1. Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION Regional Policy Directorate-General Communication and Information Unit Citizens perceptions of the EU Regional Policy Results of the Flash Eurobarometer survey of January 2008 Full report at: http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/flash_arch_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/flash_arch_en.htm 7 March 2008

2. Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION 1. Awareness of EU Regional Policy 2. EU regional policy measures Who should benefit from the EU regional policy? What should be supported by EU Regional Policy? How should the regional and local level be involved? 3. EU Regional Policy future priorities Introductory remarks

3. Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION 1. Awareness of EU Regional Policy Q: Europe supports its regions and cities through EU Regional Policy. Are you aware that your city or region receives support from the EU Regional Policy? Q: Do you feel that your city or region benefits from this support?

4. Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION Awareness and perception of EU Regional Policy

5. Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION Sources of information

6. Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION Who should benefit from the EU regional policy? All EU regions should be covered by EU Regional Policy, but it still should focus on the poorer regions. 85% of the respondents approve the fact the EU Regional Policys focus is on the poorest regions in order to help them catch up faster. 58% of respondents are convinced that support in the framework of the EU Regional Policy should not exclusively focus on the poorest regions, but that all regions should benefit from it. 38% think that the EU should exclusively support its poorest regions.

7. Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION Over two-thirds of respondents believe that EU Regional Policy should support: – infrastructure development, – and research and innovation. For over 80% of respondents the priorities to be supported are: – education, – health and social infrastructure, – environmental protection, – employment training – support for small businesses. What should be supported by EU Regional Policy?

8. Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION European citizens greatly support the policys method based on subsidiarity and multi-governance. 80% of respondents are in favour of EU Regional Policy giving EU Member States and regions the right to decide on their own strategies and projects in a European framework. 82% of respondents agreed that participation of the non- governmental sector in the project selection process is a good thing. How should the regional and local level be involved?

9. Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION EU Regional Policy future priorities Apart from the current fields of actions for the policy, 84% of EU citizens believe that in the future the EU Regional Policy should face these issues:

10. Regional Policy EUROPEAN COMMISSION Conclusions The Eurobarometer survey on awareness and perception of EU Regional Policy confirms that: The majority of citizens support the policy's rationale and method There is strong support for EU Regional Policy to deal with the most important political challenges such as climate change, globalisation and demographic change The levels of awareness and positive perception vary significantly between Member States, mostly based on the level of support received In the current legislation there is more emphasis on communication and transparency issues. It is our common task – on the EU, national and regional levels – to fulfil those requirements in the best possible way.