Immigration the major concern for Europeans: poll

BRUSSELS: Immigration is the main concern of Europeans, ahead of economic problems and unemployment, according to a new opinion poll released by the European Commission.
A similar poll last November had the economic situation, employment, and public deficits top of the list.
Since then immigration has been a hot topic, with Italy, Greece and Malta having to deal with unprecedented arrivals by sea from Africa and the Middle East.
The latest flashpoint is in Calais, northern France, where each day hundreds of migrants attempt to sneak across to Britain via the Channel tunnel.
According to the study, released late on Friday, 38 percent of respondents across the European Union cited immigration as their top concern.
This issue is “now way ahead” of the economic situation which was the foremost issue for 27 percent of the people polled, and unemployment (24 percent), the study said.
“It is the number one most frequently cited concern in 20 Member States reaching peaks in Malta (65 percent) and Germany (55 percent).”
The “expectations for the economy are improving and support for the euro remains stable,” according to the findings of the “Spring 2015 Standard Eurobarometer” poll.
Concern for terrorism at EU level has also increased significantly since November, up six points to 17 percent.