Eurobarometer Survey: Qualitative Study on Europeans, Culture and Cultural Values

The results of the Eurobarometer survey concerning the engagement of the European population
in and with culture draw a much more positive picture.

The synopsis of the research says that Europeans appear aware of the importance of culture for
the European integration process and expect more commitment from the European Union. Two
thirds of the citizens do believe that there are at least elements of a European culture that are
shared by all Europeans. 89% of the respondents are expressing the opinion that culture should be
promoted more strongly on European level, 88% are asking for more support for cultural
exchanges and intercultural dialogue. The reaction of Commissioner Ján Figel: "The message to the politicians is clear: We need more national resources for cultural exchanges to promote common understanding, tolerance and respect between our people. This is all the more important when 2008 the European year of the intercultural dialogue will take place."

76% of the respondents are convinced that the cultural variety in Europe is a central characteristic
of the continent and that it would be this kind of variety which makes European culture so important.
58% think positively about the effects of globalization on the European culture. It would be the
chances of globalization which endow European culture with a new dynamic and increase the
influence of Europe in the world.

Following the opinion of the European commission, these results support the intentions of the
“Communication about a European agenda in signs of the globalization" .

The survey was carried out between February and March 2007. Altogether, 26.755 citizens from
the 27 member states were questioned.

You may find the detailed results of the Eurobarometer-survey here .