Public opinion has a significant impact on the European integration process. Political decision-makers can hardly take measures to promote integration if the population does not agree with them. Petersen’s article shows how public opinion on the EU has developed over the past year.
In the interview, Petersen provides insight into how the social standing in the EU has developed over the past year. "One should not confuse the Polish government with the Polish population," he emphasises with regard to the mood in Poland. More detailed analyses on the topic can be read in his yearbook contribution "Public Opinion" (in German).