8 May '15

More than 80% of Flemings “feel European”

Summary

A PhD student at KU Leuven has shown that a large majority of both adults and young people feel a connection to the European Union

80% of Flemish people said they “felt European” and had a strong connection to the EU. Do you feel a connection with the EU?

Languages and mobility crucial

About 85% of Flemish youngsters and 80% of adults “feel European”, according to PhD research by Soetkin Verhaegen of the Centre for Political Sciences at the University of Leuven.
 

Verhaegen surveyed nearly 3,600 third-year students from 61 secondary schools in Flanders, and about 4,375 parents. The participants had to indicate to what degree they felt themselves to be citizens of the EU and if they felt proud of the designation. More than 80% stated that they would designate themselves as EU citizens, 11% felt very strongly connected to Europe. Only 2% felt no connection at all.

The degree of identification with Europe among the adults correlated with education levels, knowledge of languages and cross-country mobility. Respondents with a higher education and those who have migrated between member states felt more strongly connected to the EU.

For respondent, an EU identity has a practical application: 89% associate it with the euro and with easy travel options. Nearly half said they felt a connection because of shared historical and cultural identity.

The development of an EU identity seems to happen at a young age. Verhaegen, therefore, has called on the EU to encourage schools to devote more lessons on the development of Europe and to further advocate for the mobility of young people between member states.
Photo: Open Door Day at the European parliament
© European Parliament

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1 comment
Shirley Foxcastle It is hardly surprising that the small national/language groups identify with Europe more than the Brits, cut off by the Channel and leaning across the Atlantic. Where can I find the guidelines on the use of Dutch in Belgium? I feel really embarrssed about my pathetic active Dutch but I hate group classes as I'm a professional linguist and I get bored. Can anyone recommend a private teacher?

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