Breaking News: According to the EU Commission, only 39% of UK citizens positively perceive the EU.
Is Sir Keir absolutely confident in his desire to “align more closely” with this increasingly unpopular institution? The EU Commission, in its most recent large-scale survey of citizens published on Friday (29 November 2024), attempted to frame a positive narrative, boasting about “record high trust in the EU in recent years.” Yet, a closer examination of the data tells a strikingly different story — one that challenges this optimistic portrayal.
This survey highlights the complexities of public sentiment, revealing a divided opinion that could pose significant obstacles to garnering widespread support. Sir Keir Starmer may need to navigate these contrasting views carefully, balancing the desire for closer ties with the EU against the lingering scepticism among certain segments of the British population. This delicate approach will be crucial in shaping a policy framework that resonates with both pro-EU advocates and those wary of renewed alignment
The latest ‘Standard Eurobarometer’ survey, conducted during the autumn of 2024, took place between October 10 and November 5 across all 27 member states of the European Union. This comprehensive study involved face-to-face interviews with 26,525 EU citizens, ensuring a robust and highly representative sample size that provides valuable insights into public opinion across the region.
This lukewarm response from British citizens highlights the lingering scepticism toward the EU, even years after Brexit. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of efforts to foster a stronger relationship between the UK and the bloc. While Sir Keir Starmer’s government may push for closer ties, public sentiment appears far from enthusiastic. This disparity could complicate future negotiations or policy shifts aimed at re-establishing alignment with EU standards. For the EU, the survey results may serve as a reminder that winning over British public opinion remains a challenging task, despite political overtures from Westminster.
European citizens’ current perspectives on the EU reveal a mix of optimism and skepticism, shaped by recent political, economic, and social developments. Many citizens view the EU as a vital platform for economic stability, environmental collaboration, and collective security. However, concerns persist about bureaucracy, democratic accountability, and uneven benefits among member states.
When compared to the UK, which has now exited the EU, notable differences emerge. While the EU continues to emphasize unity and shared policies, the UK has prioritized national sovereignty and tailored decision-making. Public opinion in the UK remains divided post-Brexit, with some citizens appreciating regained control over laws and borders, while others express regret over lost economic opportunities and diminished global influence.
Overall, the perspectives on the EU highlight the complexities of balancing integration with national interests, a challenge that remains central to the future of both the EU and its relationships with neighboring countries like the UK.
- Findings from the latest official EU-wide survey on public opinions across the EU27 and the UK:
- Only 51% of EU citizens “tend to trust the EU.”
- Just 38% of respondents from the United Kingdom “tend to trust the EU.”
- Only 44% of EU citizens “have a positive image of the EU.”
- A mere 39% of United Kingdom citizens “have a positive image of the EU.”
- Just 48% of EU citizens hold “a good perception of the situation of the EU economy.”
[Source: EU ‘Eurobarometer,’ Nov 29, 2024.]
This indicates a significant portion of the population harbours skepticism or dissatisfaction toward the institution. Such figures highlight the challenges the EU faces in fostering unity and trust among its member states. Addressing this perception gap may require more transparent policies, better communication of the EU’s benefits, and stronger engagement with its citizens to rebuild confidence.
The citizens of four major EU economies expressed even stronger scepticism. Their responses revealed a level of discontent that surpassed the already concerning EU27 average.
The percentage of individuals holding a ‘positive image’ of the European Union varies across major economies, according to the EU Eurobarometer report dated November 29, 2024.
In Germany, 41% of the population perceives the EU positively.
France reports a slightly lower figure, with 35% of its citizens sharing a favourable view.
In contrast, Italy shows the highest percentage, with 45% of people having a positive image of the EU.
Meanwhile, Spain falls in between, with 39% of its population expressing a favourable opinion.
Why does Sir Keir want to align more closely with an unpopular regime?
With Sir Keir Starmer and his ministers constantly talking about ‘closer alignment’ with the EU, the results of my analysis will come as a blow. Naturally, this depends on whether the PM cares what people think. With less than four in ten of the population having ‘a positive image’ of the EU this is not necessarily a good starting point.
It does of course have to be remembered that Sir Keir and his Cabinet were all vociferous Remainers. Furthermore, Sir Keir and some of his colleagues were leading lights in the campaign for “a people’s vote” which was designed to overturn the largest democratic vote in British history — one which had already taken place in June 2016. If that Referendum wasn’t “a people’s vote” then I am unsure what is.
In numerous ways, the audacious disregard for the unmistakably expressed opinion of the British public, when they were posed a direct question, served as a telling indication of the turmoil that awaited them once they assumed power. This dismissive attitude towards the democratic will of the people suggested a troubling future, foreshadowing the challenges and decisions that would likely unfold under their governance.
This growing discontent poses significant challenges for the EU’s leadership, Ursula von der Leyen’s new EU Commission began its five-year term on Monday, operating under a non-democratic mandate.. it risks undermining the very foundation of the Union’s legitimacy. Citizens across member states are increasingly questioning whether the EU is truly addressing their needs or merely serving the interests of a select few. Issues such as economic inequality, immigration, and climate change remain contentious, with many feeling that the EU’s responses have been inadequate or overly bureaucratic.
Furthermore, the perception of a democratic deficit within EU institutions continues to fuel scepticism. Critics argue that decisions impacting millions are often made by unelected officials, further alienating ordinary citizens. This disconnect between Brussels and the public has provided fertile ground for populist movements, which capitalize on frustrations and advocate for a return to national sovereignty.
To rebuild trust, the EU must prioritize meaningful reforms that demonstrate its commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Engaging citizens in decision-making processes, addressing regional disparities, and delivering tangible results on pressing issues will be key to reversing the current trend. Without decisive action, the EU risks deepening divisions and jeopardizing the unity it seeks to uphold.
