EU Christmas message BACKFIRES as Eurosceptics heap scorn on the bloc’s legacy
THE EU’s attempt to spread Christmas cheer backfired when people hit out at the bloc for their political failings.
In a festively themed post alongside a picture of the EU flag flanked by blue and gold baubles and tinsel, the European Commission wrote on Twitter: “Merry Christmas and warm holiday wishes!”
However users quickly turned on the 27 nation superstate’s well-wishing – chastising them for their failures on the continent.
Many hit out at the bloc for not reigning in Spain when they imprisoned figures behind the illegal independence referendum in Catalonia.
One wrote: “My heart and thoughts go to the political prisoners in Spain, without their families thanks to you. Merry Christmas.”
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Another added. “No Christmas for Catalan political prisoners. Shame on you EU.”
Others blasted the EU for economic measures handed down to Greece after the nation defaulted in the economic crisis of 2008.
“Which wishes? Yours?
“How will Christmas in Greece be where the children ask Santa Claus for food? Shame on you!”
Meanwhile some Britons responded with the date they would be truly happy – when the nation leaves the yoke of Brussels on Brexit day.
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One respondent added: “Well, merry-ish.
“I am saving really merry for March 2019.”
Less than half of Europeans have a positive image of the European Union and trust in it has declined, according to its own poll.
The Standard Eurobarometer survey revealed half of Europeans also do not think that their voices count in the EU.
Immigration was the top concern, followed by the threat of terrorism. And most are against the key policy of future enlargement of the EU to include other countries.
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The European Commission survey, carried out in November, showed that one in five people (21 percent) had a negative image of the EU, 37 percent were neutral and 40 percent were positive.
Some 50 per cent disagreed that their “voice counts in the EU”, six per cent above those that did.
Concerns about immigration grew for the first time since autumn 2015, with 39 percent, ranking it as the most important issue in the bloc.
Terrorism rated 38 percent.
The two issues were mentioned more than twice as often as any other, including the economic situation and crime.
Only a minority (42 percent) backed further enlargement of the EU, 47 percent opposed it.
Distrust in the EU rose slightly since the spring, with 48 percent saying they “tend not to trust” the institution.
Only 41 percent said they trusted it.
