10 insights into why the Maltese say they are happy with family, work and life in the EU

97% of Maltese are happy with their family lives, while 84% also have a positive view of the European Union, a Special Eurobarometer survey has revealed.

The survey, which was carried out between 23 September and 2 October 2017, presented a snapshot of the way European countries perceived the EU and its future, up to 2030.

The interviews for the seventh report in the “Future of Europe” series took place in the 28 Member States of the European Union. It revealed that a large majority of respondents (75%) have a positive view of the European Union.

When asked what they thought were the EU's main assets, Maltese respondents were lively to mention EU’s respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

A look at Malta’s views:

84% of Maltese respondents have a positive view of the EU

86% also believed that the European Union project offered a future perspective for Europe’s youth. When asked what they thought were the EU’s main assets, they were likely to mention EU’s respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law and the standard of living of EU citizens. The economic, industrial and trading power of the EU and the good relationship between the EU's Member States were the least mentioned.

But they still respect nation-states’ values

When respondents were asked values such as peace, freedom of opinion, social equality, tolerance to others, respect for environment, respect for history and progress and innovations were embodied by the EU – overall, the Maltese were amongst the least likely to feel the EU alone best embodies all these values, but cited that both the EU and member states represent these values.

97% of Maltese were happy with their family lives

Compared to 2006, respondents in Malta (54%, +15) are now much more likely to agree they are happy with their current occupation. 96% were happy living in Malta, while 70% are happy living in the EU. Only 7% are unhappy living in the EU. At 73%, Maltese respondents were the most likely to agree that everyone in their country had a chance to succeed in life

Migration is a big issue for the Maltese

60% of Maltese respondents believed that EU’s biggest challenge was Migration issues, while 48% believed terrorism and social issues were a bigger issue. Social inequality was the least mentioned.

EU = stability

When asked whether the EU was a place of stability in a troubled world, 67% agreed, while 25% totally agreed. 39% of Maltese felt that globalisation threatens the country’ identity, while 43% did not.

Maltese don’t care about what’s outside the EU

Ranking the highest, more than 50% Maltese did not know whether the European economy was currently performing better, worse or as well as the other economies including Indian, Chinese, Russian, American and Japanese economies. When asked about their views about a range of countries, Maltese observed a decline in their views of China, Russia and the United States

Yes to social protection

81% of Maltese respondents totally agreed as well as ‘tended to agree’ that the free-market economy should go with a high level of social protection. Maltese respondents chose solidarity (71%) over individualism (3%), when asked which they would prefer to be more important in a European society in 2030. 21% said both should be important

Populist fears

At least one in five respondents did not know whether the rise of political parties protesting against traditional political elites in various European countries is a matter of concern, while 62% agreed that this was a matter or concern

Need for an environmental bias

Malta was one of top three to mention protecting the environment when asked what society should emphasise on in order to face major global challenges, while free trade/market economy saw the largest decrease in Malta, decreasing by to 14%

Malta was the highest to choose comparable education standards, with 59%, when asked which would be most helpful for the future of Europe. A common army was least mentioned in Mata with a total of 6%.

Work, and law and order

Maltese also chose work (65%) over leisure (5%) when asked which should be given more importance in society. Order (56%) was also chosen over individual freedom (15%), while 24% said both should be important