Eurobarometer: Half of Maltese voters want migration to be a priority in MEP election campaign

The latest Eurobarometer reveals that half of Maltese voters prioritise discussing migration and asylum in the upcoming European Parliament elections, while 37% focus on food security and agriculture.

Published 50 days before the election, the survey gathered insights from 26,411 Europeans.

Maltese interest in the elections has risen since 2019, with 68% now interested. Expectations for voting turnout are high, with 72% likely to vote.

Regarding priorities, Maltese respondents emphasize migration, public health, and fighting poverty. Most feel voting is crucial amidst global conflicts. While optimism about the EU’s future remains, satisfaction with its handling of crises varies. Notably, Maltese citizens prioritise food security, reflecting concerns over rising food prices and ongoing farmers’ protests.

From a European perspective, 60% now say they are interested in voting in June (+3 pp compared to autumn 2023 and +11 pp compared to February/March 2019). 71% say that it is likely that they will vote (7 to 10 on a scale from 1-10), representing +3 pp in comparison to autumn 2023 and +10 pp compared to February/March 2019. Findings suggest that EU citizens are very much aware of the importance of the elections in the current geopolitical context, with eight in ten (81%) respondents agreeing that it makes voting even more important.

Large majorities in all Member States endorse this statement, including in Malta (also 81%).

In Malta there is more interest in voting than the EU average, with 68% now saying they are interested in the elections in June (less 2pp compared to Autumn 2023, and +11 pp compared to February/March 2019) and 72% saying they are likely to vote (up 2pp compared to Autumn, and +3 pp compared to February/March 2019).