The citizens are less satisfied with the European economy than half a year ago.
According to the latest ‘Eurobarometer’ survey, 57 percent of Germans rate the economic situation in the EU as bad-four percentage points more than in autumn. Of the respondents from all EU member states, 48 percent drew a negative conclusion-also plus four percentage points.
The economic situation in their own country even rates two thirds of the Germans surveyed as bad (67 percent, plus 7 points for autumn). Every fifth (21 percent) believes that the situation in Germany improves in the next twelve months – almost half of the respondents (49 percent) expect a further deterioration. In the state comparison, only in Belgium, the Netherlands and Slovakia more citizens expect more citizens to develop their respective economy.
EU citizens: Interior supports possible counter-tariffs
The participants were not interviewed in the ‘Eurobarometer’ survey on reasons for their assessments. However, the prior survey in autumn was made before Donald Trump was elected to the US President. After taking office, this punitive tariff had announced against the EU, which are initially suspended until July. There is still no agreement in the negotiations between the EU Commission and the US government.
The EU’s survey gives backings for possible countermeasures. Four fifths of the respondents therefore spoke in full (37 percent) or (43 percent) for the fact that the EU raises its own tariffs to maintain its own interests if another country should introduce higher taxes. In Germany, too, approval was at a similar level.