Irish Support for EU Membership Declines to 82%, Migration a Top Concern

A new Amárach Research survey for European Movement Ireland reveals that while 82 per cent of people in the Republic favor continued EU membership, this is down from 93 per cent in 2019 and 88 per cent in 2023. Only 45 per cent believe the EU is moving in the right direction, a drop from 58 per cent in 2023.

Migration is the primary concern for those who feel the EU is off track, cited by 31 per cent. Overall, 49 per cent identified migration as the EU’s weakest performance area. Other concerns include economic/regulatory issues (27 per cent) and federalism/national sovereignty (26 per cent). Cost of living (58 per cent), migration (48 per cent), and housing (41 per cent) are top concerns at an EU level.

Almost half of respondents support increased EU defense and security cooperation, while 71 per cent believe the EU should seek greater independence from the US. Only half think the EU effectively upholds its core values.

In Northern Ireland, a simultaneous survey found 73 per cent would vote for the UK rejoining the EU. Also, 63 per cent in Northern Ireland and 59 per cent in the Republic would vote for a united Ireland within the EU. Both surveys, involving 1,200 people each, were conducted online between March 26th and 31st, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.2 per cent.