Online Vote
Analysis
Prepared October 9, 2012
Online Vote
Total Votes: 1586
44%
56%
3
Female
Male
Nationality of Respondents
Italy
12%
United Kingdom
12%
Greece
12%
Romania
9%
Belgium
9%
Spain
7%
Portugal
5%
Germany
5%
Ireland
5%
Austria
4%
Netherlands
4%
Poland
3%
Slovenia
3%
Slovakia
2%
Malta
2%
Hungary
2%
Sweden
1%
France
Latvia
Luxembourg
Lithuania
0%
4
1%
1%
1%
1%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
What do you think are the Single Market's biggest
achievements over the past 20 years?
Opportunities to work in another Member State and have your professional qualification recognised
118
Opportunities to study or train in another Member State
116
Easier and more affordable travel throughout the EU
87
Opportunities to live or retire in another Member State
86
Increased prosperity and more jobs for EU citizens
66
A huge potential market for big, medium and small business
47
Wider choice of products and services for consumers
43
Lower telecommunications costs in Europe
40
Improved product and food safety in Europe
35
Increase in protection for consumers
28
Removal of barriers to trade in services
27
EU standards and labels facilitate exports
21
Reduction in red tape for cross-border trade
21
A strong and effective competition policy that benefits consumers
21
Easier access to health services across the EU
19
Opening up of national energy markets and resulting lower costs
9
Better regulated financial markets
5
Protection of innovation and intellectual property rights
4
The ability to bid for public contracts in other EU Member States
3
Reduced start-up costs for business and improved access to finance for SMEs
2
0
5
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
What do you think are the Single Market's biggest
challenges?
Internet and telephone services could be better and cheaper
86
Cumbersome social security procedures discourage citizens’ mobility
66
Workers can be victims of discriminatory employment practices in another Member State
65
Professionals have difficulties getting their qualifications recognised in another Member State
65
Inspite of an increased choice, many Europeans are frustrated by their energy bills
61
Citizens receiving healthcare abroad are often surprised when they receive their bill
49
Students facing discrimination regarding recognition of diplomas, fees and financial support
48
Opening a bank account abroad remains too difficult
40
Tax barriers for cross-border workers and employers
37
Barriers for entrepreneurs and investors
32
Consumers do not easily find their way in banking and financial services markets
32
Taking a car to another Member State is costly and burdensome
32
Retiring abroad and inheriting across borders leads to complex taxation issues
29
Protecting innovation: Intellectual property rights
23
Access to finance and support measures is too challenging
23
Businesses are discouraged from participating in foreign public tenders
22
Obtaining a residence card in another Member State for non-EU family members is too complex
22
Reclaiming VAT paid in another Member State is cumbersome
16
Europeans do not feel comfortable shopping on-line in other Member States
16
Passengers find it difficult to defend their rights
15
0
6
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100