Romanians are among the most confident citizens in the European Union when it comes to the future of the EU and the European economy, but don’t feel the same about their country, a recent Eurobarometer shows.

Some 42% of Romanians think that the economic situation of the European Union will improve in the next year, while only 20% of all EU citizens think the same. For comparison, only 35% of Romanians say they expect an improvement in the local economy in the same time frame while 25% expect it to go worse.

The Romanians’ perception is entirely different than the economic reality, as Romania had an economic growth significantly above the EU average last year and the forecast for this year is similar.

Romania’s GDP increased by 2.9% last year, compared to an average 1.3% growth in the EU. The European Commission estimates that the Romanian economy will grow by 2.7% this year, compared to an estimated 1.7% increase for the EU economy.

However, as Romania is still among the weakest economies in the EU in terms of GDP per capita, most Romanians hope to find a better life for themselves and their families in the EU. Almost six in ten Romanians (59%) have a positive view of the EU, compared to a 39% average among all of EU’s citizens.

About 77% of Romanians think that the EU creates suitable conditions for more jobs in Europe. A similar share of Romanians believe that the EU favors the development of the business environment.

Overall, some 65% of Romanians consider that the EU is heading in the right direction and that the objectives of the 2020 European Strategy will lead to positive results.

The full results of the Eurobarometer can be found here.

Andrei Chirileasa, andrei@romania-insider.com