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The EUs social media team posted an interactive vote on Facebook so ordinary members of the public could deliver their verdict on Jean-Claude Junckers five proposals for the project going forward.

But the innovative post sparked anger and derision amongst some users who accused eurocrats of showing open bias by choosing a tearful face for the option to devolve more powers back to member states.

EU officials are trying find ways to engage with more young people after surveys showed worrying numbers across the continent now feel completely detached from Brussels.

But placing yourself in the hands of social media is always a high risk strategy, and it appeared to backfire today as many Facebook users took the opportunity to give the ailing project a kicking.

Mr Juncker has proposed five pathways for the future of the EU, which range from reverting back to a simple trading alliance right through to the creation of a full United States of Europe.

The chief eurocrat has already dismissed going back to economic ties as unworkable, and his officials echoed that sentiment by choosing a crying emoji to represent voting for that option.

A thumbs up was used to vote for the creation of a two speed Europe, a heart represented doing less but more efficiently, a laughing face meant carrying on as normal and a wow emoji championed the superstate option.

The comments below the post were split between those offering supportive remarks and others mocking the project, with several asking why dismantling the club was not an option.

Ryan Bailey asked: Why theres no option for dismantle the European Union? I don`t think Europe has a future.

Dillon Slowey echoed that thought, adding: Is there an option to abolish the EU?

Rickard Ankar said: I want your supranational union to die. Long live democracy, long live the nation state.

Others offered more nuanced criticism, suggesting that a perceived lack of democracy at the heart of the EU and the dominance of Germany and France were more pressing issues.

Sander de Regt wrote: I like the EU but I dont like it that I cannot choose the persons who think of new ideas.

Also I dont like how Germany and France plays like they are the boss. Everyone should be equal. Also this companies who are manipulating laws should be banned.

Christopher Talbot said: Personally, I would like to see the EU as more democratic, better run, less bureaucratic organisation.

And Saba Buadze mused: Doing more economical and less political things. Before European union were less political everything was great.

Some also suggested the poll itself was not fair, pointing out that eurocrats were clearly showing a preference for certain options through which emoji they had chosen to represent them.

Darran Gange wrote: Come on European Commission, you can't seriously suggest that this is a fair poll. Someone had to choose what the sad emoji would be.

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Geert Wilders wants to 'de-Islamicise' the Netherlands, hopes clashes between Turkish-Dutch protesters and the police, along with Ankara's accusations of Dutch 'fascism', will help bolster his chances of finishing first

However, equal number in were people expressing optimism and encouragement about the future of the EU, with many saying they would like to see more cooperation in future.

Arnout Posthumus wrote: Doing more together is the perfect way. But we know that its rather impossible.

Michael Holz added: In my opinion it is a question of doing the 'right' things together on the European level. Common problems are tackled commonly.

Everything else stays in the competence of the member states. Personally, I think that the EU must adopt a federal structure.

And Rudy Maertens implored: Find a way to cancel Brexit... we are better together... and I know this post will get trolled, but I'm still hopeful there is a way.

Original post:
'Where's the option to abolish you?' EU mercilessly mocked after running emoji poll online - Express.co.uk