Ireland is among the most pro-European countries, according to a newly-published Eurobarometer survey.
The annual Eurobarometer report for Ireland surveyed 1,004 citizens in November 2018 and the findings reveal that the majority of Irish citizens have a largely positive image of the institution.
75% of respondents said they are happy with how democracy works in the EU, the highest figure recorded across Europe.
At the other end of the scale, just 31% of Greek citizens agreed with the same statement and 42% of Italian citizens expressed satisfaction with how democracy functions in the European Union.
Irish citizens also have the most positive image of the EU (64%) and are the most optimistic about the EU's future (86%).
Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland Gerry Kiely said: ''The report captures Ireland's strong support for the European Union. This is fully reciprocated, as is evident from the European Union's unwavering support for Irish interests in the Brexit negotiations."
76% of Irish people believe the EU is responsive to the country's needs, the highest figure ever recorded and the highest figure across the union.
Director of DCU’s Brexit Institute Professor Federico Fabbrini said: "The biggest challenge for Ireland right now is Brexit and citizens see that being within the EU has its advantages,"
''This figure is surprising given the strengthening of eurosceptic parties across Europe from Spain to Estonia."
Professor Fabbrini also said that ''Ireland used to take a more cautious approach to the EU but there's now huge consensus here that the EU is supporting Irish priorities and protecting Irish interests in relation to Brexit".
The survey also indicated that while the majority of Irish citizens have faith in the EU, the levels of distrust stands at 38%.
Only 8% of Irish people declared having a negative image of the EU.
While positivity for the EU is widespread across the country, the survey also showed that some of it is ''relatively soft'' and the ''strength of this commitment varies''.
