The analysis of the Research Center for International Relations is online
Of the approximately 1.500 residents of San Marino who participated in a study by the University of the Republic of San Marino on public opinion's perception of the European Union, 62% would have voted in favor in a referendum on the association agreement. 78% believe it could improve the quality of life for young people, 63% think that greater integration would increase economic prosperity. 70% predict an increase in crime and 65% a decline in cultural identity.
The percentages, included in a broader analysis and already presented to the public last December, are now the protagonists of a further study curated by the University's International Relations Research Center, which has published a new Notebook online in which "specific data are now presented, those considered most useful for better understanding the research and understanding how the population positions itself on the topic of Europe", explains Michele Chiaruzzi, director of the structure.
In particular, the positions expressed by the interviewees on a hypothetical referendum were analyzed by age group, gender, level of education, political sentiment and more. Six main orientations were also identified that summarize the positions on Europe.
"The project - adds Chiaruzzi - has the best sample ever collected in San Marino, given that no empirical research has been based on such a significant participation. It is also the first on the relationship between public opinion and the European Union, protagonist together with the Titan of a recent association agreement signed in Brussels".
The notebook was signed by Chiaruzzi together with researchers Mario Catani and Sebastiano Bastianelli. The study was possible thanks to the support of the Social Services Fund Industry Section, the National Association of Sammarinese Industry, the Democratic Confederation of Sammarinese Workers and the Sammarinese Confederation of Labor, as well as the collaboration of the Office of Information Technology, Data and Statistics.
The analysis, which started with a questionnaire aimed at eliciting attitudes, perceptions and feelings towards the EU, can be downloaded free of charge online.