Greeks seem confused about the merits of the European Union, with the majority wanting closer integration while also doubting the benefits of the euro. However, according to a poll made public yesterday, they appear to be in agreement with their European partners in feeling negative regarding the prospect of Turkey's membership.

Some 70 percent of Greeks say they are against Turkey joining the EU - well above the 52 percent average for the 25 member states, according to a Eurobarometer poll conducted for the European Commission. However, the overall picture of Greek views on the EU appears to be much less clear-cut. Some three-quarters of Greeks say they favor a common foreign and defense policy but 49 percent say they are opposed to the idea of a single currency - the highest in the eurozone - and just under half feel that EU membership has not given the country any added economic stability.

Greeks also appear less content and more anxious than their EU counterparts - one in three say they are not satisfied with their lives, compared to one in five Europeans. Almost two-thirds of Greeks expect a rise in unemployment in the next 12 months, whereas the EU average is 42 percent.