A decade later: Europeans more positive about the EU than during Brexit

A Decade Later: Europeans More Positive About the EU Than During Brexit

A decade later - Ten years after the United Kingdom's decision to depart from the European Union, the continent experienced significant upheaval, yet public sentiment toward the EU has grown more favorable compared to the period immediately preceding the Brexit referendum. New data from Pew Research reveals a notable rise in positive perceptions of the European Union across multiple European nations since 2016. This upward trend in support contrasts with the heightened uncertainty that followed the UK's vote to leave, suggesting a broader shift in European attitudes toward the bloc.

Eurosceptic Parties Continue to Influence the Political Landscape

Despite the overall increase in support, eurosceptic parties have maintained a strong presence, with some experiencing significant gains in electoral influence. In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) saw its vote share rise from 12.6% in 2017 to 20.8% in 2025, highlighting the persistence of anti-EU rhetoric. Similarly, in France, the National Rally and its allies secured around 33% of the vote in the first round of the 2024 legislative election, while Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) emerged as the leading party in the Netherlands after years of campaigning against immigration and Brussels' policies.

Notably, the growth in support has occurred even as nationalist parties have grown more vocal in their criticism of the EU. In France, Marine Le Pen had previously pushed for a referendum on the country's EU membership, while Dutch politician Geert Wilders had called for a similar vote in the Netherlands. Greece, too, faced a period of skepticism toward EU institutions after the eurozone debt crisis and subsequent bailout negotiations. Italy's Five Star Movement also advocated for a referendum on the eurozone, illustrating how the Brexit era sparked a wave of anti-EU sentiment across multiple countries.

EU Favorability Rises Despite Political Challenges

According to Pew's findings, the landscape has changed dramatically. Its data shows that the median level of favorability toward the EU across eight tracked countries has increased from 49% in 2016 to 62% in 2026. This shift is evident in major European nations, where support for the bloc has climbed significantly. For instance, Germany's favorable views of the EU rose from 50% in 2016 to 68% in 2026, while France's support increased from 38% to 52% during the same period. The Netherlands also saw a notable rise, with favorability climbing from 51% to 63%.

The UK itself, though no longer part of the EU, has experienced a marked change in public opinion. Despite the initial Brexit vote, favorable views of the EU have grown from 45% at the time of the referendum to 67% in 2026. This suggests that the UK's departure did not necessarily lead to a lasting decline in European unity, as the country's citizens have shown renewed appreciation for the bloc's role in shaping policies and fostering economic stability.

Historical Context and Contradictory Theories

Following the Brexit referendum, there was a sharp increase in EU favorability, with the median support level in surveyed countries rising from 49% in 2016 to 60% in 2017. This development contradicts earlier predictions that Brexit would destabilize the EU, leading to a wave of exits from other European nations. The surge in support was likely fueled by a combination of economic recovery and a renewed sense of solidarity amid global challenges.

Analysts from the London School of Economics and Political Science observed that many eurosceptic parties have transitioned from advocating complete withdrawal to promoting internal reforms.

The shift in rhetoric reflects a broader realignment in European politics, where some parties now prioritize reshaping the EU rather than leaving it entirely. For example, France's National Rally shifted its focus from explicit calls to leave the EU toward restoring border controls and emphasizing national interests over supranational governance. In the Netherlands, Wilders has placed greater emphasis on immigration and asylum issues, reducing the prominence of a Dutch "Nexit" in his platform.

Generational Divides Shape EU Sentiment

Age also plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes. In Italy, 80% of young adults under 35 expressed favorable views of the EU, compared to 56% among those over 50. Similar patterns can be observed in several other European countries surveyed by Pew, where younger generations tend to show more optimism about the bloc's future. This generational divide may reflect differing experiences with EU integration, with younger voters likely to benefit from economic stability and cross-border cooperation.

The rise in support for the EU, however, does not erase the ideological polarization that persists. In Poland, the political left reported an 86% favorable stance toward the EU, while the right held only 42% — one of the most significant ideological divides recorded by Pew Research. This suggests that while there is growing optimism among younger Europeans, traditional political factions still harbor skepticism about the bloc's role in national sovereignty and economic decision-making.

EU's Resilience Amidst Political Challenges

Despite the influence of eurosceptic parties, the EU has demonstrated resilience in maintaining public support. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine played a pivotal role in this trend, with the conflict leading to a sharp rise in favorability toward the bloc. Many countries saw record-high levels of approval for the EU as it coordinated responses to the crisis, showcasing its capacity to unite member states in times of adversity.

Yet, the balance between pro-EU and anti-EU forces remains complex. While the overall trend indicates stronger support, the presence of eurosceptic parties ensures that the debate over the EU's structure and governance continues. The AfD, for instance, has kept withdrawal scenarios on its agenda, even as other parties have adopted a more reformist approach. This dynamic reflects the evolving nature of European politics, where both support and critique of the EU coexist.

The data underscores a nuanced shift in European attitudes. While the initial shock of Brexit led to a surge in support, the long-term impact of the UK's departure has been tempered by the EU's ability to adapt to new challenges. The rise in favorability, coupled with the persistence of eurosceptic voices, highlights the ongoing debate over the bloc's future. As European citizens navigate an increasingly interconnected world, their views on the EU continue to evolve, shaped by both its successes and its shortcomings.