'Lack of social progress' prompted 70% of No vote of EAPN members

7/21/2008 - 1:30:19 PM

In a recent survey of European Anti Poverty Network members in Ireland most of those who voted No in the Lisbon Treaty referendum did so because they found the direction of the EU "problematic from a social perspective".

The survey showed 62.5% of respondents indicated they voted yes, while 37.5% voted No.

Among EAPN Ireland members there was a high turnout of 76%, with more than three quarters rating their knowledge of the Treaty as fair or better.

Of those who voted No 70% listed the lack of progress on positive social objectives as key factor, while 95% felt that the overall direction of the European Union was problematic from a social perspective.

Of those who voted yes, 60% believed that the social aspects of the Lisbon treaty were beneficial.

These survey results show that the social aspects of the Treaty were a key factor in influencing how members of EAPN Ireland voted and that if Europe is to get the support of its citizens there is a need to address the imbalance between the social and economic objectives of the Union.

EAPN Ireland has called for greater efforts to increase understanding of the influence of the EU and its impact on citizens everyday lives, and in particular the lives of people who experience poverty.

Anna Visser, director of EAPN Ireland said: "Our work demonstrates that there is a real appetite for engagement with the EU and its social agenda, following our activities to foster debate and discussion on the social aspects of the Treaty EAPN Ireland members voted in greater numbers than the national average.

"The Irish and other EU governments must foster debate and participation in EU processes such as the Open Method of Coordination on Social Inclusion and Social Protection."

Today EAPN Ireland launched its report of activities on the Social Aspects of the Lisbon Treaty (www.eapn.ie).

The report analyses discussion amongst EAPN Ireland members at a series of regional seminars in the run up to the referendum as well as a membership survey conducted after the referendum.