08-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Irish are still strong EU supporters – but misgivings are growing, research shows
The yearly European Movement Ireland survey also shows ongoing strong EU membership support in Ireland, north and south, at 82pc.
But this has slipped from a high of 93pc back in 2019, and there are other signs of dissatisfaction among Irish people about diminished influence within the EU structures and concerns about the bloc's direction.
Other findings include ongoing cost-of-living and migration concerns; strong support for Irish unity on both sides of the Border, with the EU still trusted to manage world trade.
The poll shows 67pc in the North back a united Ireland within the EU compared with 62pc in the Republic – but opposition is higher in the North on 27pc compared to just 16pc in the Republic.
'It is important citizens feel their views are heard across all levels of the EU
The survey by Amárach research shows support for Ireland's EU membership dipped two points this year, slipping from 84pc last year. In Northern Ireland, which was forced to exit the EU in 2020 along with Britain, support is also strong at 77pc, up one point year-on-year.
Misgivings in Ireland generally include 43pc believing their views are not represented at EU level. While nearly half of those surveyed believe the EU is moving in the right direction, one in three feel the EU is not upholding its core values, and 26pc are dissatisfied with its overall direction.
The 82pc EU membership support is the lowest approval ranking since 2013, and down from its highest point of 93pc in 2019.
Noelle O'Connell, CEO of European Movement Ireland, said ongoing EU support was encouraging, but there were many signs warning against government complacency.
She said it was now a pivotal time in EU and world affairs with increasing populism, US-EU trade conflict, and intensified efforts to end war in Ukraine, all holding potential impacts for Ireland.
'It is important citizens feel their views are heard across all levels of the EU,' Ms O'Connell said.
The survey shows respondents' EU dissatisfaction is largely due to migration at 35pc; undue EU regulation on 24pc; militarisation of the EU 24pc; among other issues. The EU is seen as weakest on migration in both jurisdictions with approximately half of north and south residents saying this.
