The public opinion survey was conducted by Realta Research Company following IKV’s request with the aim of identifying the level of information and awareness among the Turkish public opinion on EU and further analysing the perception on the support for Turkey’s EU membership.

PROFILE

By taking into consideration sample statistics from TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute), the public opinion survey was conducted on the 4-5 April 2015 in 18 provinces of Turkey.  A total of 2,489 persons among which 45.6 % were women participated to this public opinion survey, all representing the eligible voters in Turkey with at least 18 years of age. The quantitative research and face to face interviewing method were used in the realization of this public opinion survey.

When taking into consideration the profile of the persons that participated in the survey, it can be observed that the 45 years above age group represents the highest participation rate with 36.8%.

As regards to the level of education, it can be observed that the high school graduates represent the highest participation in the survey with 38%. Besides this group, 16 % of the participants are university, 17% secondary school and 21% primary school graduates.

When taking into consideration the profession of the participants, it can be observed that while housewives rank first with a participation rate of 25.7%, workers rank second with 15.3% and retired persons rank third with 11.8%. In the sample of the survey, 44.6% of participants are employees.

86.4% of participants have never travelled before to a European country. Almost half of the 13.6% that has travelled to any EU country went there for touristic purpose.

 32.5% of participants have a relative or an acquaintance living in Europe and almost half of them are of first or second degree relatives.

MAIN OUTCOMES

According to the results, while 4 out of 5 persons that participated in the public opinion survey have stated that they have heard of the EU before, 85% of participants declared that they have “none” or “little” knowledge of the EU. This indicates a lack of general information as regards to the EU within the Turkish public opinion.

It can be observed that in geographical terms, the level of knowledge on the EU is decreasing when moving from the western to eastern regions. It can be observed that the level of knowledge on the EU is more important within the young population (18-30 age group) in contrast to older age groups (such as the 45 and above age group).

The public opinion survey shows that main sources of information as regards to the EU are traditional media tools such as television, newspapers and radio. The internet is also a widely used tool to find information related to EU. In contrast, the official institutions of the EU and Turkey are not considered as primary source of information among the public opinion.

According to the public opinion survey, 61.8% of the Turkish public opinion is supporting Turkey’s EU membership.

The belief for Turkey’s EU membership has decreased for 73% of the participants in the public opinion survey. Furthermore, while 30% of the participants believe that Turkey will become a member of the EU and 23% expect that Turkey will join the EU within the next five years.

As regards to the level of support granted to Turkey’s EU membership, there is a rather mixed picture from the geographical point of view. With a rate of 47.7%, the South Eastern Anatolian is the region with the highest rate of belief for Turkey’s EU membership while the Central Anatolian region has the lowest rate of belief with 22.8%. In all the geographical regions, it can be observed that the belief for EU membership is below 50%.

Taking into consideration the age range, it can be observed that the population under age 45 is showing more support and has a higher rate of belief for Turkey’s EU membership. Nonetheless, when one takes into consideration all age groups, less than 30% expect Turkey to become an EU member within the next five years.

Among the main reasons behind the support for Turkey’s EU membership are welfare and further economic development as well as the free movement, right of settlement and educational opportunities. These are followed by strengthened democracy and human rights. For the 18-30 age groups, the expectation of increased opportunity for free movement is high. As for the participants of 30 and above age group, democracy and human rights ranks second in the list of main reasons for supporting EU membership.

Taking into consideration the regional breakdown of the level of support given to EU membership, it is indicated that the first most important reason behind this support is related to the prospects of more welfare and economic development.

In contrast, when analysing the reasons for opposing to EU membership, EU’s double standard approach to Turkey (26%) and the fear that Turkish culture and identity would be weakened with EU membership (26%) are among the reasons coming to the forefront.

1 out of 4 persons that participated to the public opinion survey indicated that “free movement” would be the most important contribution of EU membership to Turkey while 1 out of 5 persons pointed out to “new job opportunities” as the main significant contribution. On the other hand, in the third rank, 15% of participants declared that EU membership would present no benefit for Turkey.

65.2% of participants explained that Turkey needs the EU economically. The region where this rate is the highest is the South Eastern Anatolian with 78.3%.

Similarly to the potential contribution of EU membership, for 23% of the participants, Europe is synonym to welfare and economic development. Furthermore, for 21% of participants Europe signifies  free movement and removal of borders.

Please clich here for the Turkish version of the publication.

Please click here for the English version of the publication.