There is certainly no shortage of information as to where Malta stands in key economic, political and social league tables in the European Union. The latest Eurobarometer public opinion survey, just published, gives a valuable insight into what the Maltese think of EU institutions and of the situation generally.

What stands out is the increasing support for the island's membership of the EU and its institutions. Four years on, this has gone up from 55 per cent to 60 per cent, no doubt reflecting in part the Labour Party's switch in policy in favour of EU membership. According to the survey, only 12 per cent now say that membership is "a bad thing". This represents a dramatic change in views and attitudes since the pre-2003 referendum and the subsequent general elections, which the Nationalist Party won mainly on the strength of its pro-EU membership policy.

Labour had subsequently realised their mistake and reversed their policy but unmeasured talk in the last general election campaign had refuelled uncertainty over the party's real intentions over membership. For this and many other important reasons, the electorate reconfirmed the PN in government, and, in the light of yet another defeat at the polls, Labour is now making it clear that it is a pro-EU party. Hopefully, there will be no more political jerks in its policy towards the EU and that it would not do anything that will once again place doubts as to its commitment.

An even greater number of Maltese, 72 per cent, are in favour of the introduction of the euro, and, equally important, believe that, on balance, the country has benefited from membership. Very interesting is the high figure, 94 per cent, given for the number of respondents who said they were aware of the European Parliament. One major reason for this is the election for members of the European Parliament, in which Labour had, incidentally, won three seats, against the two won by the Nationalists. By contrast, fewer than 50 per cent understand how the European Union works.

The Maltese trust the European Parliament more than their national Parliament, 61 per cent against 54 per cent. It is not surprising that 48 per cent do not trust political parties. Excessive political partisanship has made many increasingly tired of local politics. This is strengthening the segment of uncommitted voters. The two major parties are aware of this and have both promised to mend their ways. However, up to now they have not and their communications media - print, radio and television - continue to reel out unadulterated one-sided material in a fashion that does not attract uncommitted voters to their cause.

There are some other interesting points in the Eurobarometer survey: For instance, the press does not fare very well either (even if it is becoming increasingly clear that if you want action to be taken about something the best thing to do is to go to the press) and the legal system could do with a higher marking, too. Forty-one per cent of respondents in the survey said they did not trust the press whereas the figure for the legal system is 36 per cent, which is quite low. On the other hand, 78 per cent trust the police, a mark that is higher than the European average.