Europe in focus

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, Jun 6, 2004

Slovakia: Graham Timmins, head of politics at Stirling University I imagine that like the rest of Europe the Slovakians do care about the European elections a bit and there'll be participation to an extent. However, they probably have the cynicism that most of the new member states have about how much of a voice they will actually have in the EU. There is also the concern that Western Europe will benefit from the recent enlargement more than they will. They are also concerned about loss of sovereignty.

Slovenia: Delo, Spogan Zitko (journalist) People don't care so much about Europe, but are more interested in the fact that this is the first time Slovenia's people can cast a vote in a European election. Due to this there will probably be high voter participation of about 60%. Domestic issues are really what people are talking about right now because of the next general election in the autumn.

Spain: El Pais, Juan Velazquaz (deputy editor, foreign desk) Like the rest of Europe, we are not too interested in these elections. However, compared to other countries, electoral participation in Spain is very high, especially since the attacks on Madrid this year. A recent poll showed that participation has risen by 9%. There is a lot more interest in national issues, such as the powers of Spain's regions, than subjects like integration and the European constitution.

Sweden: Dr David Hine, University of Oxford The Swedes will probably participate to the same extent as the rest of Europe, but Euro-scepticism is strong, particularly over the issue of the single currency. The Swedes' main concerns are their social and environmental policies in which they believe strongly but which the EU may not support entirely. Also there is a strong divergence between what the politicians want and what the people want.

Austria: Die Presse, Eric Fry (political correspondent) The interest in the elections is average. If participation is above 50%, the establishment will be happy, though the politicians have been campaigning on domestic issues. The majority don't really grasp European politics, though expense abuse is a big issue.

Belgium: De Standaard, Bart Brenckman (political editor) The people don't really care too much about the Euro elections as there are also regional elections on the same day and they are seen as more important. As there is an obligation to vote, participation will be high. Belgians, though, are more concerned with domestic issues.

Cyprus: EU Opinion Polls, Fieldwork from February-March 2004 Cypriots are Eurosceptic, so the turnout may be disappointing. They are also suspicious of the European parliament and fear loss of sovereignty. However, most support a common defence, security and defence policy.

Czech Republic: Mlada Fronta Dnes, Marketa Perionova People don't really care, and whether they will vote or not is uncertain. There has been some coverage in the press but only really in the broadsheets - the tabloids are just not interested in the elections at all.

Denmark: Berlingske Tidende, Ivar Cartensen (sub editor) There has been very little in the papers about the elections so it is not surprising people don't care. I expect a low turnout. If people are interested, it will be in things like integration, foreign policy, the environment and immigration.

Estonia: Estonia Business Daily, Heidit Kaio (journalist) The majority of people do not care very much about the elections. However, the state has requested that the people show loyalty and vote and people will. The biggest issue is money. There is the question of whether Estonia will get financial help or will ask for it.

Finland: Aamulehti, Miko Honkala (news editor) Some people care and some are just not interested in the EU and are unaware of what the parliament does. A lot of people are on holiday and will not actually be here to vote. However, despite all of this, there is a belief that the turnout will be good.

France: Le Monde, Henri de Bresson (political correspondent) Of course people care about the European parliament, but to be honest most do not know that much about it. The political debate is about employment and enlargement and whether Europe should be liberal or non-liberal.

Germany: www.eubusiness.com Interest ranges from apathetic to very pessimistic. This could be put down to the government's unpopularity. Most people expect the financial situation to worsen. Domestic issues are more pressing and the election is seen as a test for Gerhard Schroeder.

Greece: EU Opinion Polls, Fieldwork from February-March 2004 Most Greeks trust the EU, so the turnout should be good. National identity is an issue, with most people defining themselves as Greek rather than European. Support for common foreign, defence and security policies is high.

Hungary: Magyar Hirlap, Nora Rockenbauer (foreign affairs editor) Turnout is predicted to be around 57%, but domestic issues are foremost. This is half-term for the government, so the smaller parties may do well. Hungarian soldiers are in Iraq, so there is a concern there should be an international response.