9th EHP round: European resilience

On a scale from 1 (absolutely not) to 10 (full agreement), the mean value of the voting results is 6.6. The tendency (median) of the vote is 7. Participants voted most frequently with a 10.

Concerns about over-bureaucratization and a possible arms race came up particularly frequently in the participants' arguments against. The possibility of a parallel defense structure was also mentioned. At the same time, some participants also saw an independent European defense policy as an opportunity not only to curb particular interests and increase cost efficiency, but also to give the EU more weight and say within NATO and thus independence.

The mean value of the votes in the EHP is 7.8 on a scale of 1 to 10. The tendency of the vote (median) is 9. Most participants voted with 10.

The main positive aspects of the proposal, according to the participants, are that it would enhance European identity and increase equal opportunities for young people. It would also increase recognition for the areas of defense, care and social affairs. In addition to the lack of intergenerational fairness, the participants were critical of the proposal's practicability. The expected bureaucratic burden is also viewed negatively, as is the problem of compulsory service. Solutions based on voluntariness are mentioned here as a better alternative.

The mean value for the vote on this European policy proposal is 7.9 on a scale of 1 to 10. The tendency (median) in the vote is a scale value of 9. The majority of participants voted 10 on the question.

The participants are critical of the proposal primarily because the current crisis-ridden global situation does not allow for acceleration. The top-down approach is also criticized, as is the unresolved issue of social security. In contrast, the inclusion of climate components in free trade agreements could have an accelerating effect. It is also important to win over the broad mass of the population for the rapid implementation of the green transformation.

The participants are very much in agreement with regard to the specific European policy proposals and the voting results on the key question "Should the EU develop more resilience in times of global challenges?" are a clear sign of this.

In 88.9% of the EHPs held, the majority voted in favor of more European resilience. No EHP voted against the idea. In 11.1% of the EHPs held, the majority abstained on the question of more resilience in Europe.
The voting results therefore send a clear signal to our political dialog partners: Many EU citizens want a more resilient EU. How exactly this should be tackled is an exciting topic that needs to be discussed in future EHPs.