The State of the European Union. The European Parliament faces its most important elections yet

25 Crisis has become the normal state of the European Union (EU). The EU member states re- flect an image of political disagreement to the outside world. On the inside, more and more citizens are turning away from Europe as it fails to deliver on the promises of democracy, pro- gress, and prosperity for many. Instead of a greater prosperity for everyone, competition, growing inequality and poor working condi- tions prevail. Europe is drifting apart economi- cally and socially to a worrying extent. Yet, a European Union that has a future means soli- darity, rather than everyone competing against everyone else. What is it exactly that Germans expect from Europe? To which extent do Germans agree to policies that lead to a more socially balanced EU? Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung seeks to contribute to the debate over the fu- ture of Europe with its project “For a Better Tomorrow”. This study marks the start of this contribution by surveying eligible voters in Germany on their attitudes and expectations towards the EU. The results show that there is a favourable, widespread agreement among the German public towards the EU. At the same time, two out of three citizens voice their con- cerns for the need of reforms. In particular, Germans wish the EU was more focused on so- cial policy. Demand for reforms of the EU For the last decade, the EU member states have faced numerous critical incidences, e.g. the fi- nancial and economic crisis, the euro crisis, the handling of refugees and the British referendum on the EU membership. Nevertheless, approval of the EU is high. In September 2018, the Eurobarometer showed the highest approval of the EU ever measured 1 . A study conducted by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung showed substantially more optimistic attitudes towards the EU in 2017 compared to 2015 2 . 1 Eurobarometer 2018: Taking up the challenge: From (si- lent) support to actual vote. http://www.europarl.europa. eu/at-your-service/en/be-heard/eurobarometer/parlemeter- 2018-taking-up-the-challenge (2018/11/19). 2  Hilmer, R.: Was hält Europa zusammen? Die EU nach dem Brexit . Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Berlin, 2017. More just. More social. Less unequal. What Germans expect from Europe Frieder Schmid and Martha Posthofen