Perceive Project - 3 years of research and 8 conclusions about Europe

The Perceive Project, which published its findings in 2019, conducted three years of research to better understand the relationship between the EU's Cohesion Policy and citizens' perceptions of Europe. The project aims to provide valuable insights for citizens, practitioners, and policymakers, focusing on communication and awareness of EU initiatives.

One of the primary findings is that Europe struggles with effective communication. The Cohesion Policy has not successfully garnered support for the EU, as communication has not been prioritized within the policy itself. Traditional media channels, such as television (30%) and newspapers (23%), remain dominant in disseminating information about European projects, while social media lags at only 5.8%. The study suggests rethinking these channels to enhance visibility and support for EU initiatives, especially among demographics that feel marginalized by European integration.

Another key conclusion is that merely allocating structural funds does not guarantee citizen support for the EU. For instance, while Calabria, Italy, benefits significantly from EU funds, only 10% of its citizens perceive the benefits of these funds, with 34% viewing EU membership negatively. This highlights that effective communication about the positive outcomes of Cohesion Policy is essential for fostering support.

The research indicates that half of European citizens are unaware of EU policies impacting their regions. On average, only 45% know about the Cohesion Policy, and awareness of structural funds is at 50%. The terminology used, such as "cohesion policy," is less accessible than "regional policy," which affects public understanding.

Interestingly, awareness of EU policies is higher among citizens from newer member states. For example, awareness reaches 63% in Poland and 60% in Estonia, while it drops to 21% in the UK. This disparity indicates a "two-speed" scenario in Europe, where recent member states exhibit greater understanding and appreciation of EU investments.

Moreover, not all Eurosceptic governments reflect the views of their citizens regarding EU benefits. In Poland, a Eurosceptic country, 60-80% of respondents acknowledge the positive impact of EU funding, contrasting sharply with only 15% in Emilia Romagna, Italy. This suggests that awareness of benefits can transcend political skepticism.

The perception of the EU varies significantly across demographics, with older, less-educated, and rural citizens displaying lower levels of support and identification with the EU. Younger individuals, particularly those with higher education and urban living conditions, tend to perceive the benefits of EU initiatives more positively.

Investment in communication and awareness is critical for building support for European integration. The research shows that the extent of structural funds absorbed by a region and the budget allocated for communication significantly influence citizens' awareness of Cohesion Policy. However, the effectiveness of communication investments may diminish over time.

Finally, the quality of national institutions and perceived corruption levels affect citizens' trust in the EU. Wealthier regions with high institutional quality often express skepticism towards the EU, while poorer regions show higher levels of trust and recognition of EU institutions, as they perceive higher internal corruption and lower government quality.