There has been a slight decline in support for EU membership and for the perceived advantages of membership, according to the latest survey of attitudes across the 25 member states.
However, despite the referendum defeats in France and the Netherlands in May and June, support for the idea of a European Constitution has increased, according to the autumn Eurobarometer survey released today.
According to the survey, more people in Ireland feel that membership of the EU has its benefits, at 86%, than in any other member state.
The survey was conducted during October and November in the aftermath of the two referendum defeats and continuing bitterness over the next EU budget round.
As such the survey shows more unease about the EU's image, with the view that membership is a good thing falling from 54% to 50% and a fall from 55% to 52% in the perceived benefits of membership.
44% of citizens now feel the image of the EU is positive, down from 47%.
Despite this, 63% of Europeans agree with the idea of a constitution, up from 61% in the spring. Strangely, support has grown in the two countries which rejected the treaty, France and Holland, to 67% and 62% respectively.
A majority of voters across the EU feel the Constitution would make Europe more democratic, efficient and transparent.
Support for the Constitution in Ireland is at 58%, up four points since the spring. 54% of Irish voters support further enlargement of the EU compared to 74% in Greece, while support is lowest in France, Luxembourg and Austria.
Support for an EU Common Defence and Security Policy in Ireland is at 58%, compared to the EU average of 77%.
