Poll reveals only one out of ten Europeans has ever discussed EU matters with citizens from other countries

First EU-wide Deliberative Poll® seeks to bridge the gap

87.9% of Europeans have either “never” or only “just a few times” discussed EU matters with citizens from other EU countries. In order to understand what they would think if they actually met and talked, Tomorrow’s Europe will bring together a microcosm of all of Europe on 12-14 October.

To the question, “In your lifetime, how often have you discussed political issues concerning the EU with citizens from other EU countries?”, 3.4% answered “very often”, 8.2% “fairly often”, 39.5% “just a few times”, and 48.4% “never”. This is one question put to 3500 EU citizens by polling firm TNS Sofres among some 30 crucial questions for the future of the EU.

Tomorrow’s Europe is structured around a survey of a scientific sample of the EU population before and after it has deliberated.

As if all Europeans were brought into the same room, a sub-panel of 400 citizens, selected randomly from all 27 EU member states to represent the EU population as a whole will meet in the European Parliament and EESC buildings in Brussels on 12-14 October in order to discuss these issues.

The participants will explore two sensitive topics for the future shape of the EU: economic and social welfare in a world of global competition and the EU’s international role and instruments of foreign influence.

Deliberative Polling® uses public opinion research in a new and constructive way. The process aims to better understand what role citizens want their governments and / or the EU to play, if any, on the world stage.

“Many people in Europe feel that they cannot take part in EU-related debates. These matters are often perceived as too complex. I commend Tomorrow’s Europe’s aim to provide a neutral forum for debate across borders and to allow Europeans to express a considered opinion,” explains former European commission president Jacques Delors and Founding president of Notre Europe..

 Journalists are invited to observe Tomorrow’s Europe Four days before the EU Summit in Lisbon, the results of this consultation are bound to surprise and provide added value: how will the views of ordinary citizens evolve after they have met? Will EU decision makers listen?
 Friday 12 October 2007, 5:00-5:30: welcome of participants, European Parliament; 5:30-6:00pm: press briefing, European Parliament press conference room Presentation of process: list of participants, questionnaire, schedule, names of invited politicians and experts…
 Friday 12 October – Sunday 14 October 2007: deliberative weekend in Brussels Opportunity to attend small group and plenary discussions and meet the participants and high-level politicians present, photo opportunities…
 Wednesday 17 October 2007, 10am: press conference, release of full results (place and time tbc)

 Further information
 Daniela Vincenti-Mitchener – Mob. + 32 497 412 095 - dvincenti-mitchener@tomorrowseurope.eu
 Journalists planning to attend the deliberation need to register with Marie Azuelos - mazuelos@tomorrowseurope.eu
 Tomorrow’s Europe is an ambitious social experiment coordinated by Notre Europe and sponsored by the European Commission, Allianz and around 20 other partners: www.tomorrowseurope.eu

2 October 2007