* 37% (+11) of EU citizens now consider inflation as the most important issue in their country at the moment; unemployment, with 24% (-3), is becoming the second most important issue.
* Overall, 44% (+2) agree that the EU protects them from the negative effects of globalisation against 35% (-5) who do not agree. 48% (-2) of Europeans believe that the European Union enables EU citizens to better benefit from the positive effects of globalisation. 31% (stable) do not agree with that statement.
* The European Union evokes a positive image for 48% (-1) of EU citizens, neutral for 35% (+1) and negative for 15% (+1). The most positive opinions are recorded in Romania with 67% (-1) and Ireland with 65% (-4).
* Overall, 42% (+2) of EU citizens believe that things are going in the right direction in the EU while 32% (-2) share this view for their own country.
* Two indicators cover the more narrow membership issue. Support for EU membership has declined somewhat reaching 52% (-6), as have the perceived benefits of membership which are recognised by 54% of EU citizens (-4).
* Overall, 50% (+2) of EU citizens tend to trust the European Union while 32% (-2) tend to trust their national Government and 34% (-1) their national Parliament.
This 'Standard Eurobarometer' survey was conducted through face to face interviews by TNS Opinion & Social. A total of 30.170 people were interviewed between 25 March and 4 May 2008. Standard Eurobarometer surveys take place twice a year in Spring and in Autumn.
