Housing is by far the main concern among Spaniards, ahead of issues such as inflation and immigration, and has risen by 10 points in the last six months, according to the latest Eurobarometer presented on Wednesday in Madrid. 36% of Spaniards surveyed identify housing as the main problem facing Spain, ten points more than in the previous Eurobarometer conducted in the spring. This figure also contrasts with the European average, as this issue is mentioned as a problem by only 13% of those surveyed.
In second place is inflation, mentioned by 23% of Spaniards surveyed, one point less than in the previous survey. This issue is the main concern at European level, with 31%. After that, and tied, Spaniards mention immigration and the economic situation, with 17%, after falling one and nine points respectively from the previous wave. The figure is very similar to the European average, although in this case the economic situation (19%) is of greater concern than migration (15%).
Next, Spaniards identify healthcare (16%) and unemployment (11%), both issues ahead of what Europeans identify as their main concerns (12% and 8% respectively). In contrast, the concern at European level about security and defence, mentioned by 13% of those surveyed - the same level as housing, although two points less than in the spring - is very low in the case of Spain. Only 4% of Spaniards mention it as a concern, one point less.
Meanwhile, with leaders in the midst of discussions on the next European budget, Eurobarometer asked citizens to identify the issues that should be given priority. 63% are in favour of employment, social services and public health, two points higher. Although these issues are also priorities at European level, only 42% mention them.
In second place, and in line with the concerns expressed, 52% of Spaniards identify housing as a priority for the European budget, compared to 26% of Europeans. Next, 46% of Spaniards point to education, training, youth, culture and the media, compared to 36% of Europeans, and 26% favour scientific research and innovation, compared to 23% of Europeans.
In fifth place, Spaniards mention security and defence, with 22%, two points less than the European average of 35%, although in this case too, the figure reflects a drop of 8 points compared to the spring Eurobarometer. The survey was conducted between 9 October and 2 November through more than 36,000 interviews in the 27 EU Member States and candidate countries, including a thousand in Spain.