(Brussels) According to a survey by Eurobarometer, published today, “risks associated with communication” are a reason for high concern. They include disinformation (69%), online and offline hate speech (68%), misleading content created by Artificial Intelligence (68%), the protection of personal data online (68%), and threats to freedom of speech (67%). Faced with the many problems of this time, citizens “expect the Union to take more effective action”. 66% of citizens, according to Eurobarometer, want the EU “to play a greater role in protecting them in the current political scenario”. Europeans also acknowledge the crucial importance of unity: 89% of respondents think the member states should be more united and 73% believe more European resources are needed to face current global challenges. According to the citizens, to strengthen its position in the world, the EU “should focus its efforts mainly on defence and security (40%), competitiveness, economy and industry (32%) as well as energy independence (29%)”.
The Italian respondents too support the demand for greater unity (91%) and “to provide more resources to European action as well as they would like the EU to contribute to their security (67% are for it)”.