EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 78/530

(2004/C 78 E/0552)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3368/03

by Koenraad Dillen (NI) to the Commission

(14 November 2003)

Subject: Eurobarometer opinion poll on ‘Iraq and world peace’

The Eurobarometer opinion poll on ‘Iraq and world peace’ which was carried out in October at the request of the Commission indicates that 59 % of people in Europe regard the State of Israel as a threat to world peace. The poll was carried out by the institute EOS Gallup Europe. When the results were announced, Italy's Foreign Minister Frattini, speaking on behalf of the European Council, distanced himself from them (Le Figaro, Tuesday, 4 November).

Does the Commission likewise distance itself from this survey, which it commissioned itself? If so, is this the first time that the Commission has distanced itself from the findings of its own research? What is the point of such opinion polls if the Commission itself says that the results do not reflect its views? Does not the Commission consider that in that case it would be better not to commission such irresponsible research, in order not to confuse public opinion?

Has the Commission used EOS Gallup Europe before? Was a public invitation to tender issued? What was the cost of the opinion poll?

Who was responsible for the questions asked in the poll? Who selected the list of fifteen countries which might possibly constitute ‘a threat to world peace’?

Does the Commission agree with the Israeli Ambassador in Rome that this poll will make it difficult for Europe to act as an intermediary in the Middle East peace process in the near future?

Will the Commission apologise to the Israeli authorities for the damage to Israel's image caused by this EU-funded survey?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(16 January 2004)

The Honourable Member is asked to refer to the Commission's answer to Written Question P-3334/03 by Ms Muscardini (1).

The Commission would also remind the Honourable Member that each Eurobarometer report contains the following caveat: This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission. The interpretations and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors.' The Commission has also expressed reservations about the question on which countries are a threat to world peace. It does, however, consider that the results are indicative of worrying prejudices.

The Commission currently has five framework contracts under which opinion surveys are being conducted. These were awarded through tender procedures. The Flash Eurobarometer is the instrument through which surveys by telephone are carried out on the Commission's behalf. As far as the EOS Gallup Europe institute is concerned, the contract was signed with TNS Sofres in January 2002, and the TNS Sofres coordination centre for the Flash Eurobarometer contract is EOS Gallup Europe. Since the contract was signed, about thirty Flash Eurobarometers have been produced for the Commission. The cost of the study on Iraq and world peace (preparation, fieldwork, statistical processing and report writing) was EUR 1 50 098,34 for approximately fifteen questions.

(1) See page 263.