site.btaEurobarometer: Most Bulgarians Expect EU to Play Bigger Role in Crisis Response

Most Bulgarians are of the opinion that the the EU should necessarily have a bigger role in crisis response and preparedness, according to a Eurobarometer survey presented on Monday by the European Commission. 37% of the Bulgarian respondents agree that the EU should be more involved in preparedness efforts for future crises, through actions such as raising awareness, organizing training and crisis drills. 48% "tend to agree".

In addition to communication by national authorities, 31% of Bulgarians (27% in the EU) believe that EU should play a more active role in providing timely information and guidance to citizens. According to 51% in Bulgaria (52% in the EU) it would be good if the EU had a complementary role. 

Some 29% of Bulgarians (24% in the EU) think that national and EU level crisis response would be better supported by a commonly agreed group of EU leading experts, providing scientific evidence-based advice. This view is shared to some extent by 48% in Bulgaria and 54% in the rest of the EU.

Nearly 70% believe that cross-border coordinated response is needed when a major crisis occurs, including to anticipate and deal with the consequences of emergencies. Only 10% in Bulgaria and 13% in the rest of the EU said they are not aware of European involvement in countering threats to public health, natural disasters and conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.