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

PROFILE

The public opinion survey was conducted on 4-5 April 2015 in 18 provinces of Turkey with TÜIK’s random sampling method.  A total of 2,489 persons among which 45.6 % were women participated to this 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.

When taking into consideration the profile of the persons that participated to the survey, the 45 years and above age group represents the largest group among the respondents with 36.8%.         

As regards to the level of education, it can be observed that high school graduates represent the largest groups among the respondents with 38%. Besides this group, 16 % of the respondents are university; 17% secondary school and 21% primary school graduates.

When taking into consideration the profession of the respondent, it can be observed that while housewives rank first with 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 respondent are employees (employed or self – employed).

86.4% of respondents have never travelled to an EU Member State. For almost half of the 13.6% respondents who have travelled to the EU Member State; the main purpose of such visits is touristic.

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

KEY FINDINGS

While 4 out of 5 respondents to the survey have stated that they have heard of the EU before, 85% of respondents declared that they have “none” or “a little” knowledge of the EU. This indicates a lack of general information with regards to the EU in general in the Turkish public opinion.

In geographical terms, the level of knowledge on the EU decreases from West to East. It can also be observed that the level of knowledge on the EU is higher among the young population (18-30 age group) in contrast to older age groups (such as the 45 years and above age group).

The survey shows that the main sources of information on 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, public institutions in Turkey and in the EU are not considered as primary source of information by Turkish citizens.

61.8% of the Turkish public opinion supports Turkey’s EU membership.

The expectation for Turkey’s EU membership has decreased to 73% of the respondents to the public opinion survey. Furthermore, while 30% of the respondents believe that Turkey will become a member of the EU, only 23% expects Turkey joining the EU in the next five years.

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

Taking into consideration the age range, it can be observed that the population under 45 years old shows more support and has a higher rate of expectation 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 the prospect of more welfare and further economic development as well as the free movement, right of settlement and educational opportunities. These are followed by democratic consolidations and human rights. For the 18-30 age group, the expectation of increased opportunity for free movement is higher. As for the respondents of 30 and above age group, democracy and human rights ranks second in the list of main reasons for supporting EU membership. Among the reasons cited for supporting Turkey’s EU membership, the argument of more welfare and economic development comes at front in every region.

On the other hand, when analysing the reasons for opposing Turkey’s 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 of respondents indicates that “free movement” would be the most important contribution of EU membership to Turkey while 1 out of 5 points out to “new job opportunities” as the main significant contribution of the EU membership. On the other hand, the ones who believe that EU membership would present no benefit to Turkey ranks third (15%).

65.2% of respondents believe that Turkey economically needs the EU. The region where this rate is the highest is South Eastern Anatolian (78.3%).

Similarly, for 23% of the respondents, Europe is synonymous with welfare and economic development; while for 21% Europe signifies free movement and removal of borders. 

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