10th EHP Round: European capacity to act

On a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree), the average rating was 6.5, with a median of 8. The most common individual rating was 10, indicating clear agreement among many participants.

The arguments in favor emphasized in particular that an EU-wide wealth tax could generate additional funds for European funding and innovation projects and contribute to greater social justice. In addition, many participants saw it as an opportunity to limit tax avoidance within the EU. Critical comments focused primarily on the practical feasibility, the bureaucratic effort involved, and possible evasive reactions by wealthy individuals. Concerns were also repeatedly expressed that this could make the EU appear even more distant from its citizens.

The average rating was 5.9, with a median rating of 6. The most common rating was 8, reflecting a generally positive but cautious attitude toward mandatory EU-wide regulation.

Participants particularly welcomed the opportunity to combat poverty and social inequality more effectively across the EU and to strengthen the EU's social profile. The main points of criticism were the financial burden on poorer Member States, potential conflicts over redistribution, and concerns that national characteristics and existing social standards could come under pressure.

This proposal received clear approval. The mean score was 7.6, and the median was 8. Here, too, 8 was the most common individual rating.

Many participants saw stronger European support for innovation as a necessary prerequisite for remaining competitive on the global stage, particularly against the US and China. The pooling of European resources and the idea of a European counterpart to the American DARPA were highlighted as positive developments. Critical voices, however, warned against additional bureaucracy, a possible violation of the principle of subsidiarity, and the fact that innovation could be promoted more effectively at the regional or national level.

The vote on the question revealed a clear sentiment: 77.4% of participants were in favor of giving the EU greater responsibility for steering social and economic development. 16.4% abstained, and less than 6% voted against.

The results of the 10th round of the European House Parliaments send a clear signal to political decision-makers: many citizens believe that the European Union should play a stronger role in social and economic issues and would like to see greater European capacity for action. How these responsibilities should be structured in concrete terms remains a key question for future rounds of the European House Parliaments.