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THE STATE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
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countries – i.e. following the second round of
the French presidential election.
Attitudes towards the EU following Brexit
In the 45 years of its EU membership, the United
Kingdom has repeatedly proven to be a difficult
partner. Many associate its membership down
to the present day with the legendary demand
voiced by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher: “I
want my money back”.
For this reason, it is perhaps unsurprising
that some EU citizens are feeling relieved in the
wake of Brexit, viewing it as strengthening the
EU (
Chart 1
). Such optimism is widespread in
the southern countries of Spain (23 %), France
(19 %) and Italy (18 %). Nonetheless, pluralities
(at least) in all countries do fear that the exit of
the United Kingdom will tend to weaken the
EU. Pessimism is strongest in Slovakia (51 %)
and Sweden (48 %). Germany assumes a posi-
tion in the middle: 41 % believe that Brexit will
turn out negative, with only a minority of 12 %
expecting positive effects. If one includes citi-
zens who do not expect a major impact in either
direction (40 %), however, the reaction in
Germany, with 52 % not expecting any disad-
vantages, turns out relatively optimistic. The
Dutch are also reacting in a remarkably serene
manner to the planned exit of the U.K., tradi-
tionally their close ally. Here as well, a cautious
optimism prevails that the impact of Brexit will
be limited (40 %) or that it will even be to the
advantage of the EU (11 %).
Gap between figures shown and 100 % is
the equivalent of categories “do not know, pre-
fer not to say”. Basis: eligible voters in the indi-
vidual countries.
In response to Brexit and other challenges,
such as the new foreign policy agenda of the
USA under Donald Trump, EU institutions have
100 %
90 %
80 %
70 %
60 %
50 %
40 %
30 %
20 %
10 %
0 %
Total
Strengthened Won’t have any impact Weakened
France Netherlands
Italy
Germany Czech Republic Spain
Sweden Slovakia
40
27
35
37
41
42
43
48
51
34
42
40
37
40
34
22
27
29
16
19
11
18
12
13
23
15
8
Chart 1.
Question: The British decided to leave the EU. What would you say: Will the EU be strengthened,
weakened or will the leaving of Britain not have any considerable impact?
Gap between figures shown and 100 percent is the equivalent of categories “do not know”, “prefer not to say”.
Basis: eligible voters in the individual countries.
Source:
policy matters
.