Over 80% of Irish people are optimistic about the future of the EU, a new report shows.
The Autumn 2023 Eurobarometer Report for Ireland reveals that Ireland holds its position as the member state that is most optimistic about the future of the EU, compared to the EU average of 61%.
Published by the European Commission Representation in Ireland, the report shows that 64% of Irish people have a positive view of the EU, down from 71% in Spring 2023.
This means Ireland takes the joint top position with Portugal, compared to the EU average of 44%.
The findings show that almost 60% of Irish people trust the EU, compared to the EU average of 47%.
Meanwhile, 62% of Irish people claim to be informed on European matters, compared to the EU average of 36%.
"This report highlights the enduring pro-European attitudes of the Irish public, notwithstanding a slight drop in positivity across the board compared to the Spring 2023 survey," said Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland.
"This could in part be attributed to concerns around housing, the increased cost of living, the war in Ukraine and disinformation.
"However, Ireland remains optimistic for the future and markedly surpasses the EU average when it comes to positivity towards immigration and EU enlargement," she added.
The research also explore attitudes towards immigration and EU enlargement.
The findings show that 70% of Irish people support a common EU foreign policy, down from 78% in Spring 2023.
Meanwhile, 58% of Irish people are in favour of further enlargement of the EU, down from 62% in Spring 2023, while the EU average is 51%.
75% of Irish people agree that immigrants contribute positively to their country, down from 80%, but again higher than the EU average of 52%.
