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LUXEMBOURG – While a very large majority of residents believe that their situation and that of the country are good, they are worried regarding the challenges posed by housing and inflation.
For 34% of residents, Luxembourg would face the future better by being outside the European Union, a sharp increase of nine points compared to the summer of 2021. This is what emerges from the results of the Eurobarometer, published this Monday morning. A minority opinion therefore, especially since 72% of respondents believe that the interests of Luxembourg are taken into account in the EU.
Moreover, the inhabitants of the Grand Duchy remain very attached to European values, since 93% of the country’s inhabitants, and 98% of 15-24 year olds, are in favor of the free movement of citizens of the Union. The euro, peace, democracy and cultural diversity are also very popular with residents, especially 15-24 year olds. 57% of respondents trust the European Parliament, 54% the Commission.
Housing and inflation, the big problems
Residents are also very supportive, at 88%, of an agreement at EU level to improve gender equality at work, 86% are for a common energy policy, 85% for a security policy and common defence, higher proportions in Luxembourg than in the EU as a whole.
Moreover, in Luxembourg, we are not doing too badly. Thus, 87% of people questioned in the country judge their professional situation to be good or very good, and as many believe that the situation in Luxembourg is good. But all is not rosy in paradise, problems remain.
Residents say the Grand Duchy’s biggest challenges are housing and rising prices, even as the poll was taken days before Russia attacked Ukraine. Thus, housing is an important issue for 54% of respondents (9% at EU level). Rising prices were cited by 50% of residents, 19 points more than in the last survey. Climate change (17%), health (15%) and insecurity (12%) come further.
The people of Luxembourg love the euro. 87% of residents support the European Economic and Monetary Union, significantly more than the EU average (69%). A figure that places Luxembourg in 4th position behind Ireland (90%), Estonia (90%) and Slovenia (88%). Belgians (85%) and Germans (83%) are more convinced than the French (69%). Since its introduction 20 years ago, the euro has had a positive impact on the Luxembourg economy for 75% of respondents and on the European economy for 69% of them. At EU27 level, only 53% of respondents believe that the euro has been a good thing for their country’s economy.
(jw)