eurobarometer survey to gauge citizens’ attitudes to EU action in a range of policy fields, including industry, energy supply and energy security. Although industrial policy appears to be a low priority for citizens, ensuring a secure supply of energy is of more importance. We look at the gaps between citizens’ expectations and the scope for further EU intervention in these fields.
Industrial policy
![Public expectations and EU commitment on industrial policy](https://libraryeuroparl.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/industrial_policy.png?w=300)
European citizens continue to perceive industrial policy as a mainly domestic matter. Of all the policy areas mentioned in the recent Eurobarometer survey, citizens feel least strongly about their responses to questions on industrial policy. However, EU policy-makers are keen to employ industrial policies to boost economic growth, which has benefits that are rather more obvious for citizens. The Commission has placed industrial policy as a key element of the Europe 2020 strategy, setting a target to increase industry share of GDP to 20% by 2020. Reindustrialisation in Europe is already the aim of wide-ranging policies and programmes amounting to almost €200 billion in funding, but more funding could be available.
Energy supply and energy security
![Public expectations and EU commitment on energy supply and energy security](https://libraryeuroparl.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/energy.png?w=300)
The EU has had the power to decide energy policy since 2009, and aims to ensure a secure, sustainable and affordable energy supply for EU citizens. However, more than half of EU citizens would like to see the EU play a bigger role in energy security and supply. The Energy Union strategy provides a framework for further integration of European energy markets, but a more integrated single market for energy could result in annual efficiency gains worth €250 billion.
Read the complete briefing on:
- Public expectations and EU policies – Industrial policy
- Public expectations and EU policies – Energy supply and energy security
See other policy areas covered with this Eurobarometer.
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