31
very skillful in publicizing its protective-for-current-members intended policies, since
the awareness of the potential economic costs and dangers of expansion is also
present in the majority of public perceptions. For instance, findings by Gallup Europe
exemplify that three in every five respondents are concerned that enlargement would
mean low wage competition from workers in applicant countries. Linked to this
concern, 53% of those questioned in the Gallup Survey think that Britain would lose
jobs as a result of the expansion.
40
Concern for the British farming industry is also
widespread - 58 % think British farmers would lose out. Finally, almost 6 in every 10
respondents think Britain will have to pay more into the EU and get less in return.
However, most people could see both the advantages and disadvantages of EU
enlargement, with only 7% agreeing that expansion will have solely dire economic
consequences.
41
Thus, the official stand and the government intended economic
policies in the view of EU expansion seem to be harmonious with the spectrum of
prevailing public perceptions and conscious of maintaining an economic information
campaign on enlargement.
In contrast, in Bulgaria no detailed official information on the economic aspects of
membership in the EU has been outlined in the public space. The high level of
unconditional public support for enlargement has created what one could call the
“mythology of membership”. In a country where 92% of the population are
dissatisfied with the economic situation of their family and nation, the “European
Dream” is perceived as the ultimate solution. Most citizens believe that “the club of
the rich”, as the EU is informally referred to, will automatically increase living
standards and finally put an end to the pains of the transition period. Consecutively,
70% of Bulgarians affirm that EU membership will be “very beneficial” to their
40
Flash Eurobarmoter 124, EOS Gallup Europe, April 2002, p.19
Convention