An electrowetting display device comprises a plurality of picture elements (2) having a first support plate (5) including a surface (68) and a second support plate. A space (10) of a picture element between the surface of the first support plate and the second support plate includes at least one first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with each other, the second fluid being electroconductive or polar. The first support plate includes an electrode (46) for applying an electric field in the picture element. It also includes a layer (44) arranged on a side of the electrode facing away from said space. The layer forms an electronic component (33) for applying a voltage to the electrode. The electrode comprises a height difference (86) corresponding to a thickness of the layer (44). The height difference causes an inhomogeneous electric field in the space, providing a preferred direction of motion of the first fluid on application of the electric field.