Ireland EU Support Hits Record Low of 82% in Poll

A new poll reveals the lowest level of support for European Union membership among people in Ireland since tracking began over a decade ago, with 82 percent in favor, down from a 2019 peak of 93 percent.

The European Movement Ireland Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026, conducted online by Amárach Research from March 26 to 31 among 1,200 respondents across Ireland and Northern Ireland, attributes the decline to concerns over migration, EU regulations and national sovereignty. Among those dissatisfied with the EU's direction, 31 percent in Ireland cited migration, 27 percent pointed to regulations and 26 percent raised sovereignty issues. Only 45 percent in Ireland said the bloc is heading in the right direction, a drop from 58 percent in 2023. Positive views centered on unity and cooperation, mentioned by 33 percent, economic benefits at 25 percent and stability at 19 percent.

In Northern Ireland, support for EU membership stood at 76 percent, down one point from the previous year, with 46 percent satisfied with the EU's direction. Cost-of-living pressures topped concerns on both sides of the border, at 58 percent in Ireland and 45 percent in Northern Ireland, followed by migration...