Corinne Hermant-de Callataÿ Berthold Feldmann Survey on perceptions of quality of life in 75 European Cities Short overview of results Corinne Hermant-de Callataÿ Berthold Feldmann

The Perception Survey A snapshot of public opinion in European cities derived from the “Eurobarometer flash” toolkit (DG COMM) Phone interviews of 500 citizens per city (75 cities) So far 3 perception surveys: Spring 2004 (only 31 cities, only 300 interviews/city) November 2006 November 2009 – presented today

EU comparison and other cross-comparisons Strengths EU comparison and other cross-comparisons Reliability demonstrated by answer stability A complementary management tool Weaknesses Assumptions formulated in different languages / “Cultural comparability” issues Opportunity Further analysis to be developed, based on the current survey and on other data Threats Risk of some cities having negative image As well as using the hard data supplied by statistical institutes throughout the EU, the Commission also decided to carry out a perception survey to see what European citizens think about their cities. Perceptions can be extremely important – some political leaders choose to base their policies on perceptions rather than statistics! (Mayor of Manchester example) How citizens feel is important to politicians The perception survey had been carried out in 31 cities in the EU15 in 2004. This time it has been extended to the new Member States and to Turkey and Croatia Data was collected through telephone interviews – 500 people in each city.

Surveyed cities All capital cities have been surveyed First the Capital Second another important city Third a city a some distance from the other cities and preferably quite a bit smaller Fourth city, the same In short geographic balance, balance in size and covering at least the capital (and the second city).

+ Agreement/ disagreement on a series of statements Satisfaction with: Public transport, Health care services offered by doctors and hospitals, Sport facilities, Cultural facilities in ….. The beauty of streets and buildings in your neighborhood (NEW) Public spaces in …… such as markets, squares, pedestrian areas (NEW) Green spaces such as parks and gardens inside Outdoor recreation outside / around ….., such as walking, cycling or picnicking (NEW) + Agreement/ disagreement on a series of statements

A new module on transport Q4C: How often do you use public transport in …..? Q4B: Which means of transport do you mostly/ primarily use to go to your working/training place? Q4A: How many minutes per day do you usually spend to go to your working/training place? 8 possible answers (Max = more than 60 minutes) Q4D: Why don't you use public transport? 8 answers (target: the citizens who never use public transport) In addition to the question already raised on “satisfaction” / comparison with 2006

It is easy to find good housing at a reasonable price

It is easy to find good housing at a reasonable price

It is easy to find a good job

Poverty is a problem

The presence of foreigners is good for the city

Respondents feel safe in the city Q3. For each of the following statements, please tell me, if this always, sometimes, rarely or never happens to you? Base: all respondents, % by city

Air pollution is a major problem (red+orange)

Noise is a major problem (red + orange)

The city is committed to fight against climate change

Administrative services help efficiently

Beauty of streets and building in their neighbourhood

Frequency of using public transport 18

Means of transport mostly used to go to work or training place 19

Thank you for your attention The final report is available in five languages at: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/themes/urban/audit/index_en.htm