According to a new European Parliament Eurobarometer survey, Europeans identify immigration as one of the EU's main challenges and a majority favour a better distribution of asylum seekers. But national opinions vary.

Europeans' views on immigration

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/12127794/v007-0036-en.srt

as the migration crisis  reached critical intensity,

a survey was conducted  in the 28 Member States

with 28,150 citizens above the age of 15.

They were asked their views on  the European Union and immigration.

What are the main challenges the EU  must overcome to face the future?

with 49% of people identifying it  as the 'number 1' challenge,

but immigration has soared in two years  to second place with 47%.

In 9 countries, this issue is important  to more than 50% of respondents.

And the third priority: terrorism,  which has also leaped up the rankings.

The majority of Europeans advocate  a common global approach to migration,

with more decisions  to be taken at European level,

priority financial support for the Member  States facing the greatest migratory flows

and a common procedure  for legal migration.

Do we need a better distribution of the  asylum seekers among the Member States?

But there's a big gap between  the countries most in favour,

and the least enthusiastic,  such as Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

The countries where migrants enter Europe  are strongly in favour

of a better distribution of asylum seekers.

And among those supporters of  better distribution, 3 out of 4 believe

it should be decided  on the basis of binding quotas,

In Germany,  89% of those in favour support this,

What pace should be adopted  for integration?

For 48% of respondents, we should wait  until all EU Member States are ready.

For 41%, the countries  that wish to go further

shouldn't wait for the other  EU Member States.

Do we need legal migrants to work  in certain sectors of the economy?

Yes, say an absolute, but not clear,  majority of European respondents.

In 19 Member States, the number  of positive responses didn't reach 50%.

The north of the Union  is redressing the average.

the presence of nationals of other  Member States would also be an asset