Most Austrians still want to stay within EU: Survey

Nearly 64 percent of Austrians want their country to stay within the European Union while another 24 percent prefer withdrawal, according to a latest survey.

Almost 13 percent expressed no opinion on the issue, Xinhua cited from a poll released by the Austrian Society for European Politics (OeGfE) Friday.

However, the survey also found that Austrians still "have plenty to criticize about the EU", said OeGfE secretary general Paul Schmidt.

The OeGfE has conducted a total of 46 similar countrywide surveys since 1995, and despite fluctuations, the pro-EU opinions have generally remained dominant and stable.

On an average, the pro-EU ratio has been just under 71 percent since then, while 23 percent are against the bloc.

The highest pro-EU result was 80 percent in June/July 2002, while the highest figures calling for an exit were 33 percent in June/July 2008.

Schmidt said despite some EU developments and decisions such as its handling of the global financial crisis or excesses of bureaucracy being viewed negatively, most Austrians appreciate major milestones since the country's 1995 EU accession, like the euro currency and the removal of border control.

--Indo-Asian news Service

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