Full Breakdown
Irish and Northern Irish Attitudes Toward the EU in 2026: Poll Findings
5/8/2026, 1:27:14 AM
Core Findings and Key Numbers
The Amárach Research survey commissioned by European Movement Ireland (EMI) interviewed 1,200 adults in the Republic and 1,200 in Northern Ireland between 26 – 31 March 2026. EU-membership support is 82 % (93 % in 2019), 76 % in the North. Only 45 % say the EU is moving in the right direction, down from 58 % in 2023. Cost of living tops concerns (58 %), followed by migration (48 % in the Republic, 42 % in the North). Migration is the leading grievance among those who view the EU negatively (31 %). Majorities favour greater EU strategic independence from the United States (71 % in the Republic, 79 % in the North) and increased EU defence-security cooperation (48 %). Trust in both the Irish government and the EU is low, with 37 % expressing no trust in either institution in the Republic.
Background & Context
The poll follows Ireland’s upcoming EU Council Presidency and reflects lingering post-Brexit dynamics. EMI, a pro-EU NGO, has commissioned the survey annually since 2013 to track public sentiment on trade, regulation, and foreign-policy performance.
Official Statements & Responses
EMI noted the survey used a nationally representative sample of 1,200 respondents. CEO David Geary said that while Ireland-US ties remain strong, citizens increasingly expect the EU to act independently on defence, trade and foreign policy, and he flagged cost-of-living and energy prices as key daily concerns.
Criticism & Opposition
Dissatisfied respondents cited migration control (31 %), regulatory burdens (27 %) and perceived erosion of sovereignty (26 %). Almost half urged the EU to “do more” on migration, citing fears of inadequate border management and asylum processing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Northern Ireland’s EU-membership support (73 % reported by RTE, 76 % by The Irish Times) and on strategic independence (71 % vs 79 %). Trust figures also vary, with some polls showing 28 % EU trust in the North and others lower. No data were provided on the pending Migration and International Protection Bill.
Verbatim Quotes
- “While there are deep and enduring economic and cultural Ireland-US ties, many Irish people recognize the EU’s need for greater strategic independence in a changing geopolitical context,” — David Geary, CEO, European Movement Ireland
- “With preparations underway for the EU Presidency, Ireland can play an important role as a bridge between the US and the EU.” — David Geary, CEO, European Movement Ireland
- “Notably, almost half of respondents want the EU to “do more” on migration.” — Amárach Research poll summary
- “This research programme was built around a nationally representative sample of 1,200 respondents in both jurisdictions,” — European Movement Ireland press release
What’s Next
EMI will hold stakeholder workshops this summer to discuss balancing openness with public confidence. The Irish government is expected to outline EU-presidency priorities on migration reform, the Migration and International Protection Bill, and deeper defence cooperation. Companies are advised to monitor legislative changes and adjust talent-acquisition plans accordingly.
